Technology Plan

 

 

 

Mendon Community Schools

 

 

2004-2008 

 

 

 

 

Technology Plan Summary Sheet

 

District:             Mendon Community Schools

 

Address:         148 Kirby Road  Mendon, MI  49072

 

Contact:          Marc Kramer

 

Phone:             269-496-8491

 

Fax:                 269-496-8234             Email: Mkramer@Kresanet.org

 

Years Covered by this Plan: 2004 to 2008

 

Intermediate School District:            St. Joseph County Intermediate School District

 

URL For Technology Plan:   http://kresanet.org/mendon/techpln.htm

 

Number of Students:  783

 

 

School Buildings

 

Mendon Jr/Sr High School         

148 Kirby Road 

 Mendon, MI  49072

 

 

Mendon Elementary School       

306 Lane Street  

Mendon, MI  49072

 

Table of Contents                                                                      Page

District Vision and Background:…….………………………………….3

Technology Planning Team……………………………………………..3

Curriculum………………………………………………………………4

Professional Development………………………………………………7

Infrastructure/Tech Support/Hardware/Software………………………..8

Funding & Budget……………………………………………………….9

Monitoring & Evaluation………………………………………………...10

 

Technology Planning Team

 

Name

Position

Marc Kramer

K-12 Technology Coordinator

Art Stephenson

Elementary Technology Instructor

Karen Vaickus

High School Technology Instructor

Lois Loeffler

Jr/Sr HighSchool Media Specialist

Troy Bridges

Computer Repair Company Rep.

Chuck Frisbie

Superintendent

 

  

District’s Technology Vision/Mission Statement

 

Mendon Community Schools is committed to integrating technology into the curriculum in order to improve student outcomes.

 

 

   

Background of Technology Planning Initiative

 

In 1995 the Mendon Community School District made a major commitment to improving technology within the district by passing a bond issue to construct state-of-the-art labs and networks throughout the school system.  In 1997 Mendon Community Schools created a 3-year timetable for implementing technology on a K-12 basis.  The 3-year goals that have been accomplished include: installation and implementation of intra-building LAN, implementing a district-wide e-mail, replacement of outdated technology with computer upgrades & purchases and hiring a district technology coordinator.  The goal of having approximately 1 computer available for every 6 students was achieved.

In 2001, the district completed another goal by installing a firewall and filtering system to help filter internet pages in the hopes of providing a positive experience on the internet. In 2003-2004, the district implemented electronic grades and an online grading system as well as an email internal and external email system.

 

 

 

  

Curriculum Goals and Objectives

 

Goal 1

Students will use technology to communicate, collaborate, publish, and interact effectively and creatively with experts and other audiences.

 

·        Students will use multimedia presentations to creatively communicate with audiences in all content areas.

·        Students will use a LAN to communicate with online teachers, authors, chat groups, or other educational individuals.

 

Implementation(Strategy) of Goal and Objectives

1.      Multimedia Presentations are being used in Language Arts and Social Studies classes to present information on various topics.

2.      Michigan Virtual High School Students currently use Email and Discussion Groups across the internet to participate in online classes.

 

 

Goal 2

Students will use technology to locate, collect, interpret, and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

 

·        Students will be able to access and collect information from the internet or other applicable software.

·        Students will select and use technology tools to locate, interpret and evaluate information for assimilation into research in all content areas.

 

Implementation(Strategy) of Goal and Objectives

 

  1. Michigan Virtual High School Students currently use Email and Discussion            Groups across the internet to participate in online classes. Michigan Virtual High School students also use video streaming as a means to interpret and evaluate information. Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science Classes collect information from a variety of sources for use in research reports in their respective classes.

 

    

Goal 3

 

Students will use technology tools and applications to maximize learning, creativity, productivity and skill development.

 

·        Students will develop a basic understanding of technology skills.

·        Students will strengthen skills and become more productive learners through the application of technology.

 

Implementation(Strategy) of Goal and Objectives

 

1.      Accelerated Reading software along with S.T.A.R. assessment software, used in the elementary, gives students a reading level that can be tracked throughout their educational career.  Accelerated Reader software addresses individual student reading levels and helps student progress to a higher level through technology.

2.      The middle school is currently looking to expand the Accelerated Reader and S.T.A.R software into their curriculum.

3.      Accelerated Math software has been introduced in the 3rd and 4th Grade. This addresses individual needs of students in Mathematics through technology.

4.      Middle and high school students use computers for word processing to create papers and presentations for Language Arts and Social Studies classes.

5.      Keyboarding for students is introduced to students in the third grade when they begin to take 1 computer class per week for 40 minutes. 

6.      In 4th and 5th Grade students have a computer class 2x per week for 40 minutes.

In the area of math the elementary has used technology to strengthen their MEAP math scores.  The elementary identified that student graphing and charting skills were weak on the MEAP math test (8% below the State average).  Through staff instruction and student’s projects our MEAP math charting and graphing skills are currently at the State average and our MEAP math scores improved as a result.

 

  

Goal 4

 

Students and parents will be able to use a technologically –based communication systems  to communicate with members of the school community to exchange information concerning school issues.

 

·        The school/district will maintain a website to facilitate school/home communications.

·        The school/district will implement and maintain a web-based reporting system to act as a means for parents to retrieve student progress information.

·        The school/district will implement an instant alert system for parent notification.

 

Implementation(Strategy) of Goal and Objectives

 

  1. The district has implemented a school website with basic information about the district along with a district calendar. In the next 1-3 years, the district will develop a team of students along with the technology coordinator that will maintain a more integral website.
  2. The District will be implementing a system to publish student information for parental use on a secured site. The system would allow parents to view attendance, grades, and other relevant information on student progress for their student.
  3. The district will be implementing Honeywell’s Instant Alert System for immediate notification of parents in the entire school or specific subgroups of the student population.

 

Goal 5

Developing a program in collaboration with adult literacy service providers.

 

Implementation(Strategy) of Goal

1.      This goal is not applicable for Mendon Community Schools. Adult and Alternative Education is handled in Three Rivers and Mendon Community Schools, at this time, has no Adult or Alternative Education Program.

 

 

The objectives above have been constructed with goals from the International Society for Technology in Education’s Standards. More detail will be added as projects progress in the district.  The achievement of each objective depends on funding, the availability of equipment, staff training, and the required support personnel.

 

 

 

 Professional Development

 

Goal I

Staff will receive the necessary training and support to integrate technology throughout the curriculum.

 

Implementation(Strategy) of Goal

1.      Relevant staff-inservices will be planned and provided at appropriate times to provide support and enhancement on specific technological applications.

2.      Classes or instruction at the ISD or REMC dealing with specific software may be suggested or provided at appropriate times and when funding permits.

3.      The technology coordinator will be present to assist individuals as issues arise.

 

 

Goal II

Staff will be provided with the necessary support services, such as software, print resources, and online training or materials, needed to ensure successful and effective uses of technology.

 

Implementation(Strategy) of Goal

1.      District bylaws, guidelines, and policies have been established to promote healthy acceptable use of technology. Examples of policies include Personal Use of District Equipment, Equipment Security Procedures, Agreements of Acceptable Use (Staff and Students), and Private Use Policy Regarding Email. Many other district policies, as well as those mentioned above, are on file in the superintend’s office.

2.      Printed support materials for software are available to staff members at their request. These materials include operational manuals for various software located in the district. Examples of software support manuals are Athena (Library Management Software), Abante (Student Outcomes Software), Winschool (Student Services Software), and Accelerated Math and Accelerated Reader Software.

3.      Instructional training software for the Schools Financial Database Program has been used to train appropriate staff members on methods involved in day to day financial operations. Support contracts

4.      Support Contracts for both the School Financial Program and Student Services Program has been obtained in order to provide web and phone support for these programs. Also Athena and Accelerated Reader and Math Software support has been purchased to support the operation of each of these programs.

5.      Online support is available through MIVHS for teachers needing extra help with technological issues.

 

  

Infrastructure, Hardware, Technical Support and Software

 

Currently, Mendon Community Schools has 5 servers, 4 of which have been purchased within the last 3 years. The servers are used to operate a Novell network. Mendon Community Schools has enrolled in a leasing program for Novell Software. This allows the district to maintain software upgrades at a reduced cost therefore enabling the school to stay current and up to date on networking software. Also, under the Novell Leasing Agreement, the district has implemented Groupwise, an internal and external mail system.

The newest server purchased was implemented as a firewall and filtering server to provide security and to filter sites that may violate Mendon’s acceptable use policy. This server is also used as the mail server for external email for the district.

 Mendon Schools also has 3 computer labs in the district combined with a multimedia center consisting of 14 machines. Computer labs consist of 20, 25, and 30 computers. Each classroom consists of a minimum of one computer. This setup provides students with ample opportunities to access technology in the district as well as each teacher having at least one computer in their classroom. The primary operating system used on these computers is windows 95. Some machines have been upgraded to windows 98 or windows 2000 as they have been purchased or the upgrade has become necessary. The district also makes use of software, such as Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math, to improve student academics. Teachers in the district have also been provided with a program for electronic grades and attendance increasing technological productivity in the district. This program also goes one step farther and allows teachers to post attendance and grades on a secure website on the internet providing feedback to parents on student progress.

Mendon Community Schools supplies internet service to each computer in the computer labs as well as each teacher workstation in the classroom. Internet service is also paid for out of the general fund and reimbursement for part of this funding is provided, in most cases, by E-rate USF funding. This setup again provides students and teachers with ample opportunity to use internet technology in the curriculum.

Mendon Community Schools has established a small network of laser printers capable of servicing staff and student needs. Each computer lab, including the library, has access to their own laser printer. A printer also has been provided for teacher use in each building.

Technical support for the technology in the district is provided by the technology coordinator, software support contracts, and outside companies that repair and clean technology when applicable.

The school district has also established a small network of phones that are used to provide communication in and between both buildings. The schools currently have 3 main phone lines in the elementary and 4 phone lines in the Jr./Sr. High School in which phone bills are paid out of the general fund and E-rate reimbursement is applied for each school year.

 

 

Funding and Budget (Revised 2/8/2005)

 

Projected Total Cost of Technology and Timeline for Implementation

 

 

2004-2005

·    Replacement of 5-10  Elementary Lab Computers………………….……(10 @ $1200 = $12,000)

·    Novell Server,Firewall, and Groupwise Operating Lease.……………………………..….($1500)

·     Internet Content Filtering Software……………………..……………………………..….($1100)

·     Add 5-10 computers in the Middle School Computer Lab……………….……(10@$500=$5000)

·    Online Grade and Attendance Program Costs…………. …………………………………..($200)

·   Student Services, Finance Program, SRSD Program Costs……………………………...($5000 )

·   A T1-Line with KRESA Bandwidth for Internet Service……..…….(.$795@12 Months=$9540 )

·   Honeywell Instant Alert System…………………………………………………………...($3000 )

·   Telephone Service…………………………………………………($1100@12 months=($13,200)

·   Cell Phone Servicee………………………………………………… ($95@12 months=($1,140)

 

  

2005-2006

·    Replacement of High School Computer Lab…………...…..….…………(30 @ $1200 = $36,000)

·    Additional High School Computer Lab ………...…..t……….…….….…(30 @ $1200 = $36,000)

·    Replace Servers at Elementary & Jr./Sr. High School.….…………….…(8 @ $5,000 = $40,000)

·    Replace Elementary Computer Lab Computers………….………………...(35@$1200=$42,000)

·    Replace Middle School Computer Lab Computers……..…………………(30@$1,200=$36,000)

·    Additional Middle School Computer Lab……………….…………………(30@$1,200=$36,000)

·    Replace and add Jr./Sr. High Library Computers...………………………(30@$1,200=$36,000)

·   Replace Computers in Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School

     classrooms and add Video Projector In Each Classroom

    Package System with computer,DVD, VCR, Smart Board….….($10,500@60 rooms= $630,000)

·    Replace and add Elementary Library Computers...………….………...…(10@$1,200=$12,000)

·    Replace and add 10 Laser Printers in Elementary and

    Jr./Sr. High School………………………………...……………..……..…(10@$1,800=$18,000)

·    Replace all switches and internal infrastructure in  

    Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School and add some infrastructure……………………($75,000)

·    Rewiring the Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School   ………………..……………..…($150,000)

·    External Fiber Line Between Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School…………………..($50,000)

·    Upgrade phone system and place phones in each classroom.

     Phone system includes bell and PA system and connect Elementary

     And Jr./Sr. High School………………… …………………………………………….($75,000)

·     Anti-Virus Software Server/Workstation………………….……………………………..($3000)

·     Internet Content Filtering Software……………………….………………………….…($2000)

·     Novell Server, Firewall, and Groupwise Operating Lease.………………………….….($1500)

·   Student Services, Finance Program, SRSD Program Cost.s…………………………...($5000 )

·     Online Grade and Attendance Program Costs…………….……………………………..($200)

·   A T1-Line with KRESA Bandwidth for Internet Service……...….(.$795@12 Months=$9540 )

·   Honeywell Instant Alert System………………………………………………………...($3000 )

·   Telephone Service…………………………………………………($1100@12 months=($13,200)

·   Cell Phone Servicee………………………………………………… ($95@12 months=($1,140)

 

 

2006-2007

·    Novell Server,Firewall, and Groupwise Operating Lease..…………………………..….($1500)

·     Internet Content Filtering Software…………………………………………………..….($1100)

·    Online Grade and Attendance Program Costs…………. .………………………………..($200)

·   Student Services, Finance Program, SRSD Program Costs..…………………………...($5000 )

·   A T1-Line with KRESA Bandwidth for Internet Service……..…….(.$795@12 Months=$9540 )

·   Honeywell Instant Alert System…………………………………………………………...($3000 )

·   Telephone Service…………………………………………………($1100@12 months=($13,200)

·   Cell Phone Servicee………………………………………………… ($95@12 months=($1,140)

 

 

2007-2008

·    Novell Server,Firewall, and Groupwise Operating Lease.……..………………………..….($1500)

·     Internet Content Filtering Software……………………..……..………………………..….($1100)

·    Online Grade and Attendance Program Costs…………. …….……………………………..($200)

·   Student Services, Finance Program, SRSD Program Costs…..…………………………...($5000 )

·   A T1-Line with KRESA Bandwidth for Internet Service…..…..…….(.$795@12 Months=$9540 )

·   Honeywell Instant Alert System…………………………………………………………...($3000 )

·   Telephone Service…………………………………………………($1100@12 months=($13,200)

·   Cell Phone Servicee………………………………………………… ($95@12 months=($1,140)

 

Funding Plan

 Mendon Community Schools uses several forms of funding opportunities in its technology budget. Parent donations, such as the PTO, donate monies to provide students with relevant software. The Elementary PTO provided funding to help pay for the implementation of accelerated math in our elementary building as well as the Jr./Sr. High PTO, coupled with money from the district, provided a new data projector for use in the building. Other donations of technology from members in and around our community have also been utilized. Some examples are donations of monitors, keyboards, and computers that have been provided to the school district. The district has also created a foundation which provides money for specific software and technology improvements. Mendon also has a technology budget designed to help maintain equipment and provide software and new technology when necessary. The district utilized present software with money from the general fund to provide online grades for the community as well as email for parent/teacher communications.  Currently, as of 2004-2005, the district has passed a bond renewal of approximately $13,023,805. A portion of this money will be used to fund most major technology enhancements in the 2004-2005 school year as well as any technology improvements or enhancements in the next 4 years. The district also leverages the E-Rate to provide discounts on related telecommunications and applicable technology. Overall, Mendon Schools uses a variety of funding resources to help provide and maintain technology in the district.

  

Monitoring and Evaluation

The district staff as well as the technology committee began developing this program in the 2000/2001 school year. As projects progress, changes and additions will be made to update the technology plan. This document will be reviewed and revised by the technology coordinator along with the Technology Committee on an annual basis. Items that will be considered are as follows:

·        Which items have been completed

·        What additions or deletions need to be made to the plan

·        Does the plan timetable need to be edited.

·        What is the overall functionality of the plan.

 

Technology Self-Assessment for Teachers

 

Doesn’t Apply = 1  Beginner = 2    Intermediate = 3    Proficient = 4

 

Ability to operate a computer system to include the following;

Turning on a computer                                                       4.00

Installing software                                                               3.35

Saving files                                                                           3.55

Deleting files                                                                         3.30

 

Ability to set up and operate peripherals such as;

Scanners                                                                                1.00

Laser disc players                                                                0.65

CD ROM                                                                                1.60

Modems                                                                                                1.10

Printers                                                                                  1.90

 

Ability to use application software including;

Word Processors                                                                 2.25

Spreadsheets                                                                        1.05

Databases                                                                             0.90

Desktop publishing                                                             1.65

Graphics                                                                                1.40

Ability to use presentation software                                                0.90

 

Ability to use telecommunications to:

Send and receive email                                                        2.00

Access network resources                                                 1.75

Use the Web                                                                         1.90

Telenet of ftp                                                                        0.90

Integrate telecommunication into assign.                        1.10

 

Ability to use multimedia to create instructional lessons for student use;

CD ROM                                                                                1.65

Laser disc                                                                              0.90

Digital Photography                                                            1.00

Ability to apply principles of instructional design to evaluate and select technology tools and software appropriate to a given grade level, subject or varying exceptionality    1.2

 

Ability to promote ethical and legal behavior in the use technology     1.4

 

Mendon Community Schools

Electronic Information Access and Use Policy

 

Mendon Community Schools encourages and strongly promotes the use of electronic information technologies in educational endeavors. The district provides access to information management skills.  Together these allow learners to access current and relevant resources, provide the opportunity to communicate in a technologically rich environment and assist them to become responsible, self-directed, life-long learners.   Members will utilize technology in the school primarily for facilitating learning and enhancing educational information exchange consistent with the purposes of the school.

 

District Responsibility

 

Mendon Community Schools is responsible for the management of the structure, hardware and software that the district uses to allow access to information technologies for educational purposes.  These include:

 

a)     Assigning and removing of member accounts on the network(s).

b)    maintenance and repair of equipment that comprise the network(s).

c)     Selection of software that the network will support.

d)    Electronic Information Access and Use Policy

e)     Defining the rights/responsibilities of network members.  All Internet access may be monitored by the instructor in the room.

f)      Providing resources that support the mission of the school district.

g)    Providing training opportunities on the use and application of information technology, including training and information on new technologies, software and media as they are acquired and put into use in the district.

h)    Provide filtering to restrict access to harmful material.

 

The district does not take responsibility for resources located or actions taken by the members that do not support the purposes of the school district.

 

Mendon Community Schools Network Members

 

The following people may hold accounts on the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network:

 

1.     Students  -- Students who are currently enrolled in the district may be granted a network account upon agreement to the terms stated in this policy.

 

2.     Faculty and Staff – Staff members currently employed by the district may be granted a network account upon agreement to the terms stated in this policy.

 

3.     Others – Anyone may request a special account on the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network. These requests will be granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on need and resource availability.

 

 

 

 

Rights and Responsibilities of Mendon Community Schools Network Members

 

 

Rights

 

Members have the right:

 

·          to use authorized hardware and software for which they have received training.

 

·          to access district networks and outside resources including the Internet to retrieve information.

 

Responsibilities

 

Members are responsible for:

 

·          attending appropriate training sessions in the use and care of hardware, software and networks, and refraining from using any technology for which they have not received training.

 

·          adhering to the rules established for the use of hardware, software, labs, and networks, in the school or through remote access outside of the school.

 

·          maintaining the privacy of passwords, members are prohibited from publishing or discussing passwords and disclosing personal information regarding minors.

 

·          having all disks or videos scanned for virus, dirt, or other contamination which might endanger the integrity of district hardware, software or networks before they are used in district systems.

 

·          all material received via the Internet under their account.  Members accept  responsibility for preventing all pornographic material, inappropriate files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the school’s network, equipment, or software from entering the school via the Internet or from being reproduced in visual, digital or written format.

 

·          making all subscriptions to listservs or newsgroups known to the system administrator and seeking prior approval before requesting such subscriptions on the Internet.

 

·          maintaining the integrity of the electronic mail (e-mail) system, reporting any violations of privacy.  Students do not use e-mail, chat rooms, or other forms of direct communications without direct teacher supervision.

 

·          adhering to copyright guidelines in the use of hardware and software and in the transmission or copying of text or files on the Internet or from other resources.

 

  

Members are prohibited from:

 

·          using the technology for personal financial gain, for product advertisement or political lobbying, or for making any financial commitments on the Internet.

 

·          the malicious use of technology to disrupt the use of technology by others, to harass or discriminate against others and to infiltrate unauthorized computer systems.

 

Consequences of Inappropriate Network Behavior

 

Any member who does not comply with the Electronic Information Access and Use Policy will lose network privileges. Repeated or severe infractions of the policy may result in permanent termination of privileges.

 

Members violating any of these rights and responsibilities may face additional disciplinary action deemed appropriate in keeping with the disciplinary policies and guidelines of the school.

 

Disclaimer

 

The Mendon Community School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it provides. The Mendon Community School District will not be responsible for any damages a member may suffer.  This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors, omissions.  Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The Mendon Community Schools specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

 

Security

Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Computing Network or Internet, you are expected to notify the Network Administrator.  Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.  Attempts to log in to the network as a network administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges.  Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network.

 

  

 

 

Mendon Community Schools

Computing Network Contract

 

In exchange for the use of Mendon Community Schools Computing Network,

 

I,  _                                                                         , understand and agree to the following:

 

1)       That the use of the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network is a privilege which may be revoked by the administrators of the school at any time for abusive conduct. Such conduct would include, but not be limited to, the placing of unlawful information on the system, and the use of obscene, abusive or otherwise objectionable language in either public or, upon registration of complaint, private messages or other systems that are accessed throughout the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network. The school administration  will be the sole arbiter of  what constitutes obscene, abusive, or objectionable language or conduct.

 

2)       That the use of the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network is a privilege which may be revoked by the administrators of the school at any time for conduct that embarrasses, harms, or in any way distracts from the good reputation of the Mendon Community Schools, its faculty and staff, or any organizations, groups, and institutions with which the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network is affiliated. The school administration will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes this unacceptable behavior.

 

3)       That the Mendon Community Schools administration reserves the right to review any material stored in files to which all users have access and will edit or remove any material which the staff, in its sole discretion believes may be unlawful, obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable.

 

4)       That all information services and features contained on the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network are intended primarily for the educational use of its patrons, and any commercial or unauthorized use of  those materials or services, in any form, is expressly forbidden.

 

5)       To abide by such rules and regulations of system usage as may be published from time to time by the administrators for the Mendon Community Schools.

 

6)       In consideration for the privilege of using the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network and in consideration for having access to the information contained on it, I hereby release the Mendon Community Schools Network operators and sponsors, Mendon Community Schools and its faculty and staff, and all organizations, groups and institutions with which the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network is affiliated for any and all claims of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use,  Mendon Community Schools Computing Network.

 

7)       My access to and use of the Mendon Community Schools Computing Network is subject to such limitations as may be established by the school administration, and may be changed from time to time.

 

 

  

         Signature of Parent and Guardian                                          Signature of Student

 

 

Implementation of the Children’s Internet Protection Act

 

In accordance with the CIPA, Mendon Community Schools has purchased and is currently using a Bordermanager firewall.  That firewall server is equipped and continuously updated with filtered sites from Surfcontrol.  The Bordermanager Server does continuous filtering for internet traffic coming through our network.