Teacher Times #36
June 24, 2013

End of Year Technology Procedures
From the Desk of Mr. Mudrick

As we enter the last full week of school, it is time to start packing up our technology for the year.  The following are some guidelines in doing this effectively.

1.  LAPTOP CARTS - The last day laptops may be used in the classroom is this Friday, June 21st.  They will not be available for students or staff after that.  Please make sure that all student work that requires the use of the laptops is completed by then.  High school teachers who are finished using the carts for the year, please keep the carts safely in your room for this week.  I would like to ask you to deliver them to room 530 on Friday, June 21st, during periods 6 through 8, or after school on Friday.  Please do not bring them before then.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:  In past years the carts experienced a great amount of damage and loss in the last two weeks of school.  This was often the result of the equipment being used for "baby sitting" purposes... meaning not for classroom use, but to keep kids entertained as classroom instruction was winding down.  They were also used during coverages when the teacher in charge of the cart was not present.  Laptops were also allowed to leave the room of the mother cart so kids could finish work in other rooms.
Please insure that this does not happen this year.  Laptops are to be used for specific educational purposes, and not just used as tools to keep kids busy.  In addition, they are not to be used with substitute teachers (I am often surprised when I see classes with subs with laptops out, and the kids telling me they knew where the teacher kept the key).  In addition, please do not allow them to be used for video games, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, or any form of social media that does not directly relate to your curriculum and classwork.  
Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated,
2.  OTHER TECHNOLOGY - This includes digital projectors, overhead projectors, Elmos, speakers, DVD and VCR players (yes, there are STILL a few VHS players out there!).  Please feel free to deliver them to room 530 any day this week, including today, or after school during periods 6 through 8.  Please do not bring them before period 6. Be sure to bring any and all cables and adapters associated with the equipment.  As is the case with the laptops, all equipment must be turned in no later than Friday, June 21st.  There can be no exceptions.
NOTE:  The only day I cannot collect technology is this Wednesday, June 19th, as I will be out of the building.
3.  THE DATA ROOM AND THE TEACHER's LOUNGE COMPUTERS/SCANNERS - These rooms will be available for use through Monday, June 24th, but not available from Tuesday, June 25th.  Please be sure that any work that needs to be done in these rooms is done by the end of the day Monday.
4.  ADMINISTRATIVE/OFFICE STAFF COMPUTERS - I will come speak with you directly about your equipment during this week.  

Pics Of The Week
Coat of Arms

Grant Opportunities

Grant opportunities are posted on the Grants website (you can visit the page on any computer using this link). This week’s highlights include:

§  Toshiba America Foundation

Attending TAPCo. Programs Outside the Classroom

Please note that you must alert Kecia in the Main Office via email or phone if you will not be in your classroom or office because of you and/or you and your class attending a performance in the auditorium, Black Box, etc.

No exceptions to this rule. This means all staff (teachers, secretaries, etc.).

Professional Development and Student Opportunities

Professional development and student opportunities are posted on the PD and Student Opportunities page. This week’s highlights include:

§  Apply by June 30: Participate in NYC Parent Academy School-Based Trainings
§  Register by July 18 or 25: Participate in Project Chess Teacher Training Summer Workshops