CHARLESTOWN —
Charlestown Middle School’s Jacob Goodwin admits he wasn’t always the best student.
He had his share of lower grades, particularly a D in math.
Now, he boasts a 97 percent — a solid A in the same subject.
He was one of many students who lined the halls of the school Thursday evening to tell people what technology has done for them since they got their laptops about 3 months ago. This was all part of the school’s first Technology Fair, an event the school hopes to become an annual occurrence.
“I just felt motivated now. I never seen the point of math before,” he explained as to his growth. “I have ADHD and I would just give up. Now, I can look up tutorials so I don’t give up anymore. I feel more confident now. I feel I can actually do something with my life now.”
“We save lives here,” his teacher, Annette Hoff, said. “These kids who never did their homework before, who tried to sneak away without learning something, they are learning. They are self motivated and confident. This is their medium. This is what they can do. It’s an exciting time to be a teacher.”
As part of a pilot project in Greater Clark County Schools, Charlestown Middle School and Charlestown High School received laptops for students to work on during the school day and take home during the school year. Sixth graders share laptops, so they only use them during the school day. The $600,000 CMS program kicked off in February.
Ken Watson, technology coordinator, said he organized the fair to show the community what a difference the laptops have made.
“[I want them to see] just how much we have done in such a little amount of time and what a great thing it is to put a computer in the hands of every student,” he said.
The fair consisted of about 100 total entries split up among different categories, such as iWeb, iPhoto, PowerPoint and more. The top winner of each category received a grand prize — a 2-gigabyte flash drive.
Whitney Andrews, 13, showed off her project to passers-by. She made a photo book on the computer about the science of rocks, but told the story as if the rocks were on the show “The Bachelor.”
Andrews said she wasn’t always the best at computers.
“I used to not be very good at technology, but now I can search the Internet, create folders and use the applications I need,” she said.
Many said they like the change.
“I’m not really good with technology, but it’s a lot better than books. A lot better,” Jake Harper, 14, said. “I’m getting pretty good at it.”
“It’s easier,” 14-year-old Robby Harris said. “I don’t like to write a lot. I’m a better typer.”
Andrews said it has changed how the classroom works.
“Instead of carrying heavy books around, we get on the website of the books we need,” she said, though she said her math teacher still likes to use a textbook.
Those from the community who came out said they liked to see what the project has done.
“Even though I’m fairly computer savvy, I’m just being blown away with what they are being taught now, Rebecca Resch said. “It’s amazing the learning tool that it is.”
Clark County
Students get unplugged
Charlestown Middle School students show off laptop skills during Technology Fair
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
The Indiana Court of Appeals heard the respective oral arguments on the town of Sellersburg’s effort to annex the Covered Bridge Subdivision and the Willows on Wednesday. Covered Bridge appealed the trial court’s ruling that the town’s annexation preceded the subdivision’s effort to incorporate into an independent town and that, in exchange for sewer service, the residents would agree to not remonstrate against the annexation attempt.
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Redistricting on tap again for Jeffersonville
Though they just did so last year, it’s already time for the Jeffersonville City Council to start thinking about redistricting again.
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JEFF Fest set for June 9
The Jeffersonville Entire Family Fun Festival, better known as JEFF Fest, will
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be held from 11 a.m.. to 4 p.m. June 9 in Jeffersonville’s Preservation Park, 150 W. Market St. -
Charlestown encourages Realtors and developers to help it grow
he city hosted a showcase for about 200 developers and Realtors at Charlestown High School on Tuesday. The purpose of the showcase was to pitch the city as a place that is expected to prosper, especially in light of the continued development at River Ridge Commerce Center.
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Jeffersonville mayor vetoes two council acts
“It’s a meaningless resolution. It carries no weight. I think it’s political posturing and I’d as soon not be a part of it,” Moore said. “I will not be brought into a political discussion that’s already been decided.”
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Bridges project specifics emerging
Valentine outlined that incentives will be part of Kentucky’s contract with the winning bidder.
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He explained that once construction begins, the expected cost of construction per day will total about $80,000 and the contractor can earn incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing late. A completion date is set for June 30, 2018. - News and Tribune briefs for May 23, 2012
- May 22, 2012
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Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
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TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
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But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
