Merritt Academy
The Romine Group, Management Company
July 2012 - June 2015
Committee Members
- Phil Maurey | Technology Director
- Nathan Seiferlein | Principal
- Mikhail Karasev | Technology Support
- Lori Kaufman | Technology Teacher
- Cynthia Jondron | Teacher
- Amy Schluckbier | Parent
- Michelle Alexander | Parent
Technology Plan Summary Sheet
Merritt Academy
59900 Haven Ridge Rd
New Haven, MI 48048
School Code #50906
586-749-6000
Fax: 586-749-8582
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 586-749-6000
Fax: 586-749-8582
Dates covered by this plan: June 30, 2012- July 1, 2015
Intermediate School District: Macomb
Technology Plan URL: www.merritt-academy.org
School Profile
Merritt Academy
Kindergarten to Twelfth
Est: 2012
460 students
Demographics
The student population of Merritt Academy represents a wide geographic area encompassing numerous cities in two counties in southeastern Michigan. Our student population is ethnically and culturally diverse, and draws from socio-economic extremes with the bulk of the students from lower income/at-risk families. This diversity creates a very unique composition of students and their families. Merritt Academy consists of four separate, freestanding buildings on 16 acres of land. The second and third buildings are modular buildings, which were added as classes were added, and number of students increased. The fourth building is for the high school. Our maximum class size is 24 students and teachers per grade level may shift based on demand.
School Mission Statement
The mission of Merritt Academy is to instill in its students academic excellence, character development, a love for life long learning, and service to others.
Merritt Academy Technology Mission Statement
Merritt Academy will provide students with the technology necessary to acquire the knowledge, develop the attitudes, and master the skills needed to meet and exceed the State of Michigan Technology Benchmark Standards. An on-going, sequential, well planned and consistently funded technology plan will empower students, parents, teachers, and staff to integrate technology into all areas of the curriculum.
Vision
Technology is and will be used in a growing capacity at Merritt Academy. Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade will have computer class for approximately 40 minutes two times each week during which time they will learn basic computer skills. Students in sixth through eighth grade will have computer class two to three times a week for 55 minutes. A great deal of time will be spent on word processing, integrating grade appropriate writing skills as defined by the Michigan ELA Curriculum. A variety of programs will be used to enhance other curriculum areas, e.g. internet research with reallife applications, exploring educational “skill and drill” websites, power point presentations, upper grade students will also learn database and spreadsheet applications. In addition, believing that educating our parents will directly impact and improve the success of our students, classes will be offered to parents and other interested adults in computers and technology related subjects knowing that as they [the parents] gain in proficiency with technology, so will our students. Lastly, the use of technology will be applied directly to the administrative and staff portions of Merritt Academy which will provide the staff and parents with a constantly growing and dynamic framework for communication and learning. Through staff development and training, technology is used and implemented by every staff
member from voicemail to classroom computer use to links on the school website to each classroom and staff member, to special events, calendars, and lunch menus.
Goals
There are five major goals that are essential to the successful development and accomplishment of Merritt Academy’s technology mission. These goals are:
- Meet or exceed State Technology Standards and Benchmarks for student use of technology by integrating technology into both teaching and learning at various levels.
- Increase student performance, improving student learning and performance, through the use of technology.
- Increase staff technological knowledge and use so that teachers can more aptly make use of “distant resources” available to enhance instruction and increase student achievement.
- Increase productivity, efficiency, and communication through the use of technology to promote parental involvement and increase communication with parents and community; training teachers, other staff members and parents as well as our students.
- Continuous evaluation of goals, objectives, strategies, and funding in the Technology Plan and its’ relationship to vision and mission of the Academy.
Goals and Objectives
Goal #1 (Curriculum Element I. A.) Meet or exceed State Technology Standards and Benchmarks for student use of technology.
- Objective 1 – Provide a sufficient number of up-to-date computers with internet capabilities and standard Microsoft programs as well as learning devices and technology based instructional tools and materials.
- Objective 2 – Research various on-line courses to offer high school students.
- Objective 3 – Implement teaching technology Standards and Benchmarks.
Actions:
- 2 Computer Labs – Elementary has 28 and the High School has 24 (max. 24 students per class) up-to-date computers, internet capabilities, standard Microsoft programs, LAN server.
- Apple Cart consisting of 29 laptop computers
- Dell Laptop Cart consisting of 14 laptop computers
- 1 laptop for every teacher, same set up.
- Fund and purchase appropriate peripheral equipment on an on-going basis to support technology integration
- Fund development of a written curriculum based on State Standards and Benchmarks.
Goal #2 (Curriculum Element I. B.) Increase student performance through the use of technology.
- Objective 1 – Integrate technology into lessons and daily functions (classroom websites with homework links, school newsletters linked to website).
- Objective 2 – Integrate technology into the curriculum. i. Students will learn how to type proficiently and successfully manage operation windows. ii. Students will learn to create and use word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, data bases and the internet. iii. Students will independently select and use software and hardware to complete self guided activities. iv. Students will create clear presentations that require internet research, formatting and skill delivery.
- Objective 3 - Provide a networked software program that supports curriculum standards.
Actions:
- Use technology time and skills to accomplish curriculum objectives such as paragraph writing and editing. (ongoing)
- Use technology to enhance curriculum objectives such as researching a topic of study, creating power point presentations etc. as appropriate with classroom
- Maintain a student/parent resource page on the teachers’ individual websites (ongoing)
- Implement the purchased quality program, Achievement Series, that supports each subject and schedule appropriate time for every class. Timeline: June 2012-June 2015
Goal #3 (Curriculum Element I. C.) Strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous courses and curricula through the use of technology including distance learning technologies.
- Objective 1. Create High School electives that are primarily based on technology and encompass a high level of creativity and critical thinking. (ongoing)
- Objective 2. Continue to offer additional programs that would enhance online interactive education focusing on offering an on-line learning class. (Ongoing)
Goal #4 (Curriculum Element I. D.) Increase productivity, efficiency, and communication through the use of technology to promote parental involvement and increase communication with parents and community; training teachers, other staff members and parents as well as our students. Have Technology Plan available to community along with school handbooks and manuals.
- Objective 1 – Provide up-grades in hardware/software within budget guidelines that address the school’s needs.
- Objective 2 – In conjunction with Goal #3, train and educate staff to use technology available.
- Objective 3 – Submit an annual budget outlining technology needs.
Actions:
- Consult regularly with technology support personnel, contracted services through Charter Technologies, to plan up-grades and future purchases.
- Train and educate staff to be comfortable with technology.
- Encourage communicating with parents through email (every teacher has their own email address), and website is set up for parents to access.
- Continue researching grants to update technology to meet current standards. 5. Link the technology plan along with other school reports to the school website so it will be available to all parents.
Goal #5 (Monitoring and Evaluation Element V. L.) Continuous evaluation of the goals, objectives, and strategies in the Technology Plan.
- Objective 1 – Design assessment tools to evaluate future technology needs of the school
- Objective 2 – Evaluate integration of technology with respect to increasing student performance.
- Objective 3 – Ensure technical considerations are made as a part of all future construction and expansion plans.
Actions:
- In partnership with parents, students, staff, and technology support personnel a yearly review will be made of technology with recommendations being made that fit within budget guidelines.
- Student assessment tools will include a portfolio of work completed using technology, grades in computer classes and overall attitudes towards technology.
- Assess eighth grade students on Michigan required skills. 4. Review technology curriculum and lesson plans.
Curriculum Element I. E. Developing our technology program in collaboration with adult literacy service providers is not applicable for Merritt Academy as we are a charter school and not currently involved with any of those types of programs.
Professional Development
Element II. F. Professional Development Increase staff technological knowledge and use so that teachers can more aptly make use of “distant resources” available to enhance instruction and increase student achievement through technology integration. .
- Objective 1 – Regularly provide opportunities for growth and development through the use of technology programs, application training, and integration.
- Objective 2 – Provide staff with the necessary training to ensure that they have to ability to teach students to not only use programs, rather integrate the learning process through the use of the programs. Train the staff to teach the students through the integration of word processing and spreadsheets.
- Objective 3 – Align the technology curriculum to standards set forth in the Michigan Curriculum Frameworks.
Actions:
- In-service time for all currently available technology and all newly acquired technology detailing how to integrate into current educational practice. (Ongoing)
- Professional development for Starboard technology (August 2012) 3. Monitor state and national standards addressing technology competencies for all staff members, take appropriate and timely action to ensure compliance.
Element II. G. Supporting Resources Technology Director will serve in capacity of a resource person in support of the entire technology program and will possess familiarity with Academy policies, as well as all manuals and printed materials necessary for existing technology. Money will be budgeted and spent at the directors discretion to accrue an adequate “library” of resources for staff use. Director will be familiar with ISD resources and assist staff in taking advantage of those programs. School website will be kept current and parents and staff will be encouraged to use as a communication tool. Other resources as presented will be evaluated for their benefit to our staff and may be utilized to assist in ensuring successful and effective uses of technology.
Infrastructure, Hardware, Technical Support, and Software
Element III. H.
1. Currently, every teacher and administrator (assistant principal has desktop computer) has a laptop computer with Internet access. There are 2 computer labs one with 28 computers and the other with 24, also online. The following gives a general break down of the hardware, software and infrastructure for these computers. There is also a Apple cart with 29 laptops on it for student use. There is also a Dell laptop cart with 14 laptops on it for student use.
A. Teacher laptop computers – Dell Vostro
B. Student computers – Dell
C. Teacher software – Microsoft Office 2003
D. Student software – Microsoft Office 2003, Microtype 4
E. Network – All computers are networked into a central Dell PowerEdge 2500 server. The school is its own local area network (LAN). Gmail is used for communication between staff members. Nightly backup is done on the server.
F. Internet – All staff and students have access to the internet through cable modem provided by Comcast Cable. Filtering software has been installed to ensure only proper internet sites may be accessed.
G. Website – Staff maintained
2. The following is a description of purchases that will be made for the 20122015 years: A. Student computers – The school will purchase computers to update the labs in both the elementary and high school buildings. These computers will have similar specifications to the student computers listed above. B. Student software: 1. Scantron Performance and Achievement Series Assessment – Tracks student learning levels on skills basis while also monitoring their progress. 2. Career Cruising – A career program that allows students to take interest inventories, plans high school schedules, researches careers and universities. It also allows students to create a career plan with short and long term goals.
3. Microtype 4 – A keyboarding program focusing on alphabetic, numeric keyboarding and numeric keypad. C. Administrative software – The school purchased PowerSchool student record management software and Data Director. D. Media – Televisions, DVDs, and VCRs, will be mounted in every homeroom. All televisions will be interconnected which will allow the office to display school wide information or messages.
Future Plans | The school will look at the following items as additional purchases that will improve the current technology package:
Interactive Technology – Smartboards will be purchased for each classroom.
Student software – Support materials for textbooks. 3. Basic strategies for ensuring interoperability include the following: A. Software – The school technology director, and the computer technician, scrutinize all software prior to purchasing to ensure that compatibility with all current software and hardware will not be compromised. B. Controls are in place which prevent the loading of any software to an individual computer without the password consent of the technology coordinator.
Peripheral hardware may also not be added to any computer without the password consent of the technology coordinator.
To the extent possible, makes and models of new hardware will be identical. This will ensure compatibility with the existing system.
The school technology director and the computer technician will be the only individuals allowed to access the server or computers for the purpose of doing repairs. Layout for additional purchases and upgrades: Due to the age of the technology, upgrades are taking place on an ongoing basis. The school expects to upgrade all computers after a period of three years.
4. In addition to the purchasing of hardware and software, the school purchased an extended warranty on all Dell products. This warranty is for three years on-site repairs.
The technology coordinator has the ability to troubleshoot most hardware and software issues that arise. For larger problems, the school has contracted with a local computer technician for repairs or service problems.
Element III. I. Many different measures will be taken to ensure all students and teachers will have increased access to technology including:
- Zero and ninth hour
- One-on-one support available for teachers
- The school acknowledges that there may be students that may not have the resources necessary to have access to current technology. The staff will work to ensure that those families have the same access as the other families in the school. The goal is that those with high needs or high poverty never be denied the opportunity to share the experiences that the latest technology can offer.
School Years and Technology Funding Sources School General Fund Local Business State Funds Federal Grants 2012/2013 Computers and Instructional Hardware $25,000 Instructional Software Staff Software $2,000 Network Infrastructure $15,000 Staff Development $5,000 Technology Staff $33207 Maintenance and Tech Support $15,000 Telecommunications $12,000 Parental and Community Training Video and Media $2,000 2013/2014 Computers and Instructional Hardware $30,000 Instructional Software Staff Development Network Infrastructure 5,000 Staff Development $5,000 Technology Staff $34,207 Maintenance and Tech Support $15,000 Telecommunications $12,000 Parental and Community Training Phonic Ear (Classroom speakers) Video and Media 2014/2015 Computers and Instructional Hardware $20,000 Instructional Software Staff Software Network Infrastructure $2,000 Staff Development $5,000 Technology Staff $35,207 Maintenance and Tech Support $15,000 Telecommunications $12,000 Parental and Community Training Video and Media
Funding and Budget
(Element IV. K.) Funding and budget as spelled out on the following chart covers the acquisition, implementation, interoperability provisions, maintenance, and professional development related to the use of technology to improve student academic achievement. Grants will be earnestly sought for the school by our school to further enhance and supplement the current budget projections. In addition, the school has obtained e-rate funds to supplement telecommunication bills.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Element V. L. Evaluation Merritt Academy will periodically evaluate the extent to which activities are effective in integrating technology into curricula and instruction (and curricula into technology), increasing the ability of teachers to teach, and enabling students to reach challenging state and national academic standards. These evaluations will be conducted by the management company, the administration, and the technology director, through written and online surveys (Survey Monkey) assessments, and evaluations after inservice training experiences.
If goals are unmet, the administration and technology committee will meet to determine the best practice of meeting these goals including but not limited to surveys, extended professional development, extra curricular technology courses, and competency tests.
- Objective 1 – Design assessment tools to evaluate future technology needs of the school
- Objective 2 – Evaluate integration of technology with respect to increasing student performance.
- Objective 3 – Ensure technical considerations are made as a part of all future construction and expansion plans.
- Objective 4 – Provide strategies for how unmet goals will be met.
Actions:
- In partnership with 2 parents, 2 staff members, the technology coordinator and the school administrator, a yearly review will be made of technology with recommendations being made that fit within budget guidelines. This team will evaluate if the goals are being met and determine a corrective action plan to ensure compliance (Annually)
- Student assessment tools will include a portfolio of work completed using technology, grades in computer classes and overall attitudes towards technology.
Element V.M. Acceptable Use Policy MERRITT ACADEMY – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Student Internet/On-Line Services User Rules & Agreement
Merritt Academy has the capability of offering Internet access to its students. Access to the Internet enables students to exchange electronic mail messages with other users and explore thousands of libraries, databases and bulletin boards throughout the world. Use of the Internet and other on-line information services is a privilege extended to students, faculty and staff to enhance learning opportunities.
Although the Internet offers valuable resources and opportunities for learning, some material accessible on-line may be illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. Use of the Internet and other on-line services in Merritt Academy is restricted to activities which support the educational goals and objectives.
Merritt Academy respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to allow their child to apply for access to the Internet and other on-line services. Parental permission is required for students under the age of 18 to use on-line resources at Merritt Academy. The following guidelines have been established regarding the Internet and other on-line services:
- Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks, just as they are in classrooms and school hallways.
- The administration, faculty and staff of Merritt Academy may deny, revoke or suspend student access accounts for inappropriate use of the Internet and other on-line information services.
- Merritt Academy reserves the right to review any material stored in files and may edit or remove any material which the staff, in its sole discretion, believes may be unlawful, obscene, abusive or otherwise objectionable.
- Transmission of any material in violation of U.S. or state regulations, including copyrighted, threatening or obscene materials, is prohibited.
- Use for commercial activities by for-profit organizations, product promotion, political lobbying or illegal activities is prohibited.
- The following uses of the internet and other on-line information services are not permitted; a. Sending, receiving or displaying offensive messages or pictures b. Using obscene language c. Harassing, insulting or attacking others d. Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks e. Violating copyright laws f. Using another person’s account and/or password g. Giving your account and/or password to another person h. Trespassing in another person’s folders, work or files i. Intentionally wasting limited resources j. Employing the network for commercial purposes. Divulging personal information about yourself or others to strangers (includes addresses, telephone numbers, credit card numbers, passwords or other confidential information).
- Merritt Academy will adhere to the federal requirement for privacy and internet safety that are outlined in The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Violations will result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. School disciplinary action will be determined by the school administration in accordance with the Student Code handbook and Board Policies and may result in suspension or expulsion.
The signatures of both the student and the parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) are mandatory before access to the Internet and other on-line services may be granted.
Merritt Academy Internet/On-Line Services User Agreement and Parent Permission Form
I have read and hereby agree to comply with the terms and conditions outlined above.
Student Signature: ________________________________ Date: _________________
Student Name (please print): __________________________________________________________
Grade: _____________ Date of Birth: ________________________
As parent/legal guardian of the student signing above, I grant permission for my child to access network services such as electronic mail and the Internet. I have read and agree to Merritt Academy’s Internet/On-Line Services Use Procedure, and understand that I may be held responsible for violations by my child. I understand that my child’s access account can be used to access the Internet from computers outside the school community. I understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable; therefore, I agree to accept responsibility for guiding my child, and conveying to him/her appropriate standards for selecting, sharing and/or exploring information and media.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________ Date: __________
Parent/Guardian Name (please print): ___________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
Home Telephone: ____________________ Daytime Telephone: ________________
MERRITT ACADEMY – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | #17 Content Filtering Policy
- Undesirable Materials: Merritt Academy will take all possible precautions to restrict access to undesirable materials. Comcast Cable is the schools Internet provider which uses content filtering software on its equipment to screen all Internet web sites by URL and/or by keyword search. However, students and teachers must also accept responsibility for restricting access to these materials. Students who gain access to undesirable Internet materials must report this material to their teacher. Teachers who gain knowledge of undesirable Internet materials must report this material to an administrator.
- Security: Students and teachers must not allow others to use their network accounts (both Internet and School accounts). Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Designated school personnel may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on school file servers would always be private.
- Parental Permission: Student and parent signatures on the Acceptable Use Internet policy will allow independent student use of the Internet. Instructions on Internet use will be given to students by their teachers.
- E-Mail: E-mail accounts may be assigned to students at the school’s discretion. E-mail accounts will be assigned to teachers on a continuing basis. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks and other inappropriate behaviors are prohibited on the network. Receipt of inappropriate mail should immediately be reported to a teacher and to an administrator. The use of encryption will be permitted. No right of privacy exists in favor of any employee of the firm in respect to this information.
- Chat and User Groups: Independent student use of chat and user groups is not allowed.
- Copyright and Citations: Any copyrighted materials are subject to the Fair Use provision of copyrighted materials as it relates to education. Internet materials used in reports or other documents must be cited. If there is no direct citation, the Uniform Resource Location (URL) must be cited.
- Downloading: Downloading from the Internet without approval from a teacher or building principal is not allowed.
- Private Internet Providers: Students may not use school computers to access private Internet providers.
Date Adopted ______________________
Board President’s Signature ______________________
