The middle school  has 3 “in-focus” carts available for teachers to sign out to utilize in his or her classroom. Along with the in-focus machine, the cart is equipped with a computer with CD/DVD capability and speakers. The in-focus machine allows the teacher to project what is being done on the computers onto a projection screen so that the entire class can observe. This allows teachers and students to view educational video downloads, view PowerPoint presentations, follow along with educational software programs, search the Internet and allows the instructor to teach new technology concepts to the entire class at once. This technology has been utilized in the computer lab for the past few years, but it is exciting to be able to expand this into the classrooms as well.

The middle school also has 2 portable wireless unit that contains 25 laptops each.  Teachers can sign them out to use in their classrooms as well. These units are able to connect to the school’s network as well as to the Internet. This allows an entire class to do projects right in their classroom. Teachers can sign out the unit for as long as necessary so that long term projects can be done. This unit also comes complete with a printer so student work can be printed right in the classroom.

Each team has a digital camera. The middle school has two digital camcorders.  This allows students and teachers to be able to do many different things using this media. For example, teachers can take pictures of student projects, print them out and include them in that student’s portfolio. The cameras are also used for student recognition during award ceremonies and are being used to teach digital photography in our MST and Computer Labs.

A midi lab is housed in our music department. Mrs. Conklin and Ms. Eaton  use computers as well as music keyboards in this lab to teach students how to create their own music. Students are able to write their own songs, study music theory, and increase their musical experiences in general.

The entire faculty at the middle school, as well as the students, are very excited about the increase in technology and feel extremely fortunate to have these opportunities available to us. This new technology allows us to better prepare our students for the “real world” of college, occupations and adult life.

To help utilize the new technology, staff trainings are held to assist teachers in utilizing the technology in the best ways possible to ensure that each student has a successful experience with technology in the middle school.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding technology at the middle school, please feel free to contact Linda Standish in the middle school computer lab, or as always, don’t hesitate to contact our building administrators, Amy Schiavi and Jeremy Palotti.