MWCS Technology Committee 

Meeting Notes

Date

Tech Home

March 8, 2007,   April 26, 2007,   September 13, 2007  

MWCS District Page

Meeting Agendas

October 22, 2007,    October 31, 2007,  November 29, 2007

February 28 & 29 & March 6

April 3 @ 2:15 , May 1 @ 7:45, June 5 @ 2:15

Tech Plan

BOCES Model Schools

                                                               March 8, 2007 2:15 HS Library

Next Meeting:  April 26, 2:15 HS Library

 

Good on-line article from Time Magazine:  How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 20th Century

---

 

Staff Development Day
Tech Plan revision work session planned (Don't forget Bill's Board though!)

 

Please plan on joining Tresa in the Business Computer Lab to work collaboratively on Tech Plan revisions

editing sub-groups have begun to form..... 

Rob & Bob: Inventory and verifying inclusion of future tech needs/equipment in plan for Capital Project

Donna & Tresa: Goals, Objectives, and Timelines

Adam & ?: ?

Buck & ?

Bill & Michelle: Needs section

Patti & Lynn: final editing 

Lynn: Budget

 

Plan Revision Process
Suggested ways to make the process simple and effective

 

A rough Draft will be created , collected together by Tresa, proofed and final draft created by committee (Mike Zag?), passed to Bob, Lynn, and to Patti, back to Lynn, Board of Ed, then to BOCES

Information Dissemination
How would you like to receive your information? What information should we share with the whole school, and how? Blog? Web Site? Collaborative Docs?

A site on the MWCS server will be maintained.  All members of the Tech Committee will receive editing rights to the site. Staff, Faculty, and the School Community are welcomed to view information.

Where are we with the New Board Policy Regarding Internet Content Filtering?

April 24th NY State Police Internet Safety presentation to entire school, including faculty, students and parents

---

Curriculum Alignment
What role might the Tech Committee have in this district-wide push?

 

Software recommended by BOCES will be looked at and priced. The committe is ready to take the role as leaders in the process.  Alligning ISTE Computer Literacy goals with curriculum and age level will be a focus.

---

Old Business

Calendar Software

 

Calendar software, alligned with i-mail, is very desired.  Eudora e-mail must be discontinued and i-mail placed as the default MWCS e-mail for the calendar application to work. Lynn will talk to particulars over with Bob.

---

 

Discussion

New Lab Monitoring software, Vision 6, is wonderful!

 

CPS (clickers) training by Model Schools March 29.  Team of 4 attending; 2 HS & 2 Elem.

CPS might work best if placed on 2 COWS

                                                               April 26, 2007 2:15 HS Library

Next Meeting Date: E-meeting scheduled for Friday, May 4th.  Responses due back by the following week, per the e-mail.

Information Dissemination
The web site is considered useful.  A link will be included on the District page by the Web Master.

Server Updates

New servers working well. The MWCS file server is the next one slated for upgrade. 

Draft Technology Plan for Review 
The Goals Matrix and Table of Contents is ready for comments and changes.  Commitment from members to review and submit changes. Homework required.  Review of documents with comments from you e-mailed to Tresa by next Wednesday, May 3.

New Business: 8th grade Technology Proficiency, as defined by the NCLB Act, will be a BOCES focus.  Title 2D grant RFP will need this data from all county schools.  BOCES will write grant.

 September 13, 2007 2:30 HS Library

• Tech Plan Approved 

Board of Education Comments:

• Changing passwords.  Discussion: Students, who are able to remember and responsibly change passwords will be allowed to do so.  Password usage is taught within computer class curriculum. Forgotten passwords can be reset only by Robert Ludlam.  It is hoped that additional time spent resetting forgotten passwords will be avoided through responsible use of passwords. It is currently not an issue. Punishment by revoked network privileges for 30 days should be strictly enforced for those using another's network account/password w/o permission, as defined in the Safety Policy

 

• Curriculum/teaching about basic computer maintenance. Discussion:  Continued staff development and formal student computer classes continually address this educational issue.  Mr. Ludlam commented that staff and faculty seem to be doing fairly well.

Title IID Checklist: We have to come up with a document that meets both e-rate and Title funding needs

Homework: Review and highlight areas on the Title IID Checklist that we may need to document better in our Tech Plan

 

• Network Administrator Updates and Discussion Topics

• Deployment of new printers: Some are asking if the old printers can be personally purchased. "Public property" issues and legalities will be explored. E-bay sales available through the "Office of General Services" and a local public garage sale are also possibilities.

• Discussion of placement of networked color printers in centralized areas (3) and specific curriculum  (3) required areas.

• Shut off computers at end of day and do not let "Sleepy" do the just down.  This is a power conservation issue.

• Air Conditioning issues in the server room continue.  The new building project will address them.

• Revision of the computer replacement schedule: Malone Central Schools made a large purchase on installment through BOCES.  Every computer will now be replaced in Malone every 7 years.  MWCS has every computer being replaced every 14 years.  The NYPA lab is scheduled for this year.  Robert Ludlam will work up a cost proposal for upgrading our replacement schedule.  Larger purchases of computers would also simplify maintenance issues.

• Staff Development

This year's focus is the creation, measurement, and assessment of student, teacher/staff proficiency. Patti Fisher handed out the new ISTE statndards.  Homework: Please read them before the next meeting. Discussion: Care must be taken to not conflict with negotiated labor contracts.  Some may have to be strongly encouraged to work on their proficiencies.

20 minute after school training sessions is one training model worth exploring.

• Information Dissemination

Discussion: Calendaring software still needed.  Patti Fisher will research mylearningplan.com calendar feature.  Patti suggested the free Google Doc's calendar and is exploring this option more thoroughly so to report back to us.

• New Business
• E-mail web sites that you wish to use but are blocked by the school's filter to Robert Ludlam.  He will review your request and "white list" the sites that pose no danger, thereby allowing them to bypass the filter.
• Flash drives given to faculty on the first day were well received.
• There is an interest to have lap top teacher stations in classrooms.  Security issues would have to be worked out before lap top teacher stations were standard issue.

Next Meeting Date

October 11, 2007 @ 2:20 HS Library

Technology education  through out the school curriculum will be discussed.
 

October 11, 2007

• Network Administrator Update 

50 new monochromatic laser jet printers are now in classrooms.  The networked color laser printers will be placed in centralized locations soon.

• Outcome of the 8th Grade Technology Proficiency Exam

Results will be presented to the Board of Ed during their next meeting. A written report may be viewed via the Superintendent's Office.  MWCS surpassed the BOCES component school average on all 6 of the measured areas. Discussion: The MWCS testing environment/attitude supported a good outcome. Did the test measure performance ability or literacy? A commercially created test could be purchased. Test results needed for BEDS reports and grant applications. Will be administered every year.

• Title II D RFP

BOCES Jen French will be writing the grant and submitting it for November 5.  It will include all the component schools of SLL BOCESS. Due to the statistical criteria area poverty, we must partner with another agency to be more strongly considered.  Herkimer BOCES wishes to partner with us.  The focus will be on-line learning.  Herkimer wishes to reduce drop-out rates and offer on-line learning for students.  SLL BOCES wishes to offer on-line learning and tech camp for teachers.  We are seeking a grant of $225,000.

• Information Dissemination

Calendaring software report by  Patti Fisher.  The  Google Doc's calendar and the mylearningplan.com calendars are not suitable.  Patti suggested a new software package used this year for the first time in another district.  (Bob Ludlam will forward more information to us) We plan to wait for the review from the other school district and make a purchasing decision regarding the software for next school year. We feel that MWCS is ready to utilize the benefits of a digital district calendar.

• Staff Development

"20 Minute Training" sessions will be offered to staff.  The idea will be presented by members of the Tech Committee during the November staff meetings.  An informational hand out is being prepared.

ISTE Standards.  State Ed Commissioner Mills has indicated that NY may establish their own set of standards in the near future. The new ISTE standards seem to be futuristic and a good goal to work towards.  Consensus was that these standards are a bit too advanced for most educational institutions at the moment. Interest was shown regarding number 5, "Digital Citizenship" and how it is being addressed by the "Cyber Civics" program offered through the new STEM grant.

• Title IID Checklist: areas for stronger documentation in the Tech Plan.  Special meeting set for Nov 29 (see below)

Discussions

Copyright:  Suggested that the last slide of any multi-media presentation contain all the citations and references for the information used in the presentation.  Important for teachers and students to do this!

 

Patti shared an ISTI Learning with Technology May 2007 article "Coach, Nurture, or Nudge; How Do You Learn Technology Best"  Please see Tresa if you would like a hard copy.  (It is members only accessible on the web.)

 NYSCATE 2007 Annual Conference "The Quest for Success"  November 18-20, Rochester. http://www.nyscate.org/conferences.cfm?subpage=253 Please let Lynn know if you are interested in attending.  Two persons will be selected.

Next Meeting Dates

November 1, 2007 @ 2:20 HS Library, Regular meeting and Moodle (similar to BlackBoard) Demonstration by Patti Fisher

November 29, 2007 @ 2:20 HS Library, special meeting to review the  Title IID Checklist:  for stronger documentation in the Tech Plan

 

October 31, 2007

• Network Administrator Updates and Discussion Topics

• High School switch replacement this past week.  It's demise caused minor difficulty.
• 3 color laser printers have been installed and located in the Elementary Library, Elementary Faculty Room (temp position for the middle school area) and the High School Library.

• 8th Grade Technology Proficiency Results available

• NYCSATE will be attended by Anita, Rob, and Michelle Burke

• 16 PDA's (Personal Digital Assisstants, hand-held computers, or Pocket PC's) have arrived for the Elementary faculty involved with AIM's Web. Training will be through Model Schools, with Donna Miller as the local liaison and expert. PDA's will be purchased for AP students in the HS.

•   Moodle (similar to BlackBoard) by  Patti Fisher
  • Moodle is a course management system that can be used to enhance your classroom.  Model Schools is offering a training course Dec 17 &18 for those interested in establishing a supported Moodle site.

   

• The BED's Reports request information regarding teachers meeting the "Tech Standards for NYS."  The NYS Tech Plan is an unapproved draft document. Please take time to read it. We will revise our Tech Plan to include it.

   

• MWCS Mission Statement Revision: Please e-mail Mindy with your ideas and suggestions. We are looking for our statement to be K-12 applicable, include global awareness, technology, exceeding standards, and community involvement.

  MWCS Mission Statement:  The staff of the Madrid-Waddington School District believes that all students, given the opportunity, can learn and learn well.  Thus we believe that our school purpose, with parental support, is to provide all students with the skills necessary to make informed choices and set high academic and positive personal and social goals.

  We accept the responsibility to set attainable goals for staff and students which will enable all to maximize their potential.  We believe it is our duty to constantly monitor and be monitored in the achievement of these goals.

Next Meeting Date

November 29, 2007 @ 2:20 HS Library,

Special Meeting November 29, 2007

Special meeting to review the  Title IID Checklist:  for stronger documentation in the Tech Plan

Roberta, from BOCES, helped the group processed through the checklist, identifying areas that are not clearly represented within the current tech plan. Patti volunteered to transpose our current information and matrix into a table containing the categories of  State Ed is concern.

Discussion topics included:

This will be an ongoing project.  Next special meeting will be announced per availability of Roberta and Patti's revisions.

February 28 & 29 & March 6th

The Role of the Technology Committee

This will be included in the Tech Plan, page 20. Statement will include communication to staff, input to decision-making, long-term planning, informed knowledge of technology-related activities. Anita's name also needs to be added to the members list for this year's Board of Ed Approval.

 

Standing Scheduled Monthly Meeting Time

First Thursday of  every school calendar Month, alternating from 7:45-8:30 and 2:15 - 3:15.

A yearly calendar will be posted.  Meetings with smaller agendas will share technology uses and ideas.  Meeting reminders with agendas will still be sent via e-mail. 

It is noted that we are outside the contractual day with our scheduled meeting times.  If this becomes an issue, we will revisit scheduled meeting times.

 

Student access to network files

Potsdam, Canton, and Massena district allows students to log onto their accounts from home, retrieve and edit documents/files/PowerPoint presentations, etc., and save home documents to the school account.  This eliminates the need for floppy disks, CD-ROMS and too-small storage devices. Bob Ludlam anticipates that this will be an option for MWCS next fall, after some server and software updates are accomplished.

 

Software Purchase

BrainPop is a web based textbook that teaches topics using cartoons.  It will be perfect for using with  Promethean boards next year after they are installed.   (BrianPoP and Promethean are business partners)

Sandy found that the price per K-8 student is $2.08.  She will contact the Library System to see if a BOCES wide trial period might be arranged .

Bob will report back regarding Adobe licenses and home use by educators.

 

Staff Training

We need to consider how training relates to purchases!

The Committee also needs to revisit the list of technology proficiencies and our training to support these requirements

Summer training Bt Model Schools via MyLearningPlan, tuition paid by MWCS

Model Schools Summer Tech Camp: August 18-22, includes stipend & tuition

 

Computer Upgrades, Technology & Purchases

Most computers in the district will be on a 5 year replacement schedule.  By July 1, 214 Dells, similar to the new ones in the PASNY HS lab, will be placed in classrooms.  Office 2003 and XP will be installed, not Vista.
3 new copiers to be purchased; info to share at April meeting

Memory upgrade needed in GATE lab

Legacy machines belonging to BOCES are waiting to be returned.  An auction is planned for other equipment.  Lynn will report back as to "long-time loaning" of  legacy equipment to community library and students.

 

Color Printers

Several color laser printer have been purchased and are available on the network. They produce fast, good quality copies.

Administration is looking at assigning certain groups/grades to certain printers so to assure even use of toner.  It seems that the black toner is used most readily.  Lynn will discuss printer use at upcoming staff meetings in the High School and Elementary.

It is suggested that more parent correspondence be distributed via web and e-mail.  Donna has posted 2 free PDF converters http://www.mwcsk12.org/elementary/elemteachresour.htm so documents previously posted in Microsoft Word can now be posted as a PDF allowing all to download the files, regardless of their software.

 

Pending Policy; School District Standards and Guidelines for Web Page Publishing  (community relations)

A sub-committee has been formed with the following members: Lynn (Chair), Adam, Bill, Donna, Bob, Sandy, Tresa

 

Note:  At the beginning  of the school year, High School documentation for signature should contain permission for student pictures/first names to be web posted. Elementary school permission is already annually collected.

 

Student Handbook and District Bullying Peer Abuse

A hyperlinked Table of Contents will be created and posted by Rob. Appropriate information from the Peer Abuse Policy will be posted so students may easily locate this information.  Donna already has a link from the elementary website main page to the Student Policy.

 

Dual Platform MACs

All MAC's now come with this capability via their Intel Processor.  Windows software licenses would be a considered expense. The new Business lab, created by the building project, is planning to use this format.  The mobile MAC laptop cart, purchased for the Electives Wing,  may not need both platforms.

 

Revised Technology Plan

Plan draft shared on the 29th for MATRIX review by committee at April meeting

Inventory matrix requested to include the actual location of equipment. ei.) Where can a scanner be found?

Long Range District Technology Goals

    flexible enough to allow discretionary purchases, but yet structured to allow for appropriate planning

 

Special Notes:

The Assistive Technology Expo in May will be attended by Lisa Flack, Patti Fisher, Denise LaMay and Margaret Garner.  They will present at the June meeting.
 

Building Project Update & Overview of the Proposed Schedule of Work

Award of Contracts for Construction

Materials submittals and Architect/Engineer Review to happen ASAP to allow ordering / delivery of materials in time for construction activities scheduled for summer 2008.

Phase 1: starting 6/27 with Substantial Completion nlt 8/29

            Roof Replacement

            Additions – loading dock to be substantially complete nlt 12/1

            Library Renovations - substantially complete nlt 8/15

            Playground

            Track

            Fencing along property line(s)

            Field Grading – allowed to start 6/1

Electric Transformer Relocation (performed by Natl. Grid as a subcontractor to the Electrical Contract – paid via $25,000 allowance) – scheduled for 6/30.  Electrical Service Order has been submitted; Tisdel to coordinate/monitor progress.  School will have NO power during actual switch-over (3-5 days).  This work should be completed prior to breaking ground for the additions.

 

Phase 2: starting 6/26 with Substantial Completion nlt 8/28

HVAC (unit ventilators) and flooring replacements in Elementary School

Masonry restoration at Elementary School entrance

Network Operations Center (N.O.C.)

Auditorium (assuming stage is used for Instrumental Music swing space)

Tennis Courts

New Parking Lot

Sealcoating / Striping existing lots

Gym floor refinishing

All remaining work would be permitted during academic year (after-school hours) at contractor option or during Phase 1 or 2 (for example: asbestos floor tile in HS over breaks).  All work within building shall be performed in accordance with applicable Commissioner’s Regulations (separated from students; egress maintained; etc.).  Staging area for materials/trailers/parking would be a section of existing tennis courts and the proposed new lot – stone installation only.  (That way we get nearly a year of stone compaction before they pave with asphalt.) Michael J. Ebertz, AIA Senior Principal    SEI design group

 

Meeting Notes  April 3 @ 2:15

Software Purchase

BrainPop trial membership will be available some time this spring.  Sandy will e-mail us when she is notified by the Library System.

Bob said that it appears that Adobe licenses would allow for home use by educators as the agreement refers to a % of licenses available for home use. MWCS has a site license of the "Master Collection" which is on DVD's and requires1 gig of ram. He will e-mail faculty when copies are available to sign out of the HS library.

Computer Upgrades, Technology & Purchases
MAC memory upgrade is ordered/in process

An auction is planned for legacy equipment.  Lynn will report in Mayas to "long-time loaning" of  legacy equipment to community, libraries, scouts, fire stations, retirements homes, and students. There will be a "no return" policy!

TV's and DVD Player Phase-out

All new computers are ordered with DVD players. AV bids have gone out. The building project has most rooms wired for overhead projectors.  VCR players can be cabled for use with the overhead.  External speakers would be needed. VCR players can be shared.  The new Promethean white boards have AV output.
 

Computer Lab Policy

Inappropriate activity; gaming, video

AUP enforcement

8th Grade Assessments, County-wide Technology Benchmarks w/ Curriculum

PolyCom vendor presentations planned

Idea... Awareness Night for Parents

i-safe curriculum

showcase our programs and student work

Revised Technology Plan

Bob will e-mail the draft for our comment and review at our April meeting.

Inventory Matrix

A document may be created as part of a "Technology Handbook" which may include the actual location of equipment. ei.) Where can a scanner be found? Idea to be discussed again in April.