Highlighting Educational Innovation and Technology
Source/Author: Nancy L. Spencer, Head of School
January 15, 2021
Change may be constant, but adaptability is a choice. This is especially true now, during this year of unprecedented change, more than ever before. Guided by our mission and core values, Shorecrest continues to adapt our teaching and learning to prepare lifelong learners for today and tomorrow in new and innovative ways.
Since March of 2020, Shorecrest has taken a myriad of innovative and technological steps that have enabled the school to pivot to online education and ensure the continuity of the program for our families, first through all-school distance learning last spring and now with the Flexible Learning Program. The agility to manage this transition speaks to the commitment of our faculty and staff. Quite frankly, it has been a time-consuming and expensive endeavor, made possible only by the continued financial support of our tech and innovation programs.
This year, the School has utilized five Giving Days to support the pillars of the Shorecrest Fund. October 15 and November 12 spotlighted Academic Excellence and Athletics. Later this year, we will celebrate Visual and Performing Arts and demonstrate our commitment to Community & Service.
On January 21, we celebrate Innovation and Technology. As an Apple Distinguished School since 2016, Shorecrest earned this honor based on continued evidence of thoughtful integration of technology in the curriculum and academic excellence.
More than ever this year, we have seen how innovative strategies and technology have been fundamental to providing our student-centered teaching and learning during a global pandemic. Think about what we have accomplished through community support of the Shorecrest Fund!
Expansion of the School’s bandwidth to support the rapid rise in internet use on campus.
The purchase of equipment to facilitate faculty’s ability to communicate online including Swivl cameras and additional iPad devices for faculty and staff.
Significant amounts of training and professional development over the summer and continuing seminars throughout the academic year to prepare teachers on online educational methodology and best practices.
Expansion of the School’s one-to-one iPad program to include all students in grades 2-4 and support a more seamless transition between school and home use of technology. Families with students in grades K-1 that did not have a designated, personal device for their child to use at home were able to request access to a school-issued device.
On-going, live Technical Support for families and students, provided by the School’s Technology Team via phone or email, Monday through Friday from 7:45am - 4:00pm.
24-hour access to the School’s library for print books and materials. Students learning at home while school is in session on-campus can request to check out books and other library materials.
Use of Webex Video Conferencing to connect students with their teachers and classmates for live, one-to-one, small group and large group meetings in a safe, secure setting.
Purchase of additional school-wide subscriptions to support online collaborations and assessments.
Utilizing PowerSchool Learning, Google Classroom and SeeSaw to access assigned activities and submit student work.
Innovation means providing students with the technology skills and strategies they need to be successful, no matter the learning environment. Innovation enables teachers to embrace technology to support communication and collaboration as a way to ignite the potential of all learners. Innovation means finding ways to encourage curiosity within and teach problem-solving skills to our students, so that they can imagine solutions to whatever challenges that they will encounter in the future.
Change is inevitable, but through the sustaining philanthropic efforts of our community, especially on these Giving Days, we have been able to enhance the Shorecrest experience for all our students, even in these most challenging of times. We appreciate your support for Innovation and Technology, as we remain #ShorecrestTogether.
All the best,
Nancy
