Come September of 2012, fewer students will be toting home heavy math books in their backpacks. Junior High Principal Kevin Brogioli told the ORR Regional District School Committee that in September, students in some math classes will be utilizing online text books. The benefit is that the online texts are updated on a regular basis, unlike paper books which are stagnant and used for multiple years.
Students are already using a variety of online resources including the ORR Math Website, SAT practice links and graphing calculators. The next step after the utilization of online texts books could be iPads and Tablet use in the classroom. Superintendent Doug White said that Burlington High School is already equipping students with iPads for daily classroom and homework use.
Mr. Brogioli discussed the upcoming Survival trip to Northfield, MA. This year marks the 40th year that junior high school students have been participating in the camping and wilderness program. This year, the program has 140 grade seven student participants, the largest ever for the program.
Mr. White reported that 2013 Chapter 70 Aid will be increased by the House of Representatives over the Governor’s recommendation by $18.5 million with $40 per pupil in minimum aid for the 213 school districts, including ORR, that were initially held level to this year’s fiscal 2012 funding.
The committee approved a change in the student handbook regarding the calculation of grade point average and class rank. The new official GPA will be included on the student’s report card at the end of every academic year. The class rank, which is based on a student’s GPA for the first 6 semesters of high school, in grades 9- 11 will be determined as soon as all class member’s incomplete grades have been resolved for the term culminating in the junior year.
The official class ranking will appear on the final report card and high school transcript. The class rank will be recalculated at the end of the 4th quarter senior year to reflect senior grades. High School Principle Michael Devoll said that confusion around the calculation of the GPA and class rank led to the more detailed calculation to make it easier for college applications.
In other committee news:
- On May 23, the Spring Concert will be held at the auditorium.
- On May 24, the ‘Concert in the Park’ will feature the Junior High School chorus and band at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett.
- May 18 will be the last day of class for seniors. May 18 is the Junior Semi-Formal dance event.
- The committee approved the Internet Safety Policy covering the filtering, monitoring and use of online activities of minors. Mr. White said that a program, known as Jo-Box keeps inappropriate sites unavailable to both students and staff.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry