This represents Phase II, of a three year commitment, to support the district’s on-line learning initiative.  The grant award will be used to renew the eBlackboard software contract and fund four staff development courses and summer curriculum writing.  Students will continue to be introduced to the world of on-line learning while developing the skills needed to be an effective on-line learner.  The e-Education software will enhance traditional classroom instruction, augment professional development initiatives, and increase parent-teacher-student communication.  This enhancement to curriculum teaching and communication strategies was implemented in HHS computer science classes during the 2004/05 school year with expansion to other curricular areas to follow in 2005/06.  Recipient: Connie Jaeger, on behalf of the MTSD Technology Department   $30,000

Wireless Labs Ongoing Initiative

Wireless, portable computer labs will be purchased for Donges Bay and Wilson Elementary Schools.  The labs will be funded in partnership with the Mequon-Thiensville School District.  Due to the closing of Range Line Elementary School and the increased need for classrooms, one or more of the computer labs at Donges Bay and Wilson will be “recaptured” as classrooms, resulting in a critical need for portable labs.  The portable computer labs will allow for tremendous flexibility with “classroom to classroom” utilization.  The grant is in support of the district’s long range goal of having wireless computer labs at all K-12 buildings.   Currently Lake and Steffen Middle Schools and Oriole Lane Elementary School have wireless environments.  Homestead High School has a portable wireless network.  In 2003 MTEF funded a wireless lab at Oriole Lane Elementary School.   Recipient:  Lorraine Barr, on behalf of the Elementary Schools Technology Department  $30,000

Fast ForWord

In partnership with the district, Fast Forword Language and Language II Reading software and license will be purchased for Donges Bay Elementary School, and Lake Shore and Steffen Middle Schools.  The software is currently available at Oriole Lane and Wilson Elementary Schools, and Homestead High School.  Fast ForWord is a computer delivered, video-game reading intervention program developed to aid children who struggle to process the sounds of language fast enough to comprehend normal speech.  The program helps students build the cognitive skills needed to learn to read and/or become better readers.  In addition to being available to all students during the school year, the Fast ForWord course will be offered through the district’s summer school program.  Recipients:  V.O.I.C.E.S and Dennis Joyce  $6379.50

Classroom Amplification Systems

Four soundfield amplification systems will be funded for the district’s elementary schools.  The district currently has two systems.  Soundfield amplification systems create an environment where each student is at a favorable speaker-listener distance from the teacher.  Benefits include increased on-task behavior for “at risk” students such as those with ADD, ADHS, auditory processing challenges, and hearing loss.  Research also shows increased test scores and on-task behavior for ALL students in classrooms where amplification systems are in use.  Recipients:  Mary Colson and Susan Yorio  $3,200

Tribes Learning Communities Pilot

Four to five teachers at Oriole Lane School will participate in off-site training on the process of Tribes, a democratic group process that strives to develop a positive classroom environment that promotes growth and learning.  In addition, a local expert will be hired to provide coaching and evaluation.   The Tribes process creates an environment where students are respected for their different abilities, are actively involved in their own learning, have positive expectations from others that they will succeed, and accept responsibility for their behavior.  Recipient:  Chris Winnemann   $3,300

Supplemental Professional Development

All building principals will receive discretionary funds to use for staff development.  The purpose of the grant award is to support staff enrichment requests generated from our district’s staff.  This is the second year funding has been allocated to building administrators.  Elementary and Middle School principals will receive $1000, with the High School principal receiving $2,000.  Recipients:  All district schools  $7,000