Points of Interest

From Our Superintendent

While students and staff are enjoying the fun of summer vacation, the Lewiston School District has some exciting news to share!

Centennial Elementary received word that it is one of 15 schools to share $3 million in technology grants. Centennial Elementary will implement a STREAM initiative which focuses on science, technology, research, engineering, arts and mathematics – allowing students to immerse themselves in “hands dirty” and “feet wet” activities. They will implement this initiative throughout the entire school, from Kindergarten to 6th grade. The $67,707.95 grant will fund items such as fourth generation iPads, 3-D printers, high definition camcorders, twelve GPS units and two IROK Lego Robotic Team Kits to allow Centennial students to compete in the local Lego Robotics League. Students will be able to video record and document research data, Skype with students from around the world to learn about other cultures and languages, broaden their artistic expression with computerized art projects, and participate in after-school activities that will include the robotics league, sports motion study and competitions in science, engineering, applied arts and applied math. Congratulations, Centennial students and staff!

Tammany Alternative Center received a Nez Perce Gaming Grant in the amount of $10,000 to increase mobile technology at the school. The money will allow for the purchase of an additional thirty (30) iPads and covers for student use. Tammany experienced a big increase in student engagement and learning with the addition of mobile technology last year, and the staff is excited to continue this momentum in the future. The grant, along with other available funds, will enable Tammany to begin the 2014-2015 school year with approximately ninety-six (96) iPads, which is closely approaching a one-to-one ratio for students.

Whitman Elementary has been awarded $5,000 from the State Library Commission, and their grant ranked in the top 10 statewide. Grants were awarded to purchase books to increase access for Idaho’s youngest students. Because of Whitman’s developmental preschool program, it was an ideal candidate for this grant. Students will be allowed to check out more than one book from the library to take home, and the monies will allow for a wide assortment of books to be purchased. Creating a love of reading at all ages is important to student development, and this is a great opportunity for the students and families of Whitman.

Mobile technology is coming to all secondary science classes this fall. Rather than purchasing textbooks, the District is implementing web-based curriculum, utilizing open educational resources and Discovery Education. Recognizing the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, Next Generation Science Standards, Idaho Core Standards, project based and blended learning, this technology will assist students to become college and career ready. Integrating mobile technology and digital content will help meet the needs of increased emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and innovation.