Bon Air to Expand 1:1 Technology Program

 

In its effort to continue enhancing the current educational options for Kokomo-Center students, the Board of School Trustees approved a recommendation from Superintendent Jeff Hauswald that included re-opening Bon Air Middle School as a 1-to-1 technology middle school for the 2013-2014 school year. 

Dr. Hauswald explained to the Board that the new 1-to-1 technology school at Bon Air Middle School will allow students, currently attending 1-to-1 technology elementary schools at Bon Air and Pettit Park, a seamless transition in the quality of curriculum and instruction with the use of technology that they are experiencing now.

 

“Future teachers of Bon Air Middle School immediately will begin receiving 1-to-1 technology professional development,” Dr. Hauswald noted. “This training will include collaboration with other 1-to-1 middle schools across the United States with whom Kokomo-Center Schools is currently partners.”

 

While Bon Air Middle School will serve students from Bon Air and Pettit Park elementary schools, Dr. Hauswald reminded parents that under Kokomo-Center’s new choice program, Bon Air Middle School would be open to all students.  Dr. Hauswald added that transportation would be provided for any students residing anywhere in the Kokomo-Center district.

 “The new Bon Air Middle School will be completely renovated and updated with new facilities, modern classrooms, and lots of interactive technology,” Dr. Hauswald said. “These changes will provide students with a tech-rich environment in a small-school setting where their individual interests and needs can best be met.”

 

Assistant Superintendent Pennye Siefert noted that this goal to expand the availability of technology for students is aligned with research related to engaging students, while providing a 21^st Century learning environment for students who will be seeking employment in a changing world full of technology.

 

“This is a new way of thinking, learning, and problem solving both for the teachers and the students,” Mrs. Siefert said. “Professional development will be provided for the teachers moving to Bon Air Middle School so they understand how to integrate technology into the curriculum.”

 Michael Sargent, who served as Bon Air Middle School Principal before becoming the current Central Middle School Principal, believes this is a win-win proposal for the community.

 “One of the greatest strengths at Bon Air Middle School was the community and parental support. The parents and school community took great pride in the neighborhood school at Bon Air,” Mr. Sargent explained. “Opening a Bon Air Middle School Technology Academy provides these students with a neighborhood school that focuses specifically on meeting student needs.”

With this change for the 2013-2014 school year, students from Pettit Park and Bon Air elementary 1-to-1 technology schools will attend Bon Air Middle School.  Students from Elwood Haynes and Boulevard elementary traditional schools will attend Maple Crest Middle School, while students from the Lafayette Park and Sycamore elementary international schools will attend the Central Middle International Magnet School.  In addition, students from the Wallace Elementary School for Integrated Arts will attend Central beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.

 

Parents are reminded that ANY student may apply to attend any program, and transportation is provided for Kokomo-Center residents.  School registration begins in February 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year for all interested Kokomo area families.