Carroll Elementary fourth grade teacher Jenelle Gish gave a technology-in-theclassroom presentation at the Carroll School Board meeting Oct. 7.

The school board recently approved the purchase of 16 projectors for the elementary. Mrs. Gish demonstrated how she employs the use of a projector, Internet sites, and a graphire in the classroom.

The projector is linked to a computer and projects the websites onto a screen. A graphire allows the teacher to operate the computer from anywhere in the classroom. Mrs. Gish said students can also take turns using the graphire to interact with the Internet program, such as answering posed questions.

Some of the sites are designed for educators, and the school must have a license to use them. Mrs. Gish said she googles topics to see what might be available, and takes advantage of free trial offers.

She said the interactive websites use such things as quick videos, musical jingles, games, and comics to make learning fun.

Her students read about Yosemite National Park and then as a class visited a website that gave a video tour of the park.

"The Internet allows a different way of learning," Mrs. Gish said. "These sites increase interest and motivation and enhance the curriculum."

She showed the board examples of sites that help students with writing and math skills, spelling, sequencing, and the use of subjects, predicates, and adjectives. A site called Discovery United Streaming teaches students to find geometry in the real world.

Mrs. Gish said the school and PTO purchased two graphires for the elementary.

"It's been a great resource and I have thoroughly enjoyed using it in my classroom," she said. "It allows more freedom and flexibility."

The two graphires have to be passed around among the teachers. Gish said it would be helpful if all teachers who use the projectors could also have the graphires.

Board member Dave Lambert asked about the cost of a graphire. Mrs. Gish said the cost is $249 each.

Also at the meeting, the board conducted public hearings on the budget, Capital Projects Plan, and Bus Replacement Plan, all of which have been advertised in the newspaper. There were no questions or objections raised, and the three proposals will be adopted at the next board meeting.

Superintendent John Sayers said the state has provided some tax relief by taking over school corporations' general fund, and Carroll has passed on some of that relief to local taxpayers. He added, however, that the proposed budget does call for an increase in the Debt Service Fund to continue the piping project at the juniorsenior high school. This project is a precursor to installing air conditioning.

The board approved the following three requests:

Industrial education teacher Tyler Sausaman will organize a Robotics Team that will enter several competitions this year.

Carroll Cougars Wrestling Club will use the high school cafeteria from now through April 1.

The Family Resource Network will sell Cougar Spirit buttons at the concession stand at athletic events.

The board also approved 12 conference and field trip requests.

Charisse Smith resigned as varsity assistant volleyball coach, and Lindsey Payne was hired for the same position.

Others named for extracurricular assignments were: Kim Conder, junior high track coach; Mike Hyman, fifth grade boys and girls basketball coach; Don Shively, sixth grade boys basketball coach; Malinda Blocher, elementary yearbook sponsor; and Kellie Combs, elementary Student Council sponsor.

The board declared 30 old typewriter/computer tables as surplus, and they will be disposed of.

Board member Michelle Simmons recommended that there be a driver's workshop for all drivers of activity buses. Sayers said he would arrange it.

Friday will be the end of the first nine weeks of school.

Maintenance supervisor Tom Allbaugh reported that there will be a cost savings resulting from the new boilers and pool improvements.

The next board meeting will be Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.