Transitions to new offices, positions, and working with new colleagues (and much more!) are complex for everyone. Transitions can also be difficult for students moving from one of our two elementary schools to our regional middle school. With this in mind, I wanted to highlight our fifth-grade teacher team, a dynamic group of teachers who work tirelessly to support our students. I asked some of our teachers to share essential tips for parents as they help their children transition to middle school. Read more…
Protecting Student Data in the Age of EdTech: Best Practices for School Districts
Ensuring the privacy and security of student data in our schools is paramount. While public school districts can sometimes appear as slow-moving entities, the pace often accelerates regarding educational technology. There is a temptation to move fast—purchasing software and diving into professional development—without fully addressing strict data privacy measures. However, rushing deployment without proper privacy considerations can lead to significant agita for everyone involved.
Phase II (and III) ECF Grant Supports New Chromebooks
Included in the American Rescue Plan funding through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF), we submitted a grant to close the homework gap. We received $106,000 to purchase new HP Chromebooks for students! FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Program is a new program that funds schools to help cover the costs of laptop and tablet computers and Wi-Fi hotspots for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons. Read more…
Limitless Learning Opportunities with Middle School One-to-One
The middle school continues to improve the One-to-One, building-based Google Chromebook program, and over the past seven months, a new appreciation has formed for the availability and learning possibilities they provide. Chromebooks are becoming industry-standard devices, affordable and durable, and make up over half of the devices shipped to the K-12 education market. Building on similar One-to-One computing environments at both Florence Roche and Swallow Union, middle school students are responsible for their assigned Chromebooks, following core values connected to positivity, integrity, and respect. Read more…
1:1 Chromebook Letter to Parents
Just a sample of what I began to work on for a building based, 1:1 program at our middle school.
For this school year, we are excited to share that the Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School will launch a 1:1 program employing Google Chromebooks during the school day. Read more…