So many people are trying to find a way to help during this pandemic. Fourteen-year Nashoba Regional High School teacher Andrew LeBlanc saw an opportunity and grabbed some school equipment to help create masks for first responders and healthcare workers.

LeBlanc teaches wood, metals, construction, CAD and robotics at Nashoba. “A friend of mine from Ayer/Shirley told me that a colleague of his was printing masks to try to help local emergency workers. He sent me information and files that were developed from the Lowell makers association. “They contacted Mass. General, and got their masks approved for backup equipment.”LeBlanc said he also read about people printing ear savers.

“These are very simple and quick to print, and help take the pressure of the masks’ elastic band off their ear,” he added. “I found these plans on the Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4255721), a website that openly shares 3D printing files. I’m thinking of shifting my efforts to these since I can make more in a shorter time period.”

The printer belongs to the school. “We were allowed to return to school last Friday (April 3) to pick up items and I grabbed our printer and have been printing all weekend,” he said. Some of the parts take over 10 hours to print.

“I’ve been running the machine pretty much 24 hours a day,” he said. “So far I’ve printed two N-95 masks, two surgical masks and 12 ear savers. To finish the masks I have to attach elastic materials and MERV 13 filter material. I ordered the supplies and hope to have it delivered soon so that I can finish the assembly and ship or drop off the equipment,” he said.

LeBlanc said he has contacted local emergency agencies and, so far, the Bolton Police have indicated they need masks.“I have emailed local hospitals as well to see if they could use the ear savers,” he said. “If you have a machine it is pretty simple to download the file and get started. Make sure you get the correct materials and follow all of the directions for the assembly. I think you will have some fulfillment in helping others.”

“Andy continues to shine within his many roles at NRHS,” Superintendent Brooke Clenchy said. “We appreciate his creativity and willingness to tackle projects that others would never consider taking on. His willingness to go the extra mile is ever present. “We are especially proud of his innovative efforts to positively contribute and support our frontline workers in the case against COVID-19,” she added.

Assistant Superintendent Todd Maguire agreed. “The collaboration between Nashoba Regional School District departments, staff and our three communities has been overwhelmingly positive and has allowed for such strong communication to promote this kind of outreach,” Maguire said.

Jan Gottesman is managing editor of The Item, a sister paper of The Beacon-Villager.

Selecting Courses for High School Electives (Applied Arts)

Produced February 14th 2020

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