0

days left

End Date:
02/14/2018

We try to provide our students with as many learning opportunities and real world experiences as possible. Our school is not only a place to learn and grow, but we are truly a family. Our district and administration work hard to create and foster a student-centered atmosphere with the limited funds available to us. The students walk in smiling and eager every day. They strive to learn and succeed. They make the best with what they have and are always hungry for more.
Students are digital creatures and as a teacher, I feel it is important to embrace this reality. This year I experimented with Google Classroom and the results have been very positive. My Students are completing projects in Google Slides or writing lab reports on Google Docs. As result, I have witnessed a dramatic increase in student engagement, especially among students who are normally hard to motivate. It is my goal next year to completely integrate technology into our science class. However, we are severely limited in the number of machines available for our students. Our department has only 30 Chromebooks for 850 students. Our goal is to double that to 60 next year and hopefully 90 the year after. This will allow students to consistently practice the technical and practical digital skills that they will need in High School and beyond. The Chromebooks purchased with these funds are an efficient and practical way for student to have access to computers beyond their phone. It also allows us to honor their different and unique learning styles by creating more opportunities for them explore key concepts in new, differentiated and exciting ways. As a school, we are starting to utilize the entire suite of tools Google offers. Google Classroom in an amazing way to involve students even when absent and give them access to all class materials- any time, anywhere.

While using Chromebooks, we can begin to integrate into our lessons and assignments the transferable skills that will be relevant to high school and beyond. This technology also allows us to differentiate instruction for our students based on the instant feedback we receive through the Chromebooks and Google Classroom. One of the most important opportunities is the ability to easily collaborate as a whole class or in smaller groups. We can also cut down on our usage of paper with paperless turn in, and can give instant feedback to the students all within the same program.

I believe that science is amazing and fascinating. Yet, it can be challenging at times to convey that awesomeness with packets and worksheets. This project will allow us to bring science to life using videos, simulations and interactive reading assignments while allowing them to practice using the digital tools students and professionals will need in the future.

My students are hardworking, kind individuals. On a daily basis I am motivated and inspired by their ability to rise up and meet or exceed every expectation I set for them despite their socioeconomic status, domestic hardships that many face. Junior High can be a hard time for adolescents, and my kids are no exception. They are predominately minorities and more than 70% qualify for free or reduced lunch. My students are extremely talented and involved. They are members of Student Council and National Junior Honor Society. They go on science trips, play sports, participate in leadership retreats, complete volunteer hours, and perform in musicals, choirs, as well as in band and orchestra. This grant will greatly impact each students access to technology.

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