School Board Studies Netbooks

Jasper County School Board members saw Jasper County Middle School students demonstrate their skills using the Netbooks provided to students through the Title IID grant. The students offered different demonstrations that would actually be used in a classroom.

The board members traveled to a classroom in the middle school where students used the same methods the teacher would use through a Netbook hooked to a projection display on the white board.

The basics were first explained by Bryce Crawford, an eighth grader at JCMS. He showed those in attendance how to log onto the Netbook and to design and personalize folders that show up on the main screen of the computer.

He demonstrated how to be organized through folders and he created folders inside of folders in order to organize several subjects in one place. He also demonstrated how to open a file that is not recognized immediately by the program in use. Further, he showed how to add a webpage to his favorites, in order to access it easily repeatedly.

Garrett Scroggs, another eighth grader, showed all in attendance how to open teacher web pages. Each teacher in the system has a web page of his or her own. There is a short biography about the teacher, as well as assignments, homework, messages, etc. The students can access any previous assignments, find links to web games and instructional tools, and upload messages to teachers, as well as other classmates pertaining to that subject.

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Mr. Scroggs also demonstrated how to use the tablet that the teacher can use to write on as he/she walks around and observes students. The tablet transfers information from the digital workspace to the projection screen on the board.

Lyric Arnold showed how to use popular web pages, such as the Accelerated Reader page, which allows students to access quizzes and books to read that are on their appointed levels. These quizzes can be taken in any classroom with a teacher password.

She also demonstrated the Georgia 411 website that allows students to take aptitude tests and research what career field they may like to go into along with key information pertaining to those careers. This website will be accessible through high school and is how students apply to college and for financial aid when they become juniors and seniors.

Shelby Camp told about several teacher resources such as Brain Pop which allows videos to be viewed and quizzes to be taken; any tool for extra help in any particular subject. She told that this was good for any students at any pace in their studies who learn better visually or through practice. She also told about her career choice that she found on Ga 411 and showed a spreadsheet of what her income would be minus taxes and bills so that she has an actual number to look at as she plans her future. She was shocked to find out what the actual monies left over were.

Tayler Bowden and Cheyanne Elliott demonstrated an English-Language Arts site that encourages students to write better. It gives a rubric of sorts of how to write an essay or persuasive paper on how to build on a thesis and step-by-step details. Ms. McMillen said that she saw a substantial increase in the performance when they did the paper online as opposed to actually having to write it out with pen and paper. Austin Norwood demonstrated a math webpage and the BBC Ks2 sites that allows for students to search any previous learning aspect and review it with instant gratification by being rewarded or told to improve.

Overall, the parent, student, and teacher feedback was all positive. Mrs. Pam Burkhead said that she was learning with the students, but that none of the students were skeptical about using the Netbooks. She said that she has been in technology for years and there are things that the students help her with. She said that morale among students has improved and they seem more engaged than ever before.

Miss Camp told the board that she enjoyed the Netbooks a lot. She said that she feels that it is something all her own, that it keeps her organized, she doesn’t have to carry a pen, paper, books, find her homework, it can all be done through the Netbook and e-mailed or immediately seen by the teacher. It makes the students more accountable and provides a way of learning that caters to their ages.

In the business part of the meeting, the board discussed at length extending the current bond millage at the same rate. This would be an extension of the current bond which allows for the board to maintain the facilities to make them the best for the children that attend school here, they discussed.

The board has had several work sessions where they visited each individual school and did a walk through with a principal to look at some of the issues. Jasper County Primary School, which is about 20 years old, has the biggest need currently. The board voted to place JCPS at the top of a two tiered list. Just some of the renovations for the school include a roof repair for leaks, HVAC, leaks that cause carpet mold and odors, bathrooms and more. There were several repairs needed at the school and the board voted to place JCPS at the top of Tier 1 to be worked on if the bond millage passes.

Dr. Mike Newton, superintendent, reminded the board that the state would provide some funds for the repairs, but the school must have a match and there is not an exact formula for earning state funds.

Assistant Superintendent Eric Arena added that if this bond did not pass, it would be at least a year from July when it could be brought back before the state and this board. It will be put before the voters during the primary elections in July.

The board voted to appoint Mrs. Phyllis Norwood as chair of the board, and Paul Kelly, vice-chair for the next year.

They also voted to approve the meeting calendar for the year. Meetings will continue to be held the third Tuesday of each month with the work session the Thursday before. Both are to begin at 7 p.m. in the board room, unless otherwise noted.

The board also voted to accept the resignations of Stephanie Valdivia, teaching assistant at JCPS; Cicely Thompson, teacher at Jasper County Middle School; and Stephanie Paden, food assistant.

They placed several books from the library system into surplus, as their titles were deleted.

They passed the policies on Personnel (G) which had been on the table for review for the last 30 days. They then placed Instruction (I) policies on the table for review.