Technology updates Arlee school
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ARLEE – Technology is changing the way students do their work at Arlee High School. Chromebooks — laptop computers — have arrived to help update the technology system. On a tight budget after board members approved the computerpurchases last month, administrators say there’s still more that needs to be done.
“We can try and run a technology levy again for November,” said Technology Administrator Francis Ryan. Funds from a levy would be used to update the rest of the school’s computer systems. Superintendent George Linthicum stated that it was important for students to learn to use technology to keep up with the changing world.
Ryan is working out the details to give kids one-to-one involvement with the computers, including taking them home to work on homework. He said the laptop computers will have serial numbers in case they get lost. It is possible for the school to identify the last person to log on to one of the computers to also help keep track of them. Each computer stays with an assigned student throughout high school.
Other safety features include software that only allows students to log in using school accounts. If the user doesn’t have a school account, they can’t use the computer. The school programs also have filters on them to block sites the school doesn’t deem appropriate. The school is working out other issues including a user fee to help fix broken computers.
Teacher Anna Baldwin asked the board to approve a grant application for the school’s ballfield. She was approached with the grant after developing a fundraiser to help update the field.
Baldwin asked the board to approve a second grant to bring an artist into the school to teach a workshop on storytelling for a week. The school would need to pay one-third of the cost.
The board gave Baldwin approval to apply for both grants.
Another grant by Superintendent Linthicum was presented to the board to replace the school’s oil fired heating system. He was given approval to apply for the grant.
At the meeting, a parent wanted the board to consider several things including the academic progress students were making with the four day school week, additional art and music opportunities and performance evaluations for teachers and administrators. The board voted to put the discussion on the agenda for the next meeting as per meeting rules.
Susan Carney was hired as the driver’s education instructor and assistant high school football coach. Rebecca Pershouse-Olson was hired as the head pep band instructor. Clair Rasmussen is the head junior high football coach. Francis Ryan is the assistant junior high football coach. Julia Simmons was hired as the family and consumer science teacher.
Teacher Anne Tanner resigned from her coaching position as the high school girls assistant basketball coach stating she needed to focus more of her time on teaching. The board thanked her for her years of service.
Superintendent George Linthicum said after attending several workshops over the summer, he was ready to start the school year on the newly waxed floors. The first day of school is on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
The next board meeting is on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
