Tech Bond approved by voters

Posted on May 8, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

Voters resoundingly approved the 2012 Tech Bond Tuesday night. Election results showed 70.35 percent voting for the bond and 29.65 percent voting against.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia Green was pleased with the results. “You take a world-class curriculum, with gifted and inspiring teachers, and use technology in their hands as a tool, and the combination of all that can create that ‘aha’ moment for a child,” she said. ”What we have is a world-class curriculum, and now we will have much better opportunity to make it come to full life for our kids.”

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Video: Learn about the Tech Bond

Posted on May 7, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

Skyline Communications, Media and Public Policy magnet students Mara Sullivan, Marissa Relitz and Max Killough created an overview of the 2012 Tech Bond. Their video includes interviews with Ann Arbor Public Schools Communications Director Liz Margolis and Deputy Superintendent Robert Allen. Continue reading →

Lego-mation Romeo and Juliet just as dramatic as the original

Posted on May 4, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

Don Packard’s freshman English class uses iPads and Legos to re-create scenes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. View Lego-mation scenes below.

By Tara Cavanaugh

If you peeked into Don Packard’s freshman English class a couple of weeks ago, you would have seen a room abuzz with students playing with Legos.

If you looked closer, you would have noticed many of them holding iPads, taking pictures, or closely studying their paperback copies of Romeo and Juliet.

The Pioneer class was tasked with a Lego-mation version of Romeo and Juliet’s drama. The project engrossed students in the traditional Shakespeare text and in non-traditional technologies. Continue reading →

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce endorses Tech Bond

Posted on May 3, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

In a letter to the members of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce voiced its support of the 2012 Tech Bond. This letter of support follows the Tech Advisory Group’s endorsement of the Tech Bond. Continue reading →

Local tech experts endorse the Technology Bond

Posted on May 2, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

The Ann Arbor Public Schools has a partner as it develops its technology plans: the Tech Advisory Group.

The ten-member group is made up of local business professionals and technology experts. The group analyzes district technology plans and offers cost-cutting measures, insider tips on evolving technologies and organizational strategies for a district that serves more than 16,000 students. The members are offering their services as AAPS prepares for the upcoming Tech Bond vote on May 8, and the group will continue to evaluate the district on a yearly basis.

After analyzing the Tech Bond plans, the group offered this letter of endorsement: Continue reading →

Before technology upgrades, old schools need renovations

Posted on April 27, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

Burns Park was built in 1923. A school that old isn't prepared for all the internet, cabling and electrical demands of the 21st century.

By Tara Cavanaugh

Burns Park Elementary looks like an idyllic old fashioned school from the early 20th century. The brick building boasts huge paned windows, crown moldings and alcoves. Surrounding oak trees only add to the charm.

But this pretty little picture turns nightmarish for a technology expert who wants to update the school to 21st century technology. Why is that? Burns Park, like most schools in the district, is more than 50 years old. Schools that old need renovations before they can support any upgrades.

What kinds of renovations do they need? Mechanical, electrical and environmental renovations, says Randy Trent, executive director of physical properties for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Continue reading →

Spanish students use web, tech resources to work on speaking skills

Posted on April 26, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

By Tara Cavanaugh

In an eighth grade Spanish class at Tappan Middle School earlier this month, Jennifer Shaw’s students learned how to become weather forecasters.

Well, that’s what sounded like. Using the website ed.voicethread.com, Shaw’s students practiced their Spanish speaking skills while using a slew of technology resources. Continue reading →

Why is Skyline included in the Tech Bond?

Posted on April 16, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

In the four-year-old Skyline High School, students often use computers that are five years old or more, such as this eMac in the media center.

By Tara Cavanaugh

Skyline High School still looks as shiny and new as the day it opened four years ago. Outside, modern steel beams crisscross over airy windows that stretch up its four floors. Inside, tall ceilings and natural light show off a pristine interior unblemished by time.

So why would Skyline be allocated any dollars from the Technology Bond if it passes?

The answer is simple, says John VanRiper, director of information technology for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Continue reading →

The 2012 Tech Bond by the numbers

Posted on April 13, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

By Tara Cavanaugh

On May 8, the Ann Arbor Public Schools is asking voters to approve a millage of more than $45 million for technology resources. If the Tech Bond is approved, the money wouldn’t be spent all at once. Instead, the detailed illustration below shows how the money would be used during a 10-year period. Note: The infographic was updated April 18. Continue reading →

Tech Bond community meeting April 16 to address questions, concerns

Posted on April 9, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

Superintendent Dr. Patricia Green shares the district's educational goals and how they relate to the 2012 Technology Bond at the Feb. 29 kickoff at Huron High School.

Have questions about the upcoming Tech Bond vote on May 8? District administrators will present information about the millage Monday, April 16 at Pioneer High School in the cafeteria annex at 6:30 p.m. Continue reading →

Elementary teacher upgrades writing lessons

Posted on March 20, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

Online social networks like Edmodo encourage students, like these King Elementary fifth graders, to give one another constructive feedback in a regulated setting that protects their privacy.

By Tara Cavanaugh

When you think about using technology in the classroom, you might think of students tinkering with science, math or engineering projects. But King Elementary fifth grade teacher Karen Haddas is using Mac programs and social media to upgrade traditional reading and writing curriculum. Continue reading →

AAPS educators talk technology

Posted on March 2, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

By Tara Cavanaugh

An anonymous survey was conducted in January 2012 to learn what teachers, media specialists and principals think of the current technology available in the district.

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All district computers out of warranty

Posted on March 1, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

As of the end of February, all AAPS computers are out of warranty. This means the district is facing rising repair costs and shrinking inventory, said John VanRiper, director of information technology.

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District launches Tech Bond informational campaign

Posted on February 29, 2012 by AAPS News Editor

Superintendent Dr. Patricia Green shares the district's educational goals and how they relate to the 2012 Technology Bond.

More than 75 staff, administrators, PTO members and union representatives attended an informational meeting at Huron High School on Feb. 29. The event kicked off the informational campaign for the 2012 Technology Bond May 8 vote.

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