Also at the October 2 meeting Dr. Victoria Kniewel, superintendent of schools, began a series of presentations on the district goals for the 2012-’13 school year. The first goal aims to enhance communications in the district as supported by technologies and structures. “Technology is simply a tool that helps us do our work… and that includes education,” Kniewel said.
New hardware, the superintendent reported, has been installed across the 10 schools including 300 new desktop computers and 137 new projectors. Kniewel said that 83 percent of classrooms now have an installed projector.
In an effort to reach the district goal of consistency, each third grade classroom will have a SMARTboard. According to Kniewel, these boards will actively engage students. She said teachers are being trained in technology enhancing instruction and are developing a database of lessons to be shared with the SMARTboard.
There will also be three iPads in first and second grades to replace outdated computers. The apps available will help enhance the learning experience as well as develop tactile navigation skills.
Other technological advances include the addition of Google Docs accounts for all eighth grade students to aid them in developing digital study skills. And finally a group of high school teachers will begin a one-year pilot to use iPads as an instructional tool.
In terms of enhancing communications, the district will have an open wireless upgrade, making it possible to connect to the Internet via secure access.
Kniewel said the district has also made strides in improving its website, making it easier to navigate. There have also been improvements to Campus Parents Portal, giving parents access to their child’s schedules and other tools.
In other presentations at the October 2 meeting High school North student representative Adam Kercheval informed the board of his school’s Spirit Night, which will be held on Thursday, October 11, at 7 p.m.
High School South student representative Kushal Ghandi described his school’s College Fair, which will be held on Wednesday, October 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. Ghandi said there will also be a clothing drive and flea market on Saturday, October 6, starting at 8 a.m.
During public comments Catherine Foley, president of the PTSA, informed the board of the success of the first Teen Volunteer Fair held October 1 at High School North. Foley said it featured 18 volunteer organizations with more than 200 students in attendance.
The fair teaches kids to be globally aware, Foley said. She said she hopes it will be held again next year and thanked Dawn O’Brien for organizing the event.
