iPads deployed at RE-1 schools

WALSENBURG— The RE-1 Board of Education learned Tuesday the iPads have all been set up in the system, eBooks loaded, and orientation meetings have taken place, putting the electronic media into the hands of the eager students. One hundred thirty two of 192 devices are already in use at John Mall High School and the Peakview and Gardner iPads are being distributed this week. Parents are asked to put up a $30 refundable deposit to cover the insurance and damage deposit, but the children of families unable to pay will still be able to use the devices in the classroom. The district will also offer scholarships to families to pay the deposit so their children can experience 24/7 learning opportunities in and out of school. Monies have already been donated and final qualifying requirements are being worked out. The BOE is also looking into grants and establishing on line accounts to solicit donations. The clothing bank is up and operating, every Thursday from 4:15 pm to 6 pm. It is located in room 16 in the west wing building (the one story building between JMHS and Peakview) and is available to all students in the district, including Gardner, Peakview and JMHS. Donations are also welcomed each Thursday while the clothing bank is open. Board President Jaye Sudar reported non clothing articles have also been donated, including car seats. Gardner librarian, Harlene Michaels reported Gardner School is working with Barnes and Noble to have a book fair, where a percentage of sales proceeds on a given day will be donated to the Gardner library. The BOE will also redefine the concurrent college enrollment policy. Current policy indicates juniors and seniors may take college credit courses and the district will pay for 6 hours. That has not been followed and some students are taking three and four courses. The policy will be enforced beginning next term as enrollment for spring courses are beginning now and by the end of the year, the BOE hopes to have an updated policy version to include two courses. The CMAS scores for Science and History are in and the data will be deciphered at the next meeting. In routine business, the BOE approved extra duty coaching assignments for Aaron Vallejos, Peakview boy’s basketball coach and Joe Hibpshman as assistant coach and Mark Snyder and Michael Ryan Griego as volunteer coaches. The board also approved Jeffery Dickerson as the paraprofessional at Gardner School. In final action, the boards’ next meeting is November 11th, which is Veterans Day. There will be a reception before the regular meeting to honor all veterans working in the district who have served their country.