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 →

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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