Community Consolidated School District 59 is enhancing the opportunities they are providing the learning community to prepare students to be successful for life. This school year, students in the district received new Google Nexus 7 tablets and Chromebooks. In an effort to partner, share, and celebrate the initial device deployment with families, CCSD59 hosted Parent Technology Information Nights for the entire district. These meetings were for all district families, both elementary and junior high.

Assistant Superintendent for Innovative Learning and Communications, Ben Grey, talked with parents about the new devices and presented a timeline outlining the district’s preparation for the device rollout. “We began this journey late last fall by convening a technology committee with representation from staff across the entire district. We are very proud of the outcome as our team worked to establish a scenario where our students are provided the greatest opportunities to leverage technology to amplify their learning.” You can see the progression of the district’s journey by visiting the Innovative Learning and Communications webpage at www.ccsd59.org/ilc

Following Mr. Grey’s presentation, parents were invited to visit with students and teachers as they showcased many of the amazing ways these new devices are impacting learning in the classroom environment. Staff members from the Innovative Learning department talked with parents about internet safety and best use. Many parents had questions about the apps students are using and different resources being used throughout the school day. “The team received positive feedback from parents about the supports being provided by the district,” said Travis Hodges, the district’s network administrator.

“School systems across the country are being faced with the challenge of updating their instructional practices to align with the needs of the 21st century student,” Ross Vittore, Director of Innovative Learning, said. “In CCSD59, we are incredibly fortunate to have the vision and partnerships needed to amplify student learning in a way that will prepare students to be successful for life. Our team is truly excited about fulfilling our obligation to use our resources in a strategic way to provide students, and all stakeholders, with technology related instruction and supports that will prepare our community for whatever the future holds.”