Updates from the Week 4/27/2012

The biggest news of the week is that science teacher Wendy Martin made it to the semi-finals in the “LIVE! with Kelly” show’s search for the Top Teacher. Channel 8 news was here Friday for the announcement and it should be on the news tonight. We are able to cast votes through 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 30th.  In the words of Al Capone, “Vote early and vote often.” Congrats to Wendy, she truly deserves to be elected.  Click here to read the letter about Wendy by Abby Gruefe.  Click here to vote.

Monday was a stellar in-service day for our teachers and administrators at Assumption.  We took a road trip to visit Dewitt High School and learn about their technology initiatives, specifically their 1:1 computer program.  We were able to spend some time learning from their director of innovation and technology, as well as students and teachers.   We then were out in their building watching teachers and students work with this program.  I have to say it was an amazing thing to witness.  Their people are not only passionate about technology, but also about providing a great education.  They were so helpful and willing to spend time talking to our teachers about how they are implementing technology in the classroom.  

This visit led to a lot of great conversation this week in regard to our own 1:1 initiative for next year.  Our teachers seem truly excited by the educational possibilities created by our project.  That being said, there is still some work to be done.  Eric and I will be meeting with our “ad hoc” student tech team Friday to discuss the areas we need some help with.  I am excited to have students evaluate this initiative and help with the future of Assumption.  

I attended Bettendorf Community School District’s technology plan meeting  Monday night.  It was certainly a learning experience and there was a lot of value in attending this meeting.  It always pays to know what the competition is doing.

We began the renovation/addition to the daycare.  This will be a large part of our summer projects and it will hopefully be completed by the start of school next year.  As with all of our projects, we will keep the timeline flexible because I am sure that something will come up.  

The Scott County Principals met on Friday and had a great discussion on additional ways to partner together to enhance our schools.  Subjects discussed included adding a curriculum/director of innovation position, site survey for Mediacom, algebra numbers, Spanish pretest numbers.

Have a great weekend!