Instructional Technology Services Richland County School District One
Volume 7, Issue 1 Fall 2014
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Featured Guests Sharon Draper
District RIF Program Excels Richland One’s Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Program continues to garner recognition at the national level. This summer, during the Annual Macy’s Share Be Book Smart Campaign, programs across the country were challenged to create videos or movies showcasing campaign activities. With the assistance of Jennifer Thornsberry, technology educator, a move trailer was created and won first place, providing 2500 new books for our program. Special thanks to everyone who supported the Be Book Smart Campaign through coupon purchases and shopping in Macy’s. Richland One’s RIF Program serves nearly 12, 000 students in 27 sites annually.
Floyd Cooper
Sanford Greene
Reading Rocks Held October 4, 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Director ......... 2 Reading Rocks 2014 ..... 2 Literacy Recognitions ... 3 Literacy Events ............. 3 Department Updates .... 4 News and Notes ............. 5 People and Places ... 6 & 7 Discovery Education ..... 7 Scenes from Summer .... 7 Calendar of Events ....... 8
Richland School District One
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Instructional Technology Services
From the Director Ida W. Thompson Perhaps the most exciting aspect of education today is the constant change and innovation brought about through technology and the many forms of accessing and using information. Historically, libraries have served as the venues for collecting and preserving ideas and information. That has not changed. What has changed, particularly for schools, is that libraries are responding to these innovations on multiple levels – from facility design to technology support and expanded community engagement. In the library profession, these changes are embodied in a concept called “learning commons.” Learning commons is defined by Dr. Davis Loertscher as “a learning space” that is both physical and virtual – a place to experiment, practice, celebrate, learn, work and play.”
Each information technology specialist has been asked to respond to integrating some aspect of a learning commons into their respective media center program. This provides us with an opportunity to look critically at our spaces, services and resources and how we engage our learning community around them. A professional title that is supporting this initiative is The Learning Commons – Seven Steps to Transform Your Library. It will be exciting to see the results of this initiative – a perfect complement for the DLE initiative!
Reading Rocks 2014 “Reading Rocks Goes Digital” is the theme for this year’s annual literacy celebration, scheduled for Saturday, October 4 on the campus of Sanders Middle School.
Play Freely Bus. Reading Rocks guests are urged to bring their mobile devices to learn how to access the library’s eBooks, magazines, free music and other digital resources. Sanford Greene will present a special session to graphic artist enthusiasts at Reading Rocks. Students are encouraged to bring samples of their art work for feedback by Mr. Greene and discuss career opportunities and training options. A limited number of his books will be available to participants who attend this session.
A stellar line-up of nationally renown authors will be attendance, including Sharon Draper, former National Teacher of the Year and recipient of countless literary awards; Floyd Cooper, acclaimed illustrator and children’s author and Sanford Greene, illustrator for DC and Marvel Comics. The event emcee is Tony Jamison, from Radio Station WFMV – 95.3. These outstanding literary leaders are looking forward to being with the Richland One learning community.
Many local authors and community vendors will be on sight with fun and engaging presentations. All Richland One students will receive free books, so mark
Special features are planned to support the event’s focus on technology including digital displays from district schools, the Richland Library e-Ready team and new
your calendar for October 4! The fun begins at 9:00am with the annual literacy parade. Richland School District One
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Instructional Technology Services
Literary Recognitions and Special Events Special Recognitions
On the same evening, she was reappointed by Richland County Council to another four-year term on the Richland Library Board of Trustees. Her term expires in 2018.
Ida W. Thompson, ITS department director, has received several special honors and recognitions. On June 26 , she was recognized by the South Carolina First Steps Board for her leadership in coordinating the Annual Statewide READ-IN.
Congratulations are in order for Brittany Elam, (ITS) who received her Master’s Degree in August from Columbia College in Leadership and Organizational Change. Jennifer Thornsberry, technology educator, co-presented a session this summer with Paula Matthews, second grade teacher at Sandel Elementary at the South Carolina Induction Conference held in Lexington District One.
On September 9, she was honored at the University of South Carolina’s Annual Literacy Leaders Awards Ceremony as the public school recipient of the Inaugural Peggy Parish Prize. The Peggy Parish Prize honors individuals who have made a personal impact that increases child literacy in South Carolina. The prize is offered in Peggy Parish’s memory, to honor those who demonstrate the imagination, creativity and energy to help the children of South Carolina become life-long readers. In addition to a cash award, she received a complete collection of Peggy Parish titles from Harper Collins Publishers. Leslie Tetreault from Richland Library, was the public library recipient.
District staff members Ida W. Thompson, Dr. Dale Bosworth, Nancy Swanson, Dawn Gardner, Carole Ferriole, Angie Enlow Selena Latimore, Timothy Blackwell and June Page attended the ISTE Conference in Atlanta, Georgia during June. The conference provided many opportunities to learn about new resources, instructional practices and technology tools. Diana Carr, ITS Consultant, is serving as President of the S. C. Association of School Librarians. Richland One is represented on the association’s Board of Directors by Gloria Coleman (C. A. Johnson), Treasurer, Angie Enlow (Pine Grove, Editorial Chairman, Ida Thompson, (ITS) Standards and Guidelines Chairman, and Irish Anderson, (Eau Claire) Paraprofessionals Chairman. Konnie Shier, Heyward Gibbes, will receive one of the Colonial Life Grant Awards. Her grant, entitled “Getting Reel with Books,” will provide new resources for the media center.
Important Literacy Events and Celebrations
Teen Read Week Oct. 12 - 18, 2014 Banned Books Week Sept. 21 - 27, 2014
Read for the Record October 21, 2014 Bunny Cakes South Carolina Book Award Program Richland School District One
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Instructional Technology Services
Department Updates Safari Montage
Digital Learning Environment
Richland One's Digital Learning Environment DLE will expand our capacity to access and use techRichland One now provides SAFARI Montage, an inte- nology resources in new grated system for storing and streaming videos at school or and exciting ways. The at home. This system will be used to broadcast morning focus is on ensuring student news shows and other school productions; and as a means readiness for college and to present digital content via the SMART Board. career success. The initiative will provide laptop Information technolocomputers, beginning with gy specialists and current ninth-grade stuother district staff dents, followed by tenth participated in traingraders in January 2015. ing sessions August 4 Other grades will follow in Eau Claire students with new lap-7 to learn about the the fall of 2015. new system. Each school Teachers and school staff will be was provided supported in this initiative Safari Montage training in August an iPad and through district and school-based padcaster for recording. Danny Camilo is the distechnology professional developtrict support person on-site for the year helping ment and training. These photos with the Safari Montage implementation. are from the Eau Claire laptop distribution on September 22. June Page and Irish Anderson
Distance Learning With the Center for Puppetry Arts Three Richland One Elementary Schools, Burton-Pack, Carver-Lyon and Logan participated in a Pilot Program with the Center for Puppetry Arts. During the month of September each school was treated to a free interactive video conference session for the purpose receiving and evaluating the show.
Students left the program understanding that physical activity encompasses everything from competitive sports (ball sports), to activities where you challenge yourself (running, yoga, dancing), or even just playing outside with your friends.
Camp Whachyawannado is a participatory puppet performance that reinforces physical activity and incorporating it as part of a healthy lifestyle. It is an original production created as part of the Movin' and Groovin' with Little Noodle Health Series.
◄Carver-Lyon elementary students participate in Camp Whachyawannado
Richland School District One
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Instructional Technology Services
News and Notes Destiny The Destiny Library Management system gets better and better! A new feature, Universal Search, provides seamless access to the use of digital content for students and staff.
contents, a brief summary, author notes, the first chapter or an excerpt, and published reviews.
TitlePeek engages learners with appealing images of books that help spark interest. This new feature is a great way to help students make more strategic book selections and foster a love of reading at the same time. It displays the book cover and varied content such as title, table of
sources in one easy, timesaving search. It gives instant access to our district's subscriptions and free online databases.
Other included modules are:
Standards Search - teachers have an easy-to-use interface that facilitates standards-driven curriculum by listing resources in their school aligned to specific state requirements. One Search - students can quickly locate and use all library re-
Reading Program Service - provides visibility and easy searching of books and materials for schools in our district that use Accelerated Reader. Check with your information technology specialist for log-in information.
New Technology Education Workshops
Middle School Technology Camp - Future Film Producers Seven students were given the task of creating their own movie in the “Middle School Summer Camp Film Festival.” Speakers throughout the week included actors, film producers and videographers. The campers enjoyed a field trip to the Nickelodeon Theater for a lesson on reading films. They thoroughly enjoyed the
camp and we look forward to another exciting camp in 2015. ◄Camp participants were: Jasmine Edwards, Marcus Moyd, Isha Thomas, Rebecca Washington (Hand), Tevin Glover (Sanders), Reginald Starks (Heyward Gibbes), and Zhariah Walker (Southeast)
Richland School District One
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Instructional Technology Services
People and Places New Information Technology Specialists
New Information Technology
A hearty welcome is extended to our new information technology specialists. These energetic professionals are enjoying their new assignments in Richland One.
Specialists
Laura Holladay comes to us from North Carolina to Webber Elementary. She has eight years experience both in the classroom and in the media center. Neely Swygert is a graduate of Columbia College and USC. She comes to Gadsden Elementary from BatesburgLeesville Elementary, and is excited to join the Richland One family. Cynthia Shell is a graduate of USC and has been a media specialist for seven years in Kershaw County and two years in Clarendon county prior to coming the W.A. Perry Middle School. Dr. Russ Conrath is a graduate of the College of Charleston, the Citadel, USC and is National Board certified. He is a former English teacher and media specialist for the past 13 years before coming to AC Flora High School. Jennifer Pinckney comes to South Kilboure Elementary from Aiken County where she has been the media specialist for the past eight years. Crystal Tulloss is at Sandel Elementary. She has served for 15 years previously as a teacher, media specialist and instructional technology specialist/ technology and learning coach. Two returning information technology specialists are Susan Lewis, at Lewis Greenview Elementary and Anthony McKissick at Hyatt Park Elementary.
New Technology Educators Irene Bal joins the ITS department as a former Richland One teacher. She has served in Richland One for seven years, five as a band director and two as an elementary music teacher. Irene has received school and personal grants in technology to support her classroom and curriculum. She received the Tech Savvy Teacher of the Year award in Richland One. Wanda Colclough comes to Richland One from Sumter, SC in her 16th year in education. She is a Certified CATE/Business Education Teacher and has served previously as a district instructional technology coach. Wanda was the focus leader responsible for the development of the 2015-2017 Technology Strategic Plan for her former district. Susan Davis relocated to Columbia from New Jersey. She has served 27 years as a former teacher, supervisor and technology coordinator. Susan was selected to Pilot the Chrome Book one-to-one initiative at the high school level in Camden, NJ. She created the Tech Ambassador Program Mentoring Club for students who were participants in the Business Technology Department. Zebulun Dinkins joins the department from Orangeburg as a former technology facilitator. He holds certification in the Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering program and has taught Lego NXT Robotics, Music Production and the Gateway to Technology program. Zebulun is an MTV Music Artist and Filmmaker featured on IMDB. Lisa Farris relocated from Colleten County where she taught Business and Marketing Education. She is nationally board certified and has served as an EAYA/CTE NBPTS Trainer and Scorer. Lisa is a former curriculum and instruction coach, a technology integration specialist, a business education department chair. She is also an ADEPT and SAFE-T evaluator and mentor.
Richland School District One
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Instructional Technology Services
People and Places Discovery Education Conference On September 20, Richland District One hosted educators from around the Southeast in Discovery Education’s professional development conference known DENapalooza. The conference featured seminars and hands-on workshops for educators to use technology
showing how to create digital learning environments that engage students and improve achievement. In addition, DENapalooza provided an opportunity for participants to connect, collaborate and share resources, ideas and strategies for integrating digital resources into classroom instruction. Everyone commented on what a great day they had learning together.
Scenes from Summer Activities
Richland School District One
Calendar of Events Date September 30 October 4 October 12-18
Event Fall Technology Classes Begin, Olympia Technology Center
Leadership Team:
Reading Rocks Goes Digital, Sanders Middle School, 9:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Ida Thompson Director, 231-6803
Teen Read Week, “Turn Dreams Into Reality @ Your Library”
October 14
School Board Meeting, Hopkins Middle School, 7:00 p.m.
October 15
VLF Photography Entries due to ITS, 5:00 p.m.
October 21
Read for the Record; “Bunny Cakes” Featured Book
October 24
“Closing the Achievement Gap” District Professional Development
October 28
School Board Meeting, SAB, 7:00 p.m.
November 4
Election Day, District Holiday
November 9-15
VLF Photography Entries Displayed at Richland Mall
November 10
VLF Photography Awards, Children’s Theater, Richland Mall, 4:00 p.m.
November 11
School Board Meeting, AC Flora High School, 7:00 p.m.
November 17 - 21
ITS Directory
American Education Week, “Raise Your Hand for Student Success”
Elizabeth Kohut Technology Education Coordinator, 400-1681 Diana Carr Library Media Consultant, 231-6799 Dr. Dale Bosworth Distance Learning Consultant, 231-6798
Technology Educators: Arischa Conner, 400-1684 Dawn Gardner, 400–1455 Debra Barber, 400-1679
November 18
D.E.A.R., Drop Everything and Read, 9:00 - 9:15. a.m.
November 19
VLF Editorial Cartoon Entries Due to ITS, 5:00 p.m.
Irene Ball, 231-6810
November 25
School Board Meeting, SAB, 7:00 p.m.
Jennifer Thornsberry, 400-1678
December 8
VLF Editorial Cartoon Awards, Lyon Street, 4:00 p.m.
December 9
School Board Meeting, SAB, 7:00 p.m.
Lisa Faris, 400-1682 Nancy Swanson , 400-1682
Instructional Technology Services 1225 Oak Street Waverley Annex Columbia SC 29204
Susan Davis, 231-6808 Wanda Coclough, 400-1709 Zebulun Dinkins, 231-6801
Support Staff: Darlene Montgomery Secretary, 231-6803
Richlandone.org
Cathy Ratliff Accounting Clerk, 231-6804 Dawn Brown, Secretary 400-1680
Plan to attend!
Brittany Elam Secretary, 231-6802
Instructional Resource Fair October 9, 2014 Heyward Career Center 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Larry Richardson DES Technician 231-6805
Aaron Bishop, Chairman Board of School Commissioners Dr. Cynthia Cash-Greene, Interim Superintendent
Richland School District One
Vacant Media Clerk, 231-7159