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~ Last Updated: 12/08/06 ~ |
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TIES Recognizes Students and Staff for Outstanding Use of Technology This news is especially gratifying to share because it involves the excellent work of students, teachers, and administrative staff in our District. District 279 was recognized by TIES (Technology and Information Educational Services) in four separate competitions at the TIES Education Conference that was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Monday, December 4 at 4:30 p.m. First, eleventh grade Park Center Senior High student Stephanie Kunze and teacher Lori LeClair are winners of the 2006 Technology Contest, Student Computer Art Project, sponsored by TIES and Apple Computer, Inc. The impetus for Kunze’s entry, “Blackened Insides” is a recurring nightmare. Kunze used the Photoshop “smudge” tool to create the dreary effect of her dream – she also wanted the image to appear mysterious, so she used the Photoshop “opacity” tool. In this competition, Minnesota students in grades 3-12 apply computer technology to create digital artwork. The final product may be a poster, original illustrated art, or images manipulated or hand-drawn on a computer. Entries were judged on content, creativity and originality, design and aesthetic appeal. The second competition involves a team of 26 twelfth grade students from Park Center Senior High and their AP Stats teacher, Ed Dillon. They are the winners of the Classroom of the Future Business Plan competition sponsored and developed by the Minneapolis-based audio/visual consulting firm of Tierney Brothers, Inc. The goal of the competition was to spur excitement for technology and collaborative classroom curriculum. The competition required students to develop a business plan for a retail store called Pirate Outfitters. The team will receive a fully integrated Classroom of the Future suite valued at $15,000 that will be installed at PCSH. While this is not a TIES sponsored competition, the winners of this contest were recognized at the TIES Education Conference.
Tucker is a Library Media Specialist extraordinaire. She is known for collaborating with her teachers. She is always willing to push the “technology envelope,” and her philosophy is, “If it contributes to the learning environment for students and teachers, I will find a way to make it work.” For the past twelve years Tucker has served in various leadership capacities on the district-level Computer Literacy TAT; she has also served on the district staff development Advisory Committee. Tucker also facilitates the Rush Creek Technology Committee. Thompson is described by one of his colleagues as “a physics teacher who has designed interactive physics lessons, created mini-movies on the computer to enhance lectures, used computer interface motion sensors, and developed web sites to help students interact with each other outside the classroom. Thompson is an innovator, not just in technology, but in all his teaching. His constant search for new technology application is just an extension of his constant search for better ways to help his students learn.”
Lisa’s leadership in technology integration helped transform four new magnet programs in the elementary school for the arts, math, science, and technology; a junior high international baccalaureate program; a high school middle years program; and a high school diploma program. She also led the design and implementation of the district’s Technology Integration Collaborative Teachers initiative, which uses a coaching and cohort model to create a more interactive, student-centered and engaging learning experience. Additionally, Lisa has worked with district educators to envision and implement the district technology plan, served as co-chair of the MEMO Technology Special Interest Division for state technology leaders, and collaborated with regional leaders to establish North Star Online, which promotes online learning. Congratulations to each of you! Your determination and hard work is helping to transform Osseo from a good to great school district. |
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The third competition is the TIES Exceptional Teacher Award. This award recognizes teachers in TIES member districts who model the best practices in using technology in their classrooms and engaging students in learning. This year, two Osseo teachers were honored: Mary Tucker, who teaches at Rush Creek Elementary and Paul Thompson, who teaches at Park Center Senior High.
The final recognition is District Technology Leader. This award is sponsored by TIES and Palm, Inc. to recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement implementing technology to improve K-12 education in a Minnesota school district. Lisa Finsness, Director of Instructional Media and Technology, is this year’s winner.
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