For those of you that have read my previous posts, or possibly even followed my blog for a while, you know that I have taken on a new position as Admin Curriculum/Technology Integrator for the Rye School District in Rye, NH. It's not a big change in theory from what I had previously done for the past 5 years in York, Maine, however, it does expand my grade span from K-4 to K-8, and the title eludes to a few more dollar signs and a lot more responsibility!
As an administrator, I have already been in the schools (K-5 elementary and 6-8 junior high school) getting things in place, and meeting with other administrators to plan for the upcoming school year. Our official school year starts on Tuesday August 28th for the kids. By far the best way to break into a new school year is with a three day week (followed by a 4 day weekend), a four day week, and then finally a full 5 day week on week three of the new year. Children really seem to transition much better with this format, and who can argue with getting out a little earlier in June?
Between you and me, I could use an easy transition into the school year as well. Ya right! Anyone in the technology field that works in education, knows that this just isn't possible. Putting out fires is among the first call of duty for any education technology savvy person in the first month of the new year. But hey, I'm used to that!
These past two weeks have been just a bit stressful though, getting things in place, and making sure the technology is ready for the teaching staff and students upon their arrival. The biggest challenge is stepping into a new role with very little guidance, as the typical tech staff was given the summer off as well. Now, I'm not complaining, but I did feel like I had to do the job of at least three people over the past two weeks as I touched over 310 computers (just at the elementary school) to get them ready for testing, assigning network logins, and scheduling software updates individually. We also had the server go down at the Junior High School the day before I had planned a full day tech integration workshop with staff from both schools. That was a two day fix. Not to mention, I came from a district that was nearly 90% updated Mac computers (mostly given to us by the state) and iPads, and walked into a school district with 7 year old Dell desktops, laptops and Acer netbooks. "Great Scott! Send me back to the future Doc!"
The great news is, I get to team up with an old colleague of mine from Kennebunk, Jason Saltmarsh the Tech Director of SAU 50. Both his and my position are brand new to the district and SAU. It's great to know, that in challenging situations such as these, there is another brain to bounce ideas off of and work towards a clearer vision to promote tech integration and professional development within our schools for the future.
Another highlight so far has been the teachers and staff at both schools who have been very welcoming as well. I truly look forward to working closely with them, and assisting them in planning out curriculum in the weeks, months, and years to come. I may have felt like I stepped back 10 years when I walked into my first classroom in Rye and saw the technology that was available to the students and teachers, but I know that the future is bright and there is a lot of excitement building amongst the teachers. Which is the most any educator can ask for, because where there is enthusiasm, there is a life long learner ready to try something new!
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