Internet access points to be installed by GCSC

At a public meeting held within its newly-renovated administration building, the Greencastle school board unanimously approved the installment of nearly 40 internet access points Wednesday.

In efforts to complete the GCSC wireless infrastructure, the final two buildings (Ridpath and Deer Meadow primary schools) will soon have access to the same advantages enjoyed by the rest of the Greencastle school district.

Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Hubble explained how this process will greatly benefit the school's youngest demographic.

"While we do not feel that (technology) is an essential part of a small child's curriculum, we do, however, feel that it can enhance and enrich what goes on at the primary schools," Hubble said. "We're at the point now where we've just concluded discussions with our teachers (after visiting) various schools, including Montezuma Elementary and a school in Clinton where they also have the 1:1 Program for K-3 grades.

"What we saw were absolutely wonderful experiences in those two buildings -- our teachers couldn't see what the possibilities were until they saw them in action."

Thanks to a certain software, every student was in his or her place at the two schools, Hubble said. Every visiting teacher was impressed and became a "very chatty group" on the return trip to Greencastle.

The school has now entered a sort of middle-phase with its infrastructure, acknowledging that devices used at the primary schools, whether they be via Apple or Google, will not be considered "take-home" devices.

"We're kind of in the middle of completing a vision," Hubble said. "It has yet to be created but we know we need the (wireless) infrastructure."

Various packages and options for the devices will be compiled and presented to teachers ahead of adoption for feedback and approval; estimated costs of the one-time purchase of access points will be more than $7,000.

Asked how long such devices would work with current "saturation" levels, Hubble said he expects to be retired by the time the wireless amplifiers need to be replaced.

"We are predicting the access points will last between eight and 10 years before they need to be replaced or serviced," he said.

In other developments:

* Snow guards for the roof of Deer Meadow Primary were approved to be purchased ahead of the winter season. Timeliness and the building's unique pitch were considered before unanimous approval.

* The following programs, schedules and adjustments were unanimously approved: the Greencastle Middle School summer band schedule; the Indiana School Tech plan; the declaration of no value for several various items; the Summer Feeding Program, with locations of Old Jones School and Castlebury Apartments considered; the establishment of a summer computer science class (for more information, contact GCSC at 653-9711); the Community Conservation Challenge Grant (in association with DePauw University); the addition of a fourth full-time maintenance position; resolutions authorizing the amendment and restatement of retirement plans; and the board waived the optional first reading of a myriad of NEOLA policies with plans to allow the policies' second and final readings for adoption.

* Dawn Puckett gave her monthly superintendent's report, noting several items of interest: A transportation works session will be held April 26 at 3:30 p.m. at the school's administration offices (1002 Mill Pond Ln.) concerning transportation facility updates.

Puckett also updated the board on the status of Greencastle's various teams in this year's statewide Academic Super Bowl -- five teams are headed to the May 7 state finals, more than any other school in Indiana -- while the high school band earned gold ratings in multiple divisions. For more information on the Academic Super Bowl, check out the Banner Graphic's recent article at bannergraphic.com.

* Several hirings, resignations, transfers and leaves were approved Wednesday: William Smith, resignation as guidance counselor at GHS; Samantha Burke, resignation as math teacher at GHS; Tamila Sawyer, resignation as special services secretary at GMS; Andrew Wright, resignation as instructional assistant at GMS; Alisha McCollough, resignation as preschool instructional assistant at Deer Meadow Primary; Julie Stevens, resignation as student council adviser at Tzouanakis Intermediate; Robert Hedge, approval of FMLA at GHS; Nate Bryan, hire as government and economics teacher at GHS; Michelle Hendershot, approval of FMLA at Tzouanakis Intermediate; Pam Bacon, hire as summer school English teacher at GHS; Tabatha Briones, hire as summer school math teacher at GHS; Matt McComish, hire as summer school physical education teacher at GHS; Brad Key, hire as summer government teacher at GHS; Christian Arvin, hire as summer economics teacher at GHS; Lance Sluder, approval of FMLA at GMS; Wendi Evans, hire as summer school lead teacher at Deer Meadow Primary; Courtenay Hayes, hire as summer school teacher at Deer Meadow Primary; Ray June Turner, approval of remaining FMLA; Debra Sabin, transfer as instructional assistant at GMS; Janice Heavin, hire as summer technology assistant at Deer Meadow Primary; Amy Lewis, hire as summer instructional assistant at Deer Meadow Primary; Martha Sutherlin, approval as summer bus cleaner; Andra Guyer, approval as summer bus cleaner; Casey Rossok, approval as summer bus cleaner; Rebecca Mason, approval as summer bus cleaner; Laurie Ferguson, approval as substitute summer bus cleaner; Carol Clark, approval as summer painter; Brenda Green, approval as summer painter; Valerie Lenihan, hire as summer painter; Virginia Kuchler, approval of unpaid medical leave; Cecily Case, hire as substitute nurse; Jerome Rud, hire as substitute teacher; Nina Burkett, transfer from substitute cafeteria assistant to full-time substitute cafeteria assistant Deer Meadow Primary; Diana Divine, approval as spring athletic events manager at GHS; Brooke Lewis, approval as honor council adviser at Tzouanakis Intermediate; Conner Stimpert, hire as student lifeguard at GHS; and Kathryn Dory, approval for additional compensation.