STEM Update Sees Westfield Students Thriving as 21st Century Learners

District Assistant Superintendent of Schools Paul Piniero presented a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) update to the Board of Education and the general public at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.

According to Piniero, last year’s goal was to “create a connected and collaborative school community that empowers Westfield students to thrive as 21st century learners,” and there has been positive progress throughout the district this year.

Piniero stated that over the course of the 2012-13 school year teachers have put in over 7,000 hours of technology training and are “demanding in a nice way” for more. He noted that initial devices integrated into classrooms included touch-screen tablets, laptops, e-readers, interactive white boards, instant response devices and multi-seat computing; at this point, iPads have largely taken the place of tablets with the use of social media sites such as Edmodo and NearPod.

According to Piniero, a survey regarding Teacher Tech Proficiency will be sent out to staff across the district shortly. He also stated that ongoing technology goals include infrastructure evaluation, device refresh cycle, professional development and assessing staffing needs.

“We want to build professional development and support based on [the teachers’] actual needs,” said Piniero.

Master Technology Teacher Jeanine Gottko has been named “20 Educators to Watch” by The National School Board’s Association.

Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan agreed that in terms of technology they have “made strides in the district.”

The district plans to hold a STEM camp for students third grade and up this summer.

Additionally, Margaret McFadden was unanimously appointed interim assistant principal at Westfield High School for the 2013-14 school year. She will replace James DeSarno who was appointed assistant principal for the 2013-2014 school year while Derrick Nelson is serving in Afghanistan.

Dolan also announced that the and the New Jersey State Board of Education President Arcelio Aponte for significant contributions to school, community, family and other groups.

Any individual interested in running for a 3-year term on the Board of Education (2013-16) must file a petition in person in the Office of the County Clerk at 2 Broad St., Room 113, Elizabeth, on or before 4 p.m. on June 4, 2013. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Contact Union County Election Supervisor Lisa Hugelmeyer at 908-527-4996 with questions. More information can be found at www.ucnj.org/ctyclerk.

The Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. at 302 Elm St. Intermediate and High School Teachers of the Year will be honored.