St. John Regional Catholic School in Frederick kicks off Catholic Schools Week by showing off their new 1:1 computing program which provides every eighth grade student in the school with an iPad. The iPads will be used by teachers for daily lesson instruction and to take “virtual field trips” to enhance classroom instruction.
The iPads were purchased with a $38,000 grant from the Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation that has also funded the installation of wireless internet access throughout the school. St. John is believed to be the first school in Frederick County to boast a one-to-one computing program for students.
Associate Superintendent of Schools Margaret Dammeyer will attend a ceremony at the school on Tuesday, January 31 at 10 a.m. in the school gymnasium. “King Julian” from the Madagascar movies will be in attendance to help celebrate the first day of “iPad camp” for the school’s eight grade students.
“By moving to 1:1 computing through the use of iPads, St. John Regional Catholic School is at the precipice of a larger trend in education,” Greg Cantori, executive director of the Knott Foundation to The Catholic Review.
St. John Regional was one of seven schools designated STEM schools by the Archdiocese in January 2011. The 1:1 initiative is expected to enhance the school’s STEM program by providing an engaging, interactive digital learning experience for students.
Catholic Schools Week is January 29 – February 4 and is a national, annual celebration showcasing the hallmarks of Catholic education – academic achievement, faith formation, and commitment to service.
For more information about Catholic schools, visit www.archbalt.org of contact Ms. Sheila Evers at SJRCS, severs@sjrcs.org.