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FFSD Awards Educational Tech Grants
The Ferguson-Florissant School District has awarded educational technology grants to McCluer North High School, McCluer High School and the Little Creek Nature Area. The district’s Technology Services department sponsors the competitive grants. The three receiving schools were among 10 buildings that submitted proposals for funding.
McCluer North High School received $8,817. Funds will be used to create, Hotspots for Equity. The aim of the program is to address the digital divide between students that have convenient Internet access at home and those that do not.
“We hope to empower and enable students that want to connect and learn online, but are currently limited by the availability of Wi-Fi or devices,” said Chuck Baker, a McCluer North staff member.
Students chosen to participate in the pilot program will receive a Dell Chromebook and Kajeet Smartspot mobile hotspot for their use throughout the remainder of the school year. The students are free to use the technology to complete schoolwork and other creative pursuits.
At McCluer High School, math teacher Stephanie Beacham, will use the school’s $8,824 grant to create a central zone for mathematics called, The Matrix. “The Matrix will be a place (room) where all students know they can go to learn something new or get help with their work in a positive environment,” said Beacham.
The Matrix will house computers with intervention and recovery math software, as well as games that students can compete against each other and with students across the country. Graphic calculators will be provided that students can learn to use with activities and mathematical games. The Matrix will also be a place where students can receive tutoring during the day and after school, and will be the home of the school’s Mathematics Club.
The Little Creek Nature Area will use its $450 grant to purchase a trail camera to videotape animal activity during the hours that humans aren’t around. Little Creek has over 2,000 different species of animals, many of which are nocturnal or don’t like human activity. Students, who visit during the day, don’t get to see these animals.
“This can pose a problem when trying to help students understand animals, their habitat, and their usefulness in our world,” said Eric Hadley, coordinator of Little Creek. “Having the trail camera will provide pictures of the animals, bring to life their natural world and allow students to see how native animals act and look, as well as how they feed.”
Richard Miller, the district’s director of Technology Services, along with other staff members, recently visited each site to announce their selection as grant recipients. Technology Services provides educational technology grants each year to support programs within the district.
