Update, Week of February 8, 2010

Hello all,

Another interesting week weather-wise. Hopefully we can get through the rest of the week without interruptions.

On Monday of this week, our middle school teachers were offered some professional development in the area of technology. This work took place during the teachers' grade-level team meetings. The learning opportunity was provided by our Grantwood AEA technology consultant. (Thanks, Stacy!). The learning was focused on the use of Google tools and how they could be a useful aide for our teachers. It was a great afternoon of sharing.

We did postpone the Monday night basketball games due to weather. The games were rescheduled with Mount Vernon for February 23, with the 7th grade at Mount Vernon and the 8th grade at home. We have also added a junior high basketball game with. Solon. This will be played on February 25, with the 7th grade at home and the 8th grade traveling to Solon.

We did not have school on Tuesday due to weather. Once all the make-up days are established, I will let you know. We were supposed to have a swimming meet on Tuesday afternoon but that obviously was postponed and will have to be rescheduled.

Just a reminder, tonight, Friday, we have 7th and 8th grade basketball games with Vinton-Shellsburg. The 7th grade is on the road and the 8th grade will host in our gym. Tonight we also have a dance from 7 to 10 PM in our gymnasium. If you have questions about the dance, please contact counselor, TJ Croco at tcroco@cca.k12.ia.us

I'm pleased to announce that our middle school has received a grant from the Intermec Technologies Corporation. Thanks to Jim McRoberts, CCA parent, who applied for the grant on our behalf. We are not yet certain yet of the amount, but we will be using the grant money to purchase several laptop computers for student use.

While I'm on the technology subject, it is my hope that we will be able to secure more funds and grants for our middle school for next year. What we would like to do is provide 1-to-1 computer access for a significant number of our students. This could literally change the face of how our kids learn in our school. If you are interested, want to talk more, or have ideas about grants, please contact me.

Have a great weekend.

Brad