Lynbrook BOE Hears '1 to World' Presenation

The March 12 meeting of the Lynbrook Board of Education featured a presentation about the “1 to World” Device Initiative, a sixth-grade tablet program that the district hopes to introduce in the 2014-15 school year. Neil MacDermott, the district’s instructional technology coordinator, provided an overview of a program that would provide each sixth-grader in the district with a personal device. He explained that digital integration will open up new windows to learning, fostering skills such as self-reliance, critical thinking, inquiry, innovation, teamwork, digital literacy and connectivity across all subject areas. One of the goals of the program is to support students in becoming active producers of knowledge, rather than passive consumers of content. Other goals are to extend learning beyond the school day, promote project-based learning and provide a blended learning experience that combines face-to-face learning with online learning.

“Our digital transition is a journey, not an experiment,” said Mr. MacDermott. “Students are more connected to technology than ever before. Technology will continue to develop around our students, making it critical for them to master digital literacy skills.”

Mr. MacDermott went on to explain that the “1 to World” program will enable students to do old things better and do new things they couldn’t do before. The program will improve the learning environment by providing students with a greater connection to resources and productivity tools, such as Office 365. It will also provide opportunities to extend the learning day, offer enhanced communication with peers and teachers, and make it easier for students to collaborate on projects. In addition, the tablets will give teachers new real-time tools to assess individual student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. The district has been actively involved in developing strategies to effectively implement the program, communicate with parents and other stakeholders, and provide teachers with professional development to ensure a successful rollout.

Before the start of the presentation, the Board took time to recognize the accomplishments of Lynbrook High School junior Luke Germanakos, who recently captured the state championship title in the 600-meter run, earning a spot as a national qualifier. This marks the first time since 1977 that the school has had a state champion in track.

The Board also took time to recognize the efforts of school social workers Karen Aquino, Roseanne Bogard, Sandra Gettenberg and Carol Woehr for their efforts to support students and staff during times of personal and community crisis.

Waverly Park Student Council members Madden Hausknecht and Alicia Villadiego and Student Council adviser Shari Bowes appealed to residents to participate in their school’s Little Doctors blood drive on April 9 from 3:30-7:30 p.m.

As part of the superintendent’s report, Dr. Paul Lynch, assistant superintendent for finance, operations and information systems, presented a capital projects update. He reviewed information on the North Middle project, which was approved by voters in May 2012. Due in part to the long delay in receiving SED approval for the plans, the bids came in over budget. The board has agreed to ask voters to approve the expenditure of the additional funds from the capital reserve fund as part of Proposition 3, which will be presented to voters for approval on the May 20 budget vote. If the proposition is approved, the district will break ground at the conclusion of the school year. Dr. Lynch also noted that planned construction of the new track, tennis and basketball courts at South Middle School will be going out to bid on March 25, with bids being opened on April 10. The districts hope to break ground the last week in June.

In the business portion of the meeting, the board adopted the proposed 2014-15 budget in the amount of $77,229,010 as well as two additional propositions that will be on the May 20 ballot. The board also adopted the 2014-15 district calendar. After three previous readings, the board adopted a new policy regarding food allergies. After two previous readings, the BOE also adopted a policy on the public use of school facilities regulation, as well as a student health services exhibit policy. 

  In addition, the board acknowledged the more than three decades of dedicated service of special education teacher Elizabeth Moseman, who announced plans to retire at the end of this school year.