GATEWAY PROJECT SUMMER INSTITUTE JULY 29-31, 2014 LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS STEM TEAM MEMBERS  JUDITH PAOLUCCI, Superintendent  CHRISTINE BUGBEE, Grade 5 Teacher  SETH DESILETS, Middle School Technology Teacher  CHRISTINE KILMONIS, High School Special Education Teacher  DAVID SOCHA, Middle School Science Teacher

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOL SCHOOLS IN DISTRICT  LEICESTER HIGH SCHOOL  GRADES 9 TO 12  LEICESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL  GRADES 6 TO 8  LEICESTER MEMORIAL SCHOOL  GRADES 3 TO 5  LEICESTER PRIMARY SCHOOL  PRESCHOOL TO GRADE 2

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNTIY DEMOGRAPHIC DATA The Town of Leicester is a town that throughout its history has remained largely rural and agricultural. However, a closer look at the community reveals Leicester’s industrial past.  Population - Approximately 11,000  Student Population - 1,900 [1650 in district]  Senior Citizen Population - 2,200  Town Government – New England Town Meeting Style with Town Manager and 5 member Board of Selectmen  Over 300 businesses, including restaurants, golf courses, farms, Wal-mart, Tractor Supply, and numerous personal and professional service businesses

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHIC DATA PKK Enrollment by Grade

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING OVERVIEW  Primary School – only using computers for applications and games  Memorial School – Grade 5 STEM Unit on Design Structures and Problem Solving  Middle School – Grade 7 computer technology including applications, hardware, software, drafting introduction and communications systems. Grade 8 technology includes designing houses, CAD (isometric and multi-view drawings), manufacturing (catapults and paper airplanes), transportation safety, bridges, materials, tools and machines.  High School – graphic design, computer applications, and web design

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM  STEM is a goal on our District 3 Year Plan  Rewiring infrastructure is ongoing to support STEM initiatives  Collaboration between Leicester, WPI, and Becker has been initiated  Technology Integration Specialist position included in staffing plan  Partnership with local cable organization (LCAC) strengthened

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS TECHNOLOGY COURSE OFFERINGS CHALLENGES  Funding  Having certified teachers  Other pressing goals get in the way  Momentum needed  Technology infrastructure & instructional materials are insufficient

LEICESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS GATEWAY PROJECT GOALS GOALS WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE GATEWAY PROJECT  Secure funds and partnerships that may support leading edge technology & engineering programming in Leicester schools.  Develop a multi-year plan that includes something specific to implement in each of our schools in year 1 in order to gain momentum.