Throughout the month of December, Staples Motley students and staff provided our community with musical concerts and performances. I t ’ s heart- warming to see how our students enjoy performing for others. Congratulations students and staff.

When classes resume in January, I am excited that the final implementation of the Interactive Presentation Technology should be nearly complete. This technology, which includes a combination of whiteboards, projects and slates, will take the computer off the teacher’s desk and put it into the classroom. This technology can change the way our teachers present to the class and ensure our students are competitive as they move beyond the school walls.

Thank you to our hardworking staff who have found supplemental funding for our technology goals. The high school and Staples Elementary School have been wired to current standards through the use of money granted through the state and at no direct cost to the school district. In addition to referendum dollars dedicated to technology, we have also found a series of grants including a $150,000 Enhancing Education through Technology grant. Through the use of Microsoft funding, we have purchased wireless points. It is our goal that by the end of the summer we will have wireless access throughout the Staples Motley School District.

We are also in the final stages of SkyLert. This is a message system that works through our current software, Skyward, and will allow us to better communicate with students, parents and our community. Sky- Lert is a technology tool that allows officials to customize messages to communicate efficiently and directly in a format parents and families prefer. Specialized communication can be delivered regarding a myriad of topics including snow days, attendance issues or food service. For example, once we make a decision about closing school we can have the accurate message out within minutes. The immediacy is appealing to a world seeking instant gratification.

It’s an exciting time to be a Cardinal, as we are starting to see the tangible outcomes from three years of building the technology infrastructure designed to meet the demands of the future. I am proud to watch our staff maximize the referendum, always focused on the students and the future of the Staples Motley School District. Thanks to their hard work, our advances in the technology arena are not at the expense of classes, projects or staff.

Last, but not least, a sincere thank you to Roy Di- Giovanni for his 16 years of dedicated service to the Staples Motley Schools. And, welcome to newlyelected Brad Anderson who will start his term as a school board member in January.

Best wishes for a happy and safe New Year. Enjoy 2010.