In The News

NNPS wins national awards for use of technology AND DISTRICT Web site

(June 19, 2009) -- Newport News Public Schools is one of three school districts in the country cited by the National School Boards Association for its embrace of technology. NNPS will be honored with a 2009 Technology Leadership Salute in October at the NSBA convention in Denver, along with school systems from Golden, Colorado, and Cullman, Alabama.

In his nomination, Lead Instructional Technology Coach James Maxlow cited the district’s use of video conferencing as an example of the way technology is integrated with the curriculum and workplace. He mentioned virtual field trips and speakers, class participation from remote locations, and opportunities for staff development.

As part of its commitment to 21st-century learning, the division also welcomes the use of technology like Smart Boards, laptops, and course blogs in the classroom. Online learning is offered to students and staffers. Behind the scenes, employees participate in the 21st Century Learning and Leading conference and Summer Institutes where new technologies are explored. Support staff, administrators, and teachers exchange ideas regularly on a Thinking Thursday blog.

The district’s student records are maintained in a single electronic information system, and online tools like Parent Assistant help families stay up-to-the-minute about student assignments. Military parents who are deployed might even be able to see their children in podcasts. In the fall, parents will be able to add money to students’ cafeteria account online – and check on what their children are buying for lunch.

The NNPS approach to communications also takes advantage of technology, with online streaming of School Board meetings, electronic newsletters, and social networking on Twitter and Facebook.

Technological literacy is one of the NNPS learning initiatives for students. But staff competence also is emphasized. Nineteen of the division’s Instructional Technology Coaches are certified in the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers.

In another endorsement of NNPS’ use of technology, the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) has given the school district’s Web site its Award of Excellence for 2008-09. The NNPS site was the only one of 92 entries to receive the top honor.

NEWSBreak, the employee newsletter, and the NNPS-TV ViewTube Web site won honorable mentions from NSPRA. Numerous videos and programs written, shot, and produced by Telecom staffers also earned national awards and recognitions.