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Community Corner

Ossining Schools Win Technology Award

The Ossining Union Free School District has won the Pioneer Award from the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center for its outstanding use of technology to support learning in all grades.
Examples of the effective use of technology abound in Ossining schools from kindergartners using a recordable, interactive whiteboard to capture a student’s voice and handwriting to middle schoolers using invention kits to design circuits to high school students constructing competition-ready robots.
 “I think our application stood out because it didn’t focus on one, single project or teacher. It gave examples of how technology is being used to support creativity and innovation in all grades,” said Director of Technology Jeremy Luft.
“It recognizes the work of many people from the superintendent’s cabinet to the teachers and students.”
 In a citation honoring the district, the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center stated “if you think for one moment that the district's technology team is attracted only by the power of cool gadgets in the classroom, you'd be mistaken. You see, it's more about the seamless integration of technology and how it has become imbedded in the district's "Innovation and Creativity" plan, making it an essential component of instruction, not simply another add on.”
Jennifer Forsberg, assistant director of technology, said “When we are choosing tools, resources or projects, we ensure that they are aligned with the curriculum and will reinforce learning in content areas as well as strengthening STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills.”
Ossining was also cited for its collaboration with outside agencies such as the Jacob Burns Center, IBM, Pace University and Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture. Examples of the integration of technology in the work done with these agencies include second graders creating public service announcements about sustainability, older elementary students using a “green screen” to animate parts of a documentary and middle school students working with IBM engineers to learn computer programming in a 3-D environment.
 “We’ve been fortunate in Ossining that the teachers and administrators have been enthusiastic about our technology plans from the start,” said Superintendent Raymond Sanchez. “Professional development has been key to the success of the program but, more importantly, the creation of a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable enough to try out new things."
The district's technology plan is a collaborative effort, with administrators, teachers, library media specialists and instructional coaches working closely together to ensure that all projects meet the Common Core Learning Standards and other criteria. A year ago, Luft was named Outstanding New York State Technology Leader for his role in ensuring that teaching and learning are supported by the best that technology has to offer. Two years ago, he was given the Pioneer Award for his role as Director of Technology. “For their willingness to see beyond today's restrictive state educational mandates and to bravely embrace new technologies, both administrators and teachers in the Ossining School District should be proud of what they've done. For this, we commend them and present them with this year's well-deserved Pioneer Award,” read the citation from the LHRIC.

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