South Putnam 1:1 device roll-out set for Aug. 2

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Tona Gardner, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Integration, reported that the former computer lab at South Putnam Jr./Sr. High School has been repurposed as a technology help center in anticipation of the 1:1 device roll-out set for Aug. 2.

"We chose this room because it's been dry and it's already air conditioned," Gardner said, "This is where our office is at. It's a safe place for the devices. It has that professional look, and it shows our commitment to this."

Gardner also reported that the devices have been purchased and are waiting for students in the new technology center. An email explaining the device roll-out has been sent to parents, but a second wave of emails will be sent as well.

The roll-out will be divided into two sessions. Freshman and sophomore students will enroll between 5:45 and 7:15 p.m., while junior and senior students will enroll between 7:30 and 9 p.m. Parents with students in multiple grades can come to the first session to have all their students enrolled.

Before receiving their devices, students and parents will be reminded of the Responsible Use Policy and the Device Guidelines and Procedures in the gym. Students will then be required to log into their devices with their student ID number and complete a survey to verify that their device is working.

Students must first be enrolled in the South Putnam School Corporation and in One2One Risk Solutions, which will be used to track enrollment and repairs. To enroll in One2One, parents can visit www.one2onerisk.com, and there will be a table for the purpose at each session.

One2One enrollment will require a $20 enrollment fee, which is supposed to contribute to a repairs fund. Student under the Free and Reduced Lunch Program are not required to pay the enrollment fee, but will be required to pay a deductible if the student breaks the device.

Gardner also reported that the elementary teachers will be setting up their own webpages for parents' convenience, and that the middle and high school teachers would each have their own Google Classroom.

In other developments:

-- Recent Fillmore Elementary graduate Ryan Deaton read the essay that took first in the state in the Elks Americanism Essay Contest. The essay was a required assignment by his teacher Mrs. McCammack.

"The students knew that local Elks representatives would be reading them," Mrs. Deaton, who introduced him, said, "but I don't think they had any idea that those essays may have a forthcoming at the state or national level. And so we were pleased to find out months later that Ryan did win a state award, and he is the first place winner for Indiana. As far as we know, Fillmore (Elementary) has never had a state-placed essay."

In recognition of his accomplishment, Deaton has received a $300 check and the chance to meet with local, state and national representatives.

-- Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt reported that the west-side sidewalk has been completed and the tennis court repaired and resurfaced. He also reported that the new light installation in Central Elementary was nearly complete, and that parking lot light installation would begin soon.

-- Vice President Steve Cash reported that head swim coach Anna Kendall had said that the starting blocks aren't legal because they don't extend over the water; estimated replacement cost sits at $18,000 ($3,000 per block). The swim team is also in need of a scoreboard, which has a cost estimate of $11,000.

In other business:

--The board approved the July claims at $619,166.05, a decrease of $779,670. 68 from June and of $90,708.84 from the March-July average.

-- The board approved the following personnel report:

-- Resignations: Zachary Waycott (middle/high school business teacher)

-- New hires: Rebecca Beyers (middle/high school band/choir teacher), Erica Brandon (business teacher), Cortney Branam (secretary), Sharisse Arnold (instructional assistant), Susan Baker (Fillmore Elementary preschool teacher) and Bonita Murphy (head cook).

-- Transfer: Anne Marie Bunton (middle/high school cook), Hilarie Pistellie (data analyst/software specialist), Traci Boyce (guidance secretary) and Amanda Dorsett (office receptionist).

-- The board approved the Transportation Handbook.

-- The board heard the first reading of Corporation Policies. Bernhardt said that changes to the policy include: Board Authority (211), Board Powers (122), Philosophy of the Board (123), College and University Programs (2271), Career and Technical Education Program (2421), Adoption of Cirricular Materials (2510), Attendance (5200), Graduation Requirements (5460), Credit for Courses Completed before Students Enter Grade 9 (5461), The Schools and Governmental Agencies (5540), Criminal Organizations and Criminal Organization Activity (5840), Internal Control Standards and Procedures (6111), Student Fees and Charges (6152), Wellness (8510), Free and Reduced-Price Meals (8531), Vending Machines (8540) and Bus Drivers and Cellular Telephone Use (8606).

The next South Putnam School Board meeting is set for Monday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Central Elementary Music Room.

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