The use of technology at Kresson Elementary School was highlighted at the Voorhees Board of Education meeting on Nov. 24.
Kresson Principal Stacey Morris gave a video presentation about how the school “strives to make a measurable difference in the lives of all of its students” on a daily basis through the use of technology.
“Today, it’s helping them to become self-confident individuals who are well equipped to succeed in a highly competitive society,” Morris said. “We focus on building meaningful relationships, designing and implementing innovative programs, incorporating technology and engaging students in all areas of the curriculum.”
Throughout the video, several teachers at Kresson were shown giving their opinions on how technology helps them in all areas of study and growth at the school.
For fifth-grade teacher Maria Sykora, she said she thought children really loved working with technology, as it came second nature to them, and through that, she and the students could grow.
“Every day that we use technology, it’s a chance for us to learn together,” Sykora said.
School technology specialist Lisa Morgan said the use of technology also helps the school encourage its students to be inspiring.
“We engage them in activities which use nature, technology and hands-on experiences, and we foster an environment which promotes creative thinking in our world,” Morgan said.
According to Morris, the school is always excited about expanding students’ opportunities to learn beyond the walls of Kresson through the integration of additional technology resources.
“It’s taking what we do well and continuing to find ways to improve,” Morris said.
In other news:
Several parents spoke during public comment about issues affecting their children.
• Parent Marc Vogin questioned if there were any advanced language arts classes at the middle school level similar to the advanced math the district offers.
“I know there are different levels of math, but what do you do in reading?” Vogin asked. “Is it all one level, or is it separated based on the ability of the students?”
Diane Killough Young, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said students who show proficiency at the seventh-grade level have the option to opt out of reading when they reach the eighth grade and they can take a foreign language instead.
• Parent Jennifer Henry, whose son must walk one mile to E.T. Hamilton Elementary School, asked the board to look into the possibility of revising its rules regarding whether students must walk to their school or can ride a bus.
“The bus stop is one house away from where my house is located,” Henry said. “It is less than a tenth of a mile from my doorstep to the corner where the bus stop is located, and my son is asked to walk a mile.”
Henry said her main concern was the safety of her son with regard to recent robberies and police reports of suspicious vehicles in the area, in addition to possible upcoming inclement weather.
• Parent Melissa Nayote wondered if there was a way to help her child who had a comprehension issue using iPads for assignments at the middle school, as opposed to using a physical book.
“There has to be a happy medium between the students who can use the iPad and the students who cannot learn on the iPad, and we shouldn’t have to fight with the teachers to get our children what they need,” Nayote said.
The next BOE meeting will be the board’s reorganization meeting and will take place on Jan. 7 at the district administration building at 7:30 p.m.
