The Geneseo School District has considered itself a leader in educational technology for several years now. Currently all of the elementary and MS computer labs are being upgraded and we are replacing the elementary teacher laptops. Use of SmartBoards and Promethean systems has grown and a goal of the Board of Education has been to put as much technology in student and staff hands to promote efficiencies and more effective instruction and enhanced learning.
The concept of One to One computing (where each student has a laptop or some type of individual electronic device) has been researched for quite some time. It appears that there are new technologies that may accelerate the District’s ability to build into this infrastructure.
The attached link
will take you to an issue about how the Netbooks could be a vehicle to expand individual student use of technology. James Roodhouse, a leading technology expert and thankfully one of our District employees, has begun to seriously examine different options. I expect that we will dive into further research with staff, students, parents, community members and Board members to see what the future may hold for One to One computing in District 228.
Athletic Director Travis Mackey and High School Principal Mike Haugse attended a meeting at LaSalle Peru High School on June 15, 2009 to work on details regarding a new 12-team conference. Schools involved will be Geneseo, Sterling, Dixon, Ottawa, L-P, Streator, DeKalb, Sycamore, Maple Park Kaneland, Rochelle, and Morris.
More work is to be completed including by-laws and scheduling.
Congratulations to coaches and athletes who participated this past May 22-23 at EastSide Centre in East Peoria for the AA State Track Meet for MS/JH students. We had students from all four areas we could qualify (7th grade boys and girls, 8th grade boys and girls). The 7th grade boys brought home medals in the 4 X 100, and 4 X 400 relays, and Ryan Webster placed 8th in the High Jump.
May 14 was the Choir Recognition and May 15 Band Recognition for MS and HS students. Nearly 25% of the MS and HS students are represented. Another wonderful year for the musicians in the District as our HS takes 2nd Place again in the Music Sweepstakes for the entire state.
A great note of appreciation goes out to Mr John Puentes for his four years of service as School Board President. John led by example, and was always professional, reflective and considerate in his manner of conduct for the meetings. The Board has grown and become better focused during his tenure.
Doug Ford presided over his first meeting tonight as he begins his two-year term.
Board President Doug Ford and I were able to join about 50 other people to hear Illinois Governor Pat Quinn speak in Chicago, Monday, June 11.
The event was sponsored by Laurus Stategies, our insurance consultants.
If you’re not familiar with the TED Talks, you can check them out at their website. Here is a video clip from John Wooden, recognized by some as the greatest basketball coach ever. It would an unbelievable experience to go to see some of these in person.
Coach Wooden and "Big Red"
Dr Don White and I had an opportunity to present ideas of how we use technology to improve our work as superintendents.
The MS/HS PTA hosted a forum on Tuesday, March 31st. Kevin Peterson, a Geneseo alderman, was a poised and gracious moderator. We are fortunate to have six interested citizens for four open seats. Thank you to Jill DePauw for all her work in organizing and the PTA for hosting. Approximately 40 people attended the event.
Remember to exercise your right to vote April 7!
The NHS Induction ceremony is always one of my favorite events of the school year, and in fact, other than Graduation –this evening may be the activity that most defines our District mission.
Listening to the student speeches about knowledge, leadership, character, service, and scholarship is always inspiring and sparks great hope in me.
I plan to challenge our school community next year to force us to move our event to a much bigger venue because there is such an outpouring of community recognition that we “Pack the Place” to applaud student academic achievement!
Great speech Brad Solberg, thank you to Ms. Carey, sponsor, and congratulations to parents and students for these accomplishments.
