School bells: Technology, cyber school, early college OKed

More staff achievements can be found at “This Week in the Ann Arbor Schools” by clicking here.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools is continuing technology update plans with the board approving expenditure of $3.058 million on Sept. 15, with funds taken from the voter-approved 2004 bond proposal.

The approval resulted in approximately $17.6 million in funds to refresh technology around the district. The bond was approved “for the purpose of defraying the cost of acquiring and installing technology equipment,” Deputy Superintendent Robert Allen told the board. He said that industry standards generally call for replacing computer equipmenton a 3-to-5 year replacement cycle.

This is the second phase technology improvements for the district. The board approved $5.6 million for the first phase in January 2009 which replaced some mobile laptop carts as well as teacher and administrator laptops and desktop computers for secretaries. It also upgraded the district’ central server. The second phase will replace fixed labs districtwide; evaluate and replace projection technology districtwide, as needed; complete districtwide WIFI access, add 12-pair fiber expansion to Skyline High School, complete a 10-gigabyte switch upgrade and upgrade of 21 laptop carts.

Also on Sept. 15, the school board approved participation in the WAY Washtenaw cyber school program to be housed at Stone High School this year and the Early College Alliance through Eastern Michigan University. Both programs serve students throughout Washtenaw County.

WAY Washtenaw is a pilot program designed to serve up to 180 students who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of doing so. Information for applying can be found here.

The Early College Alliance offers students a chance to take college-level classes during high school, earning both a high school diploma from their home district as well as college credit by the time they graduate. Details about the program can be found here.

Skyline’s Scaling leaves for South Lyon

Ann Arbor Skyline High School Assistant Principal Chad Scaling has accepted the principal position at South Lyon High School; he left the district on Sept. 14.

“It was a very tough decision and I hadn’t planned on leaving Skyline so soon,” he said. “The staff, students and families of Skyline are wonderful and I will miss working with them.”

Scaling was the Diversity Small Learning Community principal at Skyline. He had worked for the district for 15 months and, prior to that, taught in Chelsea then served as a building administrator in the Crestwood district before coming to Ann Arbor.

Judy Conger, a former dean at Community High School who has retired from the district, will take over Scaling’s position on an interim basis.

Community’s Boshoven selected for counseling program

John Boshoven, Community High School guidance counselor, has been selected by the Colleges That Change Lives membership for inclusion in the “Counselors That Change Lives” program. Boshoven is being recognized for helping students frame their search beyond the ratings and rankings and to help them find a college that cultivates a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life.

He was nominated by admissions counselor Kate Riordan on behalf of Lawrence University. “While walking through the hallways of his high school, you can see his strong connection to his advisees as he interacts with them on a daily basis,” she said. “He not only listens to their concerns about the college search “but he is dedicated to helping students look past the rankings and into the heart of what makes a student and college a good fit.”

Boshoven is also a director of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Foundation Harvest Dinner to honor Todd Roberts

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation’s Harvest Dinner celebration is scheduled for Oct. 20 at Zingerman’s Roadhouse.  Chef Alex Young will prepare a feast of seasonal foods, many harvested from his own Cornman Farms.

This year’s event will be dedicated to departing Superintendent Todd Roberts who leaves the district in October.  The AAPSEF suggests that contributions in his name be made to AAPSEF’s Endowment Fund to honor his leadership in the district.

Tickets for the Harvest Dinner are $100 per person for the full-course meal, served at 7 p.m.;  $150 tickets include a pre-dinner reception with the superintendent, beginning at 6 p.m. A cash bar, including wines specially selected for the menu, will be available.

Live music from the Community High School Jazz Program will accompany the event.  For tickets, call (734) 994-1969 or order online.

Online homework help offered at the library

Online Homework Help for grades three and higher (for assistance with elementary,  middle and high school subjects, including advanced placement) may also be found the the Ann Arbor District Library at aadl.org/homework.  Brainfuse, an online tutoring service, may be accessed from home or by computer at library locations.

Online tutors are available from 2-11 p.m. daily to assist students in the subject areas of math, English/language arts, science, and social studies.  There is a writing lab where students may submit a paper or resume for critique.

This online service is available in English and Spanish and is available at no charge, but requires an AADL library card. Details:  734-327-8301.

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