The school’s technology resources are
being greatly expanded, through several grants and donations we have recently
received.
Edward Fener, Director of Technology, has been extremely
instrumental in securing and implementing these programs. An anonymous alumni
gift of almost $19,000 will be used for technology supplies and upgrades, such
as wiring, that will support our Technology Program.
The Beaumont Foundation of America will be providing $32,500
worth of 15 new wireless laptops, a laser printer, several digital cameras, and
a data projector. The equipment will be used across all areas of the curriculum,
including the new Science Lab. William Cullen ‘70 was instrumental in securing
the grant.
Through the Federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school has
received 18 new computers for the Earobics Literacy Launch Program, which
increases literacy skills through technology in grades kindergarten through
three. The school also currently participates in the Orchard-Lexia Reading
Program also for the primary grades, and Read 180 for grades three through five
.
The New York State Department of Education Title IID Program
will be renewed for an additional two years. Through this grant the school
receives equipment and professional development to use distance learning for
improvement in mathematics and integrated subjects, in collaboration with the
Hudson River Project. St. Elizabeth School mentors public schools in Districts 9
and 10, now known as Region 1, as part of the program.
We are now able to use video conferencing equipment we
received through the grant and are partnered with the following outside
agencies; The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Cleveland Institute of Culinary
Skills, The Bronx Zoo, The NY museum of Radio and Television, and The Liberty
Science Center.
The grant also involves work with Young McDonald's Farm, a
telerobotic aqua-culture farm in New Jersey. With the assistance of Daniel
McVeigh of Columbia University, the students monitor data on various sensors at
the fish hatchery and green house (which features an ecosystem utilizing fish
and aquaponic grown plants and flowers) and use remote interaction with robots
to control maintenance systems. They have also recreated parts of the farm at
the school, setting up tanks and building robots with the help of a scientist at
the University of Maine.
The school will hold a program during the month of July, to provide remedial
instruction for students using the various technology programs, and to continue
their work with the Title IID Program.
