What's Happening in Tech at JOY?

 

                                                                         OCTOBER PILOT HIGHLIGHTS

As many of you know, one of the smaller pilot experiences we’re running this year is our yearlong STEAM Enrichment Pilot. This pilot, involving only a few classes, aims to explore how we might design a system
for partnering with outside professionals and organizations to expand the catalog of enrichment opportunities for Joy students.

 

Nicole Reidinger has really taken the lead on this and has been making incredible progress in moving the pilot forward for our students. Just last week, middle schoolers traveled off-campus to work at a local woodworking
studio and engage with a small local business, creating products and learning valuable hands-on skills. Here’s a
perspective from Nicole on how this experience is unfolding:

Maureen Joy STEAM students in 5-7th grade visited our partner organization, Bull City Workshop this month to gain
hands-on experience in their woodshop. During this field trip, students learned how to measure and mark precisely for their project, use woodworking tools, and work safely in the woodshop. They made propagation stations to be able to watch plants grow roots in water. Our partnership with BCW is more than just field trips! The non profit organization located just .5 miles away also has donated tools and materials for our STEAM classroom, allows Ms. Reidinger to prep materials in their shop, and helps support tool maintenance. We are grateful for this truen community effort to bring support for our teachers and new exciting experiences for our students!

"What I learned about the Bull City Woodshop field trip is how to use the ruler properly and mark where you want your line at! I learned how to use tools I didn't know how to use so now I have an understanding how to use tools more.I liked being introduced to the tools. It was exciting at first I was nervous but soon I wasn't after looking more closely. When the time came to my turn to use the tools it was fun and I liked how the workers encouraged you to do your best so it turns out like how you wanted it. I liked how the workers corrected you and the way they gave instructions that were vivid and specific”.

"I learned that in order to make projects with wood you would also need math to help you."

“I learned that you need to be correct on your lines or it could go sideways literally."

Middle School Students Taking Their Chromebooks Home 

 

Dear Joy Families,

We are excited to announce that students are now permitted to take their school-issued Chromebooks home to provide access to Joy’s online resources outside of school. This initiative offers numerous benefits, including:

• Completing virtual assignments.
• Accessing intervention programs such as iXL and iReady from home.
• Catching up on missed work or completing assignments during absences.
• Working on projects and other academic tasks.

Student Responsibilities:

• Students must transport their Chromebooks to and from school safely.
• Chromebooks must be fully charged at home overnight. Chargers will be provided by the school.

To allow your student to participate in this program, we kindly ask that you review and sign the One-to-One User Policy and the Technology User Agreement. These agreements outline the expectations and responsibilities for students using school devices at home.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

These devices should not be kept at home. They should travel to and from home each day just like any other daily school supply.

 

If you choose not to allow your child to take their Chromebook home, they will still be required to complete assignments and tasks that necessitate the use of a computer outside of school hours.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting your student’s success.