Student projects have come a long way from colored poster board. Last week, while the students enjoyed an extended lunch, I sat in on one of our staff's Lunch-n-Learn sessions. The topic on this particular day was podcasting and screencasting. One of our fellow Brookwood educators shared her experiences, not only creating podcasts and screencasts for classroom use, but also how students are using the same skills to present classroom projects. 
 

Lunch-n-Learn is just one way that Brookwood staff keeps current and collaborates on teaching resources and technology available for classroom use.  Studies show that, across all disciplines and levels of achievement, all types of students benefit from technology use, from high achievers to those with behavioral and emotional issues.  In a Lunch-n-Learn session, you will see a P.E. teacher sitting beside a physics teacher sitting beside a visual arts teacher.  Recent lunchtime sessions have covered animated online slideshows, digital storytelling, and social networking for educational use.  While these no-cost tools help us engage students, county officials have bigger technology initiatives coming.
 

In November, voters approved the special purpose sales tax for education.  Nearly 50% of the money collected from the SPLOST is allocated for technology projects, paving the way for Gwinnett's eCLASS initiative. eClass will touch virtually all aspects of the school district.  I've sat in on some roundtables with principals to learn more about how eCLASS will transform the classroom and will have more to share in the coming months as the roll-out begins.
 

I still believe that a great teacher can reach students without the latest gadget.  But, I'm also confident that, by the time the Classes of 2012, '13, '14 and '15 graduate, they will know how to glean information from a textbook or an iDevice, collaborate in a study group or a network, and get their ideas across with a poster or a podcast.  We look forward to learning right along with them.

Warmly,

Debbie

During his lunch, junior Jordan Randles set up shop in the Commons Area to shed light on a good cause. Jordan, a member of Junior Achievement has Asperger's (a form of Autism). 

Jordan sold blue lightbulbs in support of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, when communities are encouraged "Light It Up Blue". Last year prominent buildings all over the world participated by turning their lights to blue. Check out this gallery of photos from the 2011 celebration.

We are proud of Jordan for his support of this important cause.

Congrats to the January Students of the Month. These students were chosen by BHS teachers and staff for motivation, achievement or acts of service.

Bronco String Musicians Head to Savannah

Congratulations to the following BHS orchestra students who have been selected for the 2012 All State Orchestra. They will perform with other excellent string musicians from across Georgia in Savannah on March 2.

Javan Jacques, viola (5th chair), Ian Chen, cello (2nd chair) and Ryan Whitfield, bass (2nd chair).

The following Brookwood string musicians have been selected for the 1st Annual Statewide Honor Orchestra:  Priscilla Jung, violin; Micah Jo, violin; James Deaver, cello; and Ian Chen, violin 

Brookwood Robotics is Headed for World Championships

Brookwood Girls Swim/Dive Team Repeats as County Champions, the Team's 11th Title in 13 Years.  Boys Set School and County Meet Records.

The story from the Gwinnett Daily Post.

There were many great Brookwood finishes at the county swim/dive meet.  Here are just a few of the many highlights:  1st place in the Boys 200 relay...1st place in the Boys 200 individual relay...1st place in the Boys 50 freestyle...1st place in the Boys 100 freestyle...1st place in the Boys 500 freestyle...Girls are County Champions...1st place in the Girls 200 freestyle...1st place in the Girls 100 freestyle...1st place in the Girls 500 freestyle...1st place in the Girls 400 freestyle relay.

Complete coverage from the Gwinnett Daily Post.