In a message released Monday, Hays USD 489 Superintendent Dean Katt offered an open message highlighting facility and technology upgrades that have been occurring over the summer.
“The Windows Surface Pro 3s and Windows Surface Pro devices are currently being set up for students and teachers at Hays High School,” Katt said. “The IT Department has been working diligently over the summer to ensure the kindergarten through 12th grade 1:1 initiative kicks off within the first several weeks after the first day of school on Aug. 13, 2015. iPads are being tagged for students and staff.”
With the new hardware comes training and USD 489 has been providing that as well over the summer.
“Numerous teachers have participated in trainings over the summer,” Katt said. “Victoria hosted an iPad Academy for area teachers this summer. Multiple USD 489 teachers took advantage of the opportunity to learn the many functions of iPads in the classroom setting. The district’s Instructional Technology Specialist has been offering trainings on Canvas, the district’s Learning Management System, as well as how to utilize technology in the classroom. Several teachers also participated in writing and reading workshops over the summer. The district is grateful for the commitment of the teachers and staff that have put extra time in over the summer.”
While the technological innovations are progressing, facilities throughout the district are receiving some much-needed care, as well.
“The maintenance and custodial staff began working feverishly doing deep cleans in all of the district facilities this summer,” Katt said. “Hays High School’s floors were completely stripped and waxed, giving new life to the building. O’Loughlin, Roosevelt and Wilson received partial stripping and waxing over the summer. Hays High School also received new seating in the little theater as well as a new surface on the running track. Washington Elementary was officially converted into the Early Childhood Connections – Washington Site (ECC-WS) over the summer, allowing most of the ECC to run out of one facility. The district would like to commend the custodial and maintenance staff for all of their hard work over the summer and every day.”