Registration starts on Wed for staff laptop replacements!

We recently announced to our staff that their laptops are set to be replaced during the next couple of months.

Q1. When will staff be able to register online to have their laptop replaced?
A1.  Registration will begin at 7pm on Wednesday, Jan 15th, 2014.  We will send an email out with the website and registration directions on Wed at 7pm – and registration will be first come, first served.

Q2.  Who can sign up for these classes?
A2.  Anyone who has already taken the teacher laptop course and has the current staff laptop (HP 6455b), as you are REQUIRED to turn in the HP 6455b and its power adapter in order to obtain the new laptop.

Q4.  How do I register for a class?
A4. All registration will done online – we will email directions out to staff on Wed at 7pm.

Q5.  Is there someone I can call or email to do my registration for me?
A5.  All registrations will be reserved online, we are not accepting registrations by email or phone.

 

Q6. What dates/times will the courses be offered?

Thursday, Jan 23rd  4:30pm to 8:30pm, at Stilwell Jr High (100 seats available)

Saturday, Jan 25th, 8am to 12pm at Valley Southwoods (100 seats available)

Wednesday, Jan 29th, 3:30pm to 7:30pm, at Indian Hills Jr High (80 seats available)

Thursday, Jan 30th, 4:30pm to 8:30pm, at Valley Southwoods (80 seats available)

Monday, Feb 3rd, 4:30pm to 8:30pm, at Jordan Creek Elementary (60 seats available)

Tuesday, Feb 11th, 4:30pm to 8:30pm at Westridge Elementary  (90 seats available)

Saturday, Feb 15th, 8am to 12am at Learning Resource Center (80 seats available)

Wednesday, Feb 19th, 3:30pm to 7:30pm at Valley High School (100 seats available)

Tuesday, Feb 25th, 4:30pm to 8:30pm at Stilwell Jr High (80 seats available)

Wednesday, March 12th, 3:30pm to 7:30pm at Valley High School (100 seats available)

Monday, March 17th, 8am to 12noon, at Learning Resource Center (80 seats available)

Thursday, March 20th, 8am to 12noon, at Learning Resource Center (80 seats available)

Q7. What is happening with the old laptops?  Are they for sale?
A7. They are not for sale – the laptops will belong to the company that is providing the new laptops.  In fact, you are REQUIRED to turn in your HP 6455b and power adapter in order to get the new laptop.

Q8.  Will there be other options available for staff who want a laptop  – but do not fit into this category?
A5.   Although this first wave is strictly for those who already have taken the course and have an HP6455b laptop, we are working on the following options…

a.  A 15 hour course where you can replace or get a new laptop and receive PD/college credit

b. a course for those who have a laptop that is not the HP6455b, but they still want to trade it in for a new laptop

c.  salaried staff who do not have a laptop, but would like one and are looking for shorter/condensed class.

Feb 21st PD day: It’s all about Google

On Feb 21st, 2014, our 7-12 staff have a professional development day scheduled – and this year, the focus will be on differentiating with technology.

Q1. What is the theme/topic? and how did we come up with that?
A1. Last month we met with a group of teachers from our district PD team along with representation from the teachers association. We started by brainstorming ideas/topics, and after reviewing, the group felt the most common tool for all content areas was Google Apps.

Q2. When and where is the PD day?
A2.  Valley Southwoods Freshman High School, Friday, Feb 21st,  8am to 3:30pm

Q3. What is the format? 
A3.  It will be conference style – meaning that multiple concurrent sessions will be available through out the day.  Each staff member will be allowed to select each session based on their own individual needs.

Q4. What types of sessions will be available?
A4.  We are working through specific sessions titles and descriptions now, but many of the sessions will be around Google Apps, although we’re also looking at sessions on Infinite Campus Grade Book and assessment using student phones/mobile devices.

Q5. Will the sessions be hands-on?
A5.  Most sessions will have some time dedicated to hands-on, although some sessions will demonstration only.  We will have have each session labeled clearly so you’ll know what to expect.

Q6.  Will staff need to bring their laptops?
A6.  Yes.  If you do not have a district issued laptop, you are welcome to bring your own personal device or check one out from your school’s existing laptop carts.

Q7. Are all the sessions at the beginner level? or will there be leveled sessions? 
A7.  We will have a mixture of sessions – both introductory and advanced.  Staff will have the option to select the level that is appropriate for themselves.

Q8. Will each session/course be offered just once?
A8.  We are looking to offer each course as often as its needed, based on an interest survey that we are conducting with staff during the month of December.

Q9. Are all the trainers internal staff members?  or are we hiring outside individuals?
A9.  The sessions on Feb 21st will be conducted by a mixture of internal staff members, external resources, and AEA resources.  In most of our previous technology sessions, we have relied on only internal staff members as trainers.  However, for the Google Apps topics, we feel that we need assistance from outside resources for this topic.  In addition, once we announced that we would provide leveled courses – many of our previous trainers commented that they would like to attend the advanced sessions instead of serving as a trainer.  

Q10. How are we paying for this? Are we using General Fund dollars?
A10.  We are NOT using General Fund dollars, but instead are using District In Need of Assistance Funds that are dedicated towards providing training and professional development for staff.

Q11.  Will staff have to register for specific courses prior to Feb 21st?
A11.  Yes, staff will be asked to register online for their courses – prior to the Feb 21st event.