I need an iPad by 2pm on Wednesday!

My son got his few seconds of fame today when the new School Administrator magazine came out….

– Brian Abeling, WDM Schools

 

 

Salesman in the Making

For his 8th-grade English class, Brian Abeling’s son Wil had to write a persuasive paper. He wrote “Why iPads should replace textbooks.”

After he turned in the paper, the teacher offered Wil extra credit if he would start a correspondence with a person related to the topic.  Abeing, who is the director of technology in the West Des Moines, Iowa, Community Schools, picks up the story: “He decided to e-mail my boss,  the superintendent.  The superintendent responded, asking Wil to bring his iPad to him on Wednesday at 2pm to provide a demonstration.

“My son came home very excited that evening.  ‘Dad, we have to go to the Apple Store – right now! You have to buy me an iPad before Wednesday at 2pm, so I can show it to your boss.”

 

 

 

Are discounted versions of Microsoft Office available thru school?

Q1.  I’m looking to purchase Microsoft Office for our home –   does the district have any suggestions for where to buy?

First of all, we want families to recognize that students are NOT REQUIRED to purchase Microsoft Office for home usage.  There are several alternate options available…

Option #1)  Use the free online version of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that are available to students through the Microsoft service called Live@EDU.  For more information, visit:  http://wp.me/p1JF02-3t

Option #2)  OpenOffice is a free productivity software package that is compatible with Microsoft Office documents.  More information at http://www.openoffice.org

Can we purchase Microsoft Office at a discount through the school district or AEA?
No,  discounts are no longer available from Microsoft that cover K-12 students and famlies.