WILMINGTON — Surveys of parents and students about the Chromebook laptop computers distributed this fall to all Wilmington High School (WHS) students are yielding favorable responses.
In a recent survey of parents concerning the Chromebooks, 76 percent reported their student is using the Chromebook technology at home for learning four or more times per week, WHS Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart said at Monday’s school board session.
Furthermore, 98 percent of parents said their student uses the Chromebook technology at home for learning at least two to four times a week.
In a survey of students, 95 percent state they can see a benefit to having Chromebooks. The areas of benefit, said McCarty-Stewart, include collaboration, receiving teacher feedback, and students self-monitoring their progress more frequently.
East End Elementary Principal Jen Martin reported after-school tutoring has begun at the building. The tutoring is for first-grade math, second-grade math and reading, third-grade reading, and fourth-grade math and reading.
Holmes Elementary Principal Carrie Zeigler reviewed three new or revamped recognition programs at the building, one for staffers and two for students.
The program for staff includes selecting weekly superstars, and staff members giving “shout-outs” to other staff members, she said. As a reward for being recognized, three staffers get to wear jeans on a Friday, the principal said.
A program involving a positive-behavior system may be part of the reason that principal office referrals at Holmes are down 45 percent after the first quarter of the school year, said Zeigler.
The monthly board of education meeting was held at Denver Place Elementary School, and Denver Place Principal Karen Long recognized students from various grades who represent grit — a theme Long has used to encourage perseverance among students. The theme turned into a public art project largely spearheaded by Denver art teacher Doug Davis. Banners bearing photos of community members and students have been pasted in public places the past couple weeks.
This week through Friday, the Rodger O. Borror Wilmington Middle School will be the site of a scholastic book fair, said Principal Jeff Sherby.
In personnel action, the school board rehired the district’s Treasurer Kimberly DeWeese. She was awarded a three-year contract for the 2017-18, the 2018-19, and the 2019-20 school years.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
