Additional Opportunities to Use Technology as a Learning Tool
Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) will provide students with additional opportunities to use technology as a learning tool during the 2014-2015 school year. The expansion of the school system's wireless internet network, coupled with changes to the Code of Student Conduct that permit students to bring mobile devices to school, will allow teachers to incorporate more online resources into their instructional program. Students will also be able to use their mobile devices to create content and submit assignments electronically.
Huntingtown High School piloted a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program during the spring semester of the 2013-2014 school year. Before beginning the pilot, Principal Rick Weber surveyed the students and found that 80% own mobile devices. Students who don't own devices are able to use school computers, which are now more readily available because so many students bring their own devices. Mr. Weber noted that a benefit of the increased use of technology in the classroom is the level of student engagement. He said, "One of my take-aways from the pilot was how enthusiastic and engaged the students were in their learning. Just by using technology, no matter what the content was, they were more engaged. They are used to using it, and they like to use it."
While operating with current budget constraints and resources, CCPS is working on the implementation of a wireless internet network to provide students with more access to digital learning. Currently, at a minimum, the offices and library media centers in every school have access to the wireless network. The wireless network uses the school system internet filter to ensure that students have access to only appropriate content.
Students who choose to bring mobile devices to school must comply with guidelines in the Code of Student Conduct, as well as parameters set by schools and individual teachers.
To increase access to technology for students who don't have their own, the Office of Instructional Technology has established a donation program for mobile devices. More information is available at www.calvertnet.k12.md.us.
BoE Appointes Members of the Citizen Advisory Committee (Cac) for the 2014-2015
At its meeting on August 7, 2014, the Calvert County Board of Education appointed members of the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) for the 2014-2015 school year. The Calvert County Board of Education recognizes the importance of meaningful family and community input and annually appoints members to this committee. Citizens are encouraged to apply when applications are made available every June. Members are appointed on the basis of high school district. The membership will consist of 25 members by district and 5 at-large members, plus a minimum of one student from each high school.
Calvert County Public Schools Policy #1210 states, "The CAC provides interested persons a means for taking an active role in public education. The committee reports directly to the Board of Education and serves in an advisory capacity. The CAC serves as a channel for feedback, advice and information on matters affecting the school district; provides a forum whereby the Board of Education or members of the Superintendent's Office may discuss pending policy, budget, management, and instructional issues for comment by the CAC prior to determination; and provides a vehicle through which information can be shared with the community."
During the 2013-2014 school year, the CAC studied and provided input on substance abuse education, school security, the revision of the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) weapons policy, and the redistricting of Beach Elementary, among other topics. CAC members also served as members of other CCPS committees, including the Calendar Committee, the selection committees for Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Person of the Year, the Beach Elementary Redistricting Committee, and policy review committees.
CAC members for the 2014-2015 school year are:
Calvert High District: Maricarol Blanco Cloak, Mariann Crisman, Margaret Dunkle, Rashieda Gantt,
Abiodun Ijaola, Gayle Smith, Terese Wells
Huntingtown High District: Donald Clime, David Cole, Greg Miller, Stu Miller, Mark Perry, Elizabeth Prouty, Elaine Reilly, Derek Sabedra, Dee Dee Shirley, William Wiggins
Northern High District: Nicole Cooksey, Tressa Dunn, Kama Friedman, Stefany Lang, George Sisson, Mark Sparks
Patuxent High District: Jack Fringer, Culver Ladd
At-Large Members: Wanda Hassler, Margaret Fowler, Angela Novak, Debra Ruzinsky, Sharon Burcham
The student members will be selected when the school year begins.
More information about the CAC is available at www.calvertnet.k12.md.us.