iPads Abound
by Todd Ream
When I went away to college, my parents announced anything I took with me was going to have to fit into my car. Since I was never a slave to fashion, my clothes did not take up much room. Any books I needed I would just buy once I got to campus. However, this relatively new invention called the personal computer took up a considerable amount of space. The futuristic monochrome monitor and sleek, dot-matrix printer easily weighed enough to make me wonder if I needed to pull into some of the truck weigh stations on the interstate. All that just so I could type and print my papers, as even the internet had yet to emerge.
This fall, children in grades K-8 at Eastern received a device that weighs a fraction of my first personal computer and is small enough that it can fit in almost any backpack (most students in the high school received comparable devices known as netbooks). This one-to-one iPad initiative, an effort garnering local, state, and nationwide acclaim, is arguably the first of its kind. The essence of it is that each child was issued one of these devices in order to aid in their educational efforts both at home and at school. Some schools make these devices available in the classroom and Eastern had taken that approach for a couple of years. However, now each child can use this device in any number of locations.
With internet capability and high resolution screens, iPads can be used to support a host of initiatives from helping with research for science projects to shooting short documentaries. At a recent meeting of the Parent Advisory Committee, Eastern Elementary Principal Randy Maurer highlighted that iPads are even allowing for individualized instruction for students, such as reading assignments that match with each student’s current reading level.
Eastern Superintendent, Tracy Caddell, noted, “We are excited to see the positive feedback from parents, guardians, and other stakeholders concerning our one-to-one program with iPads and netbooks.”
Of course, students have also figured out that such devices can be utilized for a variety of purposes. The same iPad that can be used to make a documentary for science class can also be used to make a host of films starring any number of actors including family pets. Rumor has it that video footage of a previously unknown schnauzer that roams several acres on 100 N has now gone viral in Azerbaijan.
On a more serious note, Tracy Caddell also recently warned parents that “Unfortunately, we cannot fully control all aspects of internet access from sites other than our own. We highly recommend that the parent supervise and control internet use while the student is away from school to prevent them from reaching inappropriate content. Should you have concerns with how your student uses their device or the content they can reach, please contact us immediately.”
While our children will have more room in their cars when they leave for college for the latest fashion accessories, the introduction of new forms of instructional technology comes with both benefits and challenges. Remembering technology is a means and not an end, such devices are designed to reinforce and individualize what is best about the educational experience—not expose students to the worst dimensions of the human experiment. Failure to respect those parameters compromises what is ultimately a step into the future of education. We may very well all have a role to play in this new world where devices such as iPads abound.
Todd and his family live in Greentown. He has two daughters who attend Eastern Elementary School where he serves as a regular volunteer. He also teaches at Indiana Wesleyan.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
New Business in Greentown
Hearth Shop Opens in Greentown
photo by Rachel Jenkins
Members of Greentown Main Street Association and Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home
participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 to mark the Grand Opening of the
business at 100 W. Main St. Left to right are Lisa Stout, Jay Freeman, Ron Simpson, Neil Clifton,
retail manager; Kent Henderson, owner; Dennis Kochenour - installer, Julie Henderson, owner;
Eric Haupert, sales associate; Tom Haneline, installer; Stephanie Hulce, Jodi Cecil, and Mary Miller.
Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home has opened their store at 100 W Main Street, on the NW corner of the main intersection in town. The business sells fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. The store has on display gas, wood, pellet and coal units. They are a full service dealer and sell, install & service all of their products. The owner, Kent Henderson, is the fourth generation in the family owned company. The original store is in downtown Wabash.
Hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
photo by Rachel Jenkins
Members of Greentown Main Street Association and Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home
participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 to mark the Grand Opening of the
business at 100 W. Main St. Left to right are Lisa Stout, Jay Freeman, Ron Simpson, Neil Clifton,
retail manager; Kent Henderson, owner; Dennis Kochenour - installer, Julie Henderson, owner;
Eric Haupert, sales associate; Tom Haneline, installer; Stephanie Hulce, Jodi Cecil, and Mary Miller.
Schlemmer Brothers Hearth & Home has opened their store at 100 W Main Street, on the NW corner of the main intersection in town. The business sells fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. The store has on display gas, wood, pellet and coal units. They are a full service dealer and sell, install & service all of their products. The owner, Kent Henderson, is the fourth generation in the family owned company. The original store is in downtown Wabash.
Hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Students to Recreate Portions
of Lincoln - Douglas Debates
While most people know the name “Lincoln-Douglas Debates,” it’s fair to say that many don’t know a lot about them. In fact, it’s a common misconception that the debates were Presidential debates. While Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas did oppose each other in the four-way contested presidential election of 1860, their famous debates occurred two years prior when Lincoln challenged incumbent Senator Douglas in his Illinois re-election bid.
There were seven debates (one in each of Illinois’ seven congressional districts) with each one lasting several hours – much different than the media-driven versions we see today. By challenging the nationally known Douglas to defend his slavery policy of popular sovereignty (letting the individual territories decide for themselves), with his dry wit and self-deprecating humor, the relatively unknown Abraham Lincoln became a household name.
Four Eastern High School students, Riley Smith, Sarah Wagner, Josh Keith, and Jonah Evans, will perform select portions of the famous exchanges at the Greentown Historical Society, 103 E. Main Street, on Sunday, October 21, at 2:00 p.m. The students are enrolled in the AP Government and Politics class taught by Peter Heck.
The free program is open to the public. The facility is handicap accessible.
The presentation will be repeated at the annual meeting of the Greentown Historical Society, which will be Thursday, November 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Community Building at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The cost of the catered meal is $15.00. Call Karen Swan, 765-628-3565, for reservations by October 25.
of Lincoln - Douglas Debates
While most people know the name “Lincoln-Douglas Debates,” it’s fair to say that many don’t know a lot about them. In fact, it’s a common misconception that the debates were Presidential debates. While Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas did oppose each other in the four-way contested presidential election of 1860, their famous debates occurred two years prior when Lincoln challenged incumbent Senator Douglas in his Illinois re-election bid.
There were seven debates (one in each of Illinois’ seven congressional districts) with each one lasting several hours – much different than the media-driven versions we see today. By challenging the nationally known Douglas to defend his slavery policy of popular sovereignty (letting the individual territories decide for themselves), with his dry wit and self-deprecating humor, the relatively unknown Abraham Lincoln became a household name.
Four Eastern High School students, Riley Smith, Sarah Wagner, Josh Keith, and Jonah Evans, will perform select portions of the famous exchanges at the Greentown Historical Society, 103 E. Main Street, on Sunday, October 21, at 2:00 p.m. The students are enrolled in the AP Government and Politics class taught by Peter Heck.
The free program is open to the public. The facility is handicap accessible.
The presentation will be repeated at the annual meeting of the Greentown Historical Society, which will be Thursday, November 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Community Building at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The cost of the catered meal is $15.00. Call Karen Swan, 765-628-3565, for reservations by October 25.
Pumpkins
Quite Like Pumpkins
photo by Rachel Jenkins
During the past few days, a field on SR 22 west of Greentown has revealed a large crop of pumpkins, turning the previous green cover to rows of bright orange pumpkins. The producer is Ladd Farms, Inc. of Peru, IN.
Township Consolidation
Advantages Seen to Consolidation
The trustees of Jackson, Liberty, and Union Townships, as well as some board members, addressed the question which will be on the ballot in all three townships. That question will ask for a “yes” or “no” on whether the three townships shall be reorganized (consolidated) into one political unit. This coincides with the Eastern School District. The meeting was held September 13 at the Greentown Public Library and conducted by the League of Women Voters of Howard County Area. Greg Kingseed, Trustee of Jackson Township; Linda Grove, Trustee of Liberty Township; and Steve Carpenter, Trustee of Union Township, answered questions from the League and from the audience. Assistance in the way of utilities, rent, medication, and food account for most of their time spent on official duties, as well as record keeping. Other duties are providing fire protection, care of abandoned cemeteries, and funeral costs and burials. The trustees met and composed a proposed budget for the combined area and estimate a 14% decrease in expense. Instead of three trustees and 7 to 9 board members, all drawing a salary, there would be one trustee and three board members. The trustees may also employ a clerk and an investigator.
All three current trustees favor consolidation. Kingseed stated that the Kernan-Shepherd Report recommended in 2007 the elimination of the 1,008 townships in Indiana. He says this plan of consolidating by school district maintains some level of local control while meeting a goal of more efficiency.
A similar meeting was held at Northwestern High School on Sept. 20. Another meeting will be held at the Greentown Public Library at 6:00 p.m. on October 11 for those who could not attend the first and for those who might have more questions. A second meeting is planned at Northwestern on October 18, also at 6:00 p.m.
Scott Deyoe, who attended the first Greentown meeting, expressed his hope that people will become informed about the issue. He said, “If you are ambivalent or haven’t become informed, it is better that you don’t mark the ballot on that question. Let those who have an opinion and have researched the issue determine the outcome.”
The trustees of Jackson, Liberty, and Union Townships, as well as some board members, addressed the question which will be on the ballot in all three townships. That question will ask for a “yes” or “no” on whether the three townships shall be reorganized (consolidated) into one political unit. This coincides with the Eastern School District. The meeting was held September 13 at the Greentown Public Library and conducted by the League of Women Voters of Howard County Area. Greg Kingseed, Trustee of Jackson Township; Linda Grove, Trustee of Liberty Township; and Steve Carpenter, Trustee of Union Township, answered questions from the League and from the audience. Assistance in the way of utilities, rent, medication, and food account for most of their time spent on official duties, as well as record keeping. Other duties are providing fire protection, care of abandoned cemeteries, and funeral costs and burials. The trustees met and composed a proposed budget for the combined area and estimate a 14% decrease in expense. Instead of three trustees and 7 to 9 board members, all drawing a salary, there would be one trustee and three board members. The trustees may also employ a clerk and an investigator.
All three current trustees favor consolidation. Kingseed stated that the Kernan-Shepherd Report recommended in 2007 the elimination of the 1,008 townships in Indiana. He says this plan of consolidating by school district maintains some level of local control while meeting a goal of more efficiency.
A similar meeting was held at Northwestern High School on Sept. 20. Another meeting will be held at the Greentown Public Library at 6:00 p.m. on October 11 for those who could not attend the first and for those who might have more questions. A second meeting is planned at Northwestern on October 18, also at 6:00 p.m.
Scott Deyoe, who attended the first Greentown meeting, expressed his hope that people will become informed about the issue. He said, “If you are ambivalent or haven’t become informed, it is better that you don’t mark the ballot on that question. Let those who have an opinion and have researched the issue determine the outcome.”
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