THREE of our classrooms now enjoy the benefits of an Interactive Display that is beginning to transform the way our teachers teach. These Promethean Boards and Chromebox additions turn the entire display into a computer that can not only duplicate the teacher’s computer screen (like a projector), but also provide a means for students to interact as they can write or ‘click’ items on the projected screen. Thus it functions both as a projector and as a writing board, as is shown in the photos of our classrooms below.
We have a FOURTH display that has been moved from classroom to classroom so that other teachers can experiment with its use. Each teacher has indicated that it would be a powerful tool for their own classroom! We are on a path to add these displays to the EIGHT grade school (1st-8th) classrooms by December 2028, but we can usually only afford TWO new displays each year, and because of cash flow we usually have to wait until November to purchase and install the units.
Over the past five (5) years we have made HUGE improvements to our campus computer network, extending a strong WIFI signal to most of our school and church buildings … With the exception of the basement areas. During a school day we regularly have 150 users (or devices) online at a time, and up to 300 assigned a network address. This includes everything from student and teacher devices, to printers and network devices, to smart watches and cell phones.
In related news, our Technology Team has already received School Board approval to replace our 15-year-old network switch. They haven’t even sold this particular model switch for more than a decade and new switches are capable of speeds that are 10-times as fast!
In the next four years we plan to invest at least $22,500 in additional upgrades and improvements. Can you help? We can make great strides with additional donations. While this infrastructure will be added a little bit at a time, any donation will help us complete these projects EARLY!
In calendar year 2025 … We will add …
- A New Network Switch: $3,400
- TWO Promethean Boards with Chromebox technology: $3,525 each
- ONE Basement Activity Room Access Point: $800
- TOTAL: $11,250
And in the next several school years another $11,250 will be invested in bringing Promethean boards to EACH of our grade school and middle school classrooms.
Read more from St. John's
Save the date: Family Reunion Sunday
Check out the plan for the Family Reunion Sunday on August 30th, beginning with worship at 10am. To check how you can help, the list of needed volunteers is also included here.
Blood Drive at St. John’s
Sign up now to donate blood on Family Reunion Sunday, as the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis and faces an emergency shortage.
Interviews Beginning for the Associate Pastor Call Process
The Call Process is moving forward as four names have been selected to be interviewed. More information on the plans for that interview process are shared here. If you would like to attend the…
The Story of the Stained Glass
Check out this series of articles describing the teachings behind the stained glass windows at St. John’s! This month, Pastor shares the meaning behind a small group of the disciples.