Laserfiche WebLink
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS <br />Reading, Massachusetts <br />SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING <br />OPEN HEARING MINUTES MARCH 15, 1994 <br />CALL TO ORDER <br />Chair Roberta D'Antona called the open hearing to order at <br />7:40 p.m. in the Coolidge Middle School Cafetorium. All <br />members were present with the exception of George Shannon who <br />was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superinten- <br />dent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis <br />Richards and 15 Reading citizens. <br />WELCOME TO THE READING CITIZENS <br />Chair D'Antona expressed pleasure at being able to be at <br />Coolidge Middle School and welcomed the citizens that were in <br />attendance. <br />SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS - FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY <br />She introduced Principal Al Lahood, who, in turn, presented <br />staff who would explain how technology is used in the school: <br />Library /Media teacher Mary Hichborn discussed Interactive <br />Television and how she brings programs in by satellite to <br />Coolidge. <br />Foreign Language teacher Joan Clifford spoke on using the <br />computer with modem to link with overseas classes and the <br />Internet so as to create real language learning for the <br />youngsters. <br />Computer teacher Laura Peterson demonstrated the CD ROMS which <br />has both written and spoken languages on the Grolier Encyclo- <br />pedia. Mary Hichborn showed another machine. <br />English teacher Louise DeCarlo spoke about the Electronic <br />Bookshelf and the way computer enhances wide reading. <br />The question and answer exchange was about the need for major <br />equipment, whether computer turns off children's interest in <br />reading, if the school could use modems with Apple IIes, and <br />the need to learn keyboarding. <br />Roy Welsh, a member of Coolidge School Council, talked about <br />the difficult choice of trying to supply technology when <br />teachers are ready to use the machines. <br />