District goes high-tech as school year approaches

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By Linda Ebbing, Staff Writer 11:06 PM Monday, August 17, 2009

ST. CLAIR TWP. — Students returning to New Miami Local Schools on Monday, Aug. 24, will get their first glimpse of new technology funded by a $700,000 grant awarded to the district in January.

“Our goal is for each student to have his or her own wireless laptop while they are at school,” said Superintendent Melissa Kircher. “And we are on our way.”

The money was awarded to the district by the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Subcommittee of the Partnership for Continued Learning, chaired by Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Along with 600 laptops, Smart boards with educational interactive software have been purchased for each classroom. Every teacher in the district received a kit that includes a video camera, an iPod and a laptop.

New technology and software will give high school students an opportunity to design their own films in an integrated unit which includes language arts, math, science and social studies.

Students at the high school also will be greeted by a new administrator, Dean of Students David Wancata.

An educator for more than 32 years, Wancata begin his career as a substitute teacher at New Miami High School and said he “has come full circle. I am connected to the school ... a piece of my heart is here.”

A graduate of Miami University, he taught at Fairfield High School before going to Lockland High School where he served as assistant principal and head football coach. He also has served as an administrator at Mason Middle School and Milford High School.

He retired two years ago but said he missed the “routine and the students.”

His primary responsibilities at New Miami will include discipline for grades six through 12, overseeing the athletic department, helping run the day-to-day operations and dealing with daily attendance.

“If students are not here we can’t teach them,” Wancata said.

High school Principal Bob Fischer described Wancata as a “seasoned vet.”

“We have a strong administration team working in collaboration with our teachers to help challenge our students and focus on student success,” Fischer said. “Another big focus is to make New Miami a place students want to be every day.”

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“If students are not here we can’t teach them,” Wancata said. - Not true!

This equipment will prepare students to learn in many places besides and from many people besides NMHS teachers. Either the author of this article left out 21st Century Skills embraced by the Gates Foundation or the philosophy of teaching and learning within NMHS needs to change before wasting money on this equipment.

R. Cone
1:09 PM, 8/25/2009

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Isn't it a shame some person has to add derogatory comments. This school now has top notch administration and just a few teachers who need to join the program. People need to remember, it's all about the kids, put your egos aside.

alumni72
4:19 PM, 8/18/2009

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Loretta, Loretta, Loretta - sounding a little bitter there - - I congratulate the New Miami students & am also an alumni! Couldn't be prouder of the Vikings today!!!!!

cupcake
11:21 AM, 8/18/2009

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Wow! I'm so impressed! My sister, Bonnie, has been a Spanish teacher at NMHS her entire career. But she didn't tell me about this wonderful addition to education there. Kudos to NMHS! And to George for keeping the alumni informed! Thanks George!

Linda Sharp McCoy
11:15 AM, 8/18/2009

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This is great!! Congrats New Miami students. I believe that the academics at New Miami are second to none in the surrounding area. I am proud to be a New Miami Alumni!

Lynn
11:15 AM, 8/18/2009

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