Recognizing the technology-dependent culture, school o◊cials are moving toward putting technology within the reach of each student in Pea Ridge High School, and ultimately, the entire school district.
School Board members approved buying 350 Chrome books, four servers and Aerohive Network for $200,000.
“We need a one-to-one capability inside the building,” Matt Wood, assistant principal of Pea Ridge High School, said, explaining that the wireless connection should be increased enough to provide enough connections for each student in the building.
Currently, there are 530 students in ninth through 12th grades. Last year, Jon La◊oon, principal, purchased 100 Chrome books. Of the new Chrome books, 300 are for the high school, 25 for the Intermediate School and 25 for the Middle School.
The money is from NLSA funds, Rick Neal, school superintendent, said, explaining that those are federal funds.
“With PARCC assessments coming down, there won’t be any more paper and pencil tests for us,” Laffoon said, referring to the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) which is to be in place by 2014. “If we don’t get them in their hands before PARCC, then all we’ll be testing will be what their parents have taught them at home.”
“For this to be successful, you’ve got to believe in it. You’ve got to believe that this is where you’re wanting to go with education and what 21st century learning looks like,” Neal said.
Aaron Ga◊gan, technology director, said the Chrome books will not go home with the students, but be kept in cabinets in each classroom. He said there will be extended learning time, that the use ofChrome books individualize student learning and engagement and prepare students for college.
“It’s important for our students,” he said.
In other business, the board:
◊Praised the work this summer of four students - Jarin Sainsbury, Austin Easterling, Charley Holliday and Isaac Mangrum;
◊Created a new position in special education at the Middle School;
◊Accepted the resignation of Becca Jackson;
◊Hired Elizabeth Stein, middle school science teacher; Jennifer Massey, elementary media/computer lab clerk; and Talina McDonald, special education para-pro.
News, Pages 1 on 08/14/2013