| Dear
Lee-Scott parents,
It
is an exciting time at Lee-Scott
Academy! Last evening, the Lee-Scott
Academy Board of Directors paved
the way for our students to be
on the leading edge of 21st Century
learning with their approval of
the “iConnect to Excellence” technology
initiative. Beginning this fall,
each student will connect, discover
and explore using Apple’s
iPad and other hand-held or notebook
devices.
We have been using technology in our classrooms to enhance learning for
a number of years, but this initiative takes it to a whole new level.
By putting tablet-style devices in our students’ hands we greatly
enrich learning opportunities, promote digital citizenship and provide
skills they will use the rest of their lives.
In last spring’s parent survey, 93% of LSA parents agreed that
we should be the leaders in our community in educational technology. “iConnect
to Excellence” was begun as a part of LSA’s strategic planning
process, and has been developed and readied for implementation for more
than a year. The first phase of the project began this past winter with
the installation of fiber optic cable on campus, providing the necessary
foundation for the introduction of mobile technologies. Faculty members
were each issued an iPad 2 in January to begin evaluating and testing
the classroom application that will become part of the curriculum in
August.
Through the initiative which is largely funded through a combination
of resources including the iConnect event, the Annual Fund and the general
fund budget, mobile technologies will be incorporated into instruction
at every level beginning with the iPod touch in Lee-Scott’s earliest
grades (PreK-K), iPads on shared grade-level carts for elementary students
(1st-6th grades), and a one-to-one iPad learning environment for students
in grades 7-12. In addition, new mobile labs equipped with MacBook Air
laptops will be stationed in each division for checkout by academic and
enrichment teachers. Desktop PCs will also be used for instruction in
both the elementary and secondary technology centers and the library
media center. Each of these technologies will be funded by the school
with the exception of the iPads in grades 7-12, where students will be
required to pay for devices in 7-12.
While you will be receiving more detailed information in the coming weeks,
you can click here to access
a Frequently Asked Questions document that will help address questions
that you may have.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide your
children the best educational experience possible. It is an exciting
time!
Sincerely,
Don Roberts
|
