Helping Leeds schools
Published 8:16 am Thursday, August 16, 2012
As students sharpen their number two pencils and take their seats in the classroom, the Leeds Education Foundation (LEF) continues its mission to award Green Wave teachers money.
Principals from each school in the Leeds City School System attended Thursday’s LEF meeting.
Educating the members of LEF on the school system’s increasing technological needs, Leeds High School principal Mike Turner asked for assistance in equipping his students with the latest in technology.
“Twenty-first century learners love hands on interaction,” said Turner. “Having iPads puts technology in the students’ hands. That technology is what engages them.”
After attending a technology symposium guided and headed by Apple with superintendent John J. Moore, Turner was amped to relay the information they learned.
Dr. Jason Baker, principal at Leeds Middle School (LMS), shared with LEF how stocking his school with 15 iPad 2s impacted his students.
“They are really good as an application in science classes,” said Baker. “More people wanted them as the school year went on.”
Incorporating SMART Boards (interactive whiteboards that also serve as computers) in the Leeds Elementary School (LES) classrooms, principal Andrew Briskey said they could use as much money as they can get.
Considering Turner’s request to fund 15 new iPads for LHS, several LEF members made comments.
“We have to compete with other schools around here,” said LEF member Loretta Veasey. “The high school really needs these iPads.”
Chairwoman of LEF Vicki Dean said, “The whole point of the foundation is to fund projects that the schools and teachers need.”
After deliberating, the LEF board agreed to allocate $10,000 to each school.
Excited by the direction teachers are relaying information to students in today’s learning environment, Moore said, “As of January, Apple is in the textbook business. It’s unbelievable that they can take the concept of a textbook to the next level.”
Eager to share more news with LEF, Moore said the school system’s latest test scores have been reported.
“I want to brag on my folks here,” Moore said. “The school district made AYP (adequate yearly process).”
LMS had 25 goals to meet and met all of their goals. While LES and LHS met 15 out of their 17 goals.
To ensure all goals are met when testing occurs this year, a graduation coach has been hired at LHS to work with at risk kids. And a math coach is now available at the elementary school to work with strugglers and teachers on the new curriculum.
The high school will also be bringing on a drama teacher as well as taking advantage of St. Clair County’s Career Tech Center in Ashville.
“Eighteen students will receive hands on training through their vocational school,” said Turner.
Moore added, “We’re very proud of that. It’s something I believe in.”
Looking forward to continue to put money directly in the hands of the teachers, the LEF board wants to thank Leeds citizens who contribute through donations made on their Leeds Waterworks bill.
Honored to be participants in the education process, LEF looks forward to awarded teachers with grants this fall.
Grateful for the generosity of LEF for equipping LHS with the next generation of iPads, Turner said, “Our students will certainly grow and learn something they can take with them.”