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By now, I am sure you have all heard that our schools are facing severe budget cuts this coming year. In spite of these cuts we are committed to providing quality educational programs for all our students. Technology, safety, and literacy are some of our focus areas for 2008-2009.
In order to assist teachers deliver a quality education, and provide a program that meets the needs of all our students, we have made some significant purchases for our classrooms. Through a generous technology grant, we have purchased new computers for all classrooms in grades 2-5. We have also upgraded our computer lab and installed 8 new computers in order to serve up to forty students at one time. Classrooms are equipped with new networked laser printers and DVD players. We have also ordered an audio amplification system for our larger classrooms. This system acts like a speaker system in the classroom enabling students to clearly hear instruction. From any location in the classroom a student can hear the teacher’s voice equally well, as a result, students stay more focused on their lesson.
Also, in the area of technology, we have purchased three SMART Boards for classroom use and the PTA has generously donated two additional SMART Boards. A SMART Board is an interactive whiteboard that combines a laptop, projector and interactive screen to engage students in learning. It energizes lessons and motivates students to actively participate in their lessons. The touch-sensitive display connects to the laptop and the projector to show a computer image. The teacher can control the computer applications directly from the laptop or the display, write notes in digital ink, and manipulate items on the screen with a finger touch, and save work to share later. The options are exciting and I know that students and teachers will be engaged in learning and exploring the possibilities this technology opens up for us.
Another area where we have made investments is in security. We have purchased a camera surveillance system for the school. While Hickory remains a safe community school with a secure student environment, we are not immune from random acts of vandalism. Our improved security will not only insure our students’ safety, but will hopefully cut down and eliminate weekend or night-time vandalism. Of course, community surveillance still remains the most effective method to fight vandalism, so please be alert and call the Torrance Police anytime you see anyone behaving inappropriately on our campus. There should not be any skateboarders, bike riders, or skaters on our campus. Smoking is not allowed on our campus at anytime, and there should be no activity on our roofs or in our kindergarten playhouse at any time.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude for all you who helped make my first year at Hickory one that I will always remember. I feel we accomplished many things and we have a clear picture of where we are headed. Hickory remains one of the best schools in the district on many levels, and I am looking forward to making it even better in the future. I wish you all a wonderful and safe summer vacation, and I am looking forward to welcoming you back on September 4.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Schumacher
Principal
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