The South Orangetown School Superintendent Charts a Course for the 2015/2016 Academic Year

BY BARRY WARNER

Learning, planning and executing strategies for the upcoming school year happens throughout the summer months. Newly appointed School Superintendent Dr. Robert R. Pritchard told the Rockland County Times that “all buildings in the district must have the capacity to deliver wireless capabilities.

“LATI” or Learning Active Technology Infused Classrooms use problem-based 21^st century technology tools, such as Chromebooks and Makerspaces.  Chromebooks are laptop computers that are designed to be primarily used when connected to the internet, with applications and data residing in the ‘cloud’. Makerspaces are (DIY) do-it-yourself spaces where students gather to create, invent, learn and generate their own findings. In the libraries, there are 3-D printers, software, electronics, hardware supplies and tools available. Teacher lessons will encourage students to explore, discover, create and innovate, as the tasks define learning and learning is doing. In the elementary schools, children will use a hands-on, tactile approach with robotics kits to solve problems. During the summer, K-12 teachers had undergone three weeks of training regarding the preparation of lessons that are more learning-active and ‘LATI’ friendly.”

“All factions will be utilized to establish a coherent or real-world partnership with the working community in the district. Professionals will be invited to address the students in the schools and students will move out of the classrooms to ‘shadow’ workers in the community. We want our students be employable and to be able to contribute to society.”

“A cross-disciplinary approach will be used to build strong visual arts, instrumental and STEM programs. For instance, science teachers will plan lessons with art teachers, as many jobs are the synthesis of different disciplines.”

“The district was reorganized as Tappan Zee Elementary School was closed and students were relocated to Cottage Lane Elementary School. Parents were notified well in advance, regarding transportation and other issues.”