York County’s schools were recently recognized by Microsoft in its annual list of the most innovative schools in the world.
The list identified six programs in the United States, including York County’s. The School Division was identified as a 2012-13 Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder School District for its division-wide “bring your own technology (BYOT) initiative.
The BYOT initiative encourages students to bring their own technology, from iPads to smart phones, into the classroom, where teachers have found ways to incorporate their personal devices into their lesson plans.
The district also established use of a private “cloud” where students and teachers can access the division’s network anytime, anywhere and from any device with an Internet connection. This frees students from having to store classwork on thumb drives (back in my day, floppy disks or CDs) or constantly emailing documents to their various accounts.
Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder Schools are selected through an application process that includes written and video documentation. The schools are selected based on their record of innovation that has “transformed education and improved student outcomes in their education systems and local communities,” according to a press release.
Representatives from the 2012-13 Pathfinder Schools will be invited to attend the Partners in Learning Global Forum from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 in Prague, Czech Republic. They’ll have the chance to participate in professional development, while sharing the ideas that got them there in the first place.
WCA Sophomore Invited to Security Forum
Williamsburg Christian Academy sophomore Alexei Couch was nominated to attend the Forum on National Security, held at George Mason University.
Students participating were able to receive college credit for the five-day forum. Couch was nominated based on his test scores, and attended with students from across the country. The forum gives students a view of national security and the United States’ agencies focused on protection, including the FBI and CIA.
Each attendee will also be invited to attend the Presidential Inauguration as an alumnus of the program.
Youth Aeronautics to Host Scholarship Banquet
The Youth Aeronautics Educational Foundation will host a semiformal scholarship banquet on Nov. 9 at the Fort Magruder Crowne Plaza.
The event will feature a silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the scholarship awards ceremony. Proceeds will support the program.
Individual tickets are $50. For children 13 and under, tickets are $20 and include a chicken finger meal. For more information about purchasing tickets, call (757) 369-5004 or (908) 397-9059.
