Touched by Technology-

B.E.S.T. launched the Touched by Technology capital campaign in 2006 and has continued to support the adoption of technology in our schools to enhance curriculum with the wonderful teaching tools made available for the 21st century learner. 

Classrooms Without Walls – 16 SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards, 6 for Cole and 10 for Spofford, were installed during April 2008 school             vacation.  B.E.S.T., PTO and the Boxford Elementary School Board teamed together to provide additional funding for the installed model so teachers may have ready-access to the SMART Boards.  “Using the portable SMART Board for teaching works well although I’m really excited to have the   installed        model,” said Jen Abati, fifth grade teacher at Spofford.  “The mounted boards free up space in my classroom and makes it easier for the students to see and use the SMART Board during a lesson.” 

Laptop Computers for Three Special Education Teachers – Special education teachers at Cole received 3 laptop computers.  “We are excited       for         the opportunity to bring technology-enhanced lessons to our students with special needs,” replied Diane Vasapolli, Susan Kaniaris and Stephen        Duffy.    This grant was made possible by the Harriet Ernst endowment.

Professional Development-B.E.S.T. firmly believes that investing in professional development strengthens our schools by helping our teachers and staff keep abreast of advancements in education, giving them opportunities to collaborate with their peers, and encouraging them to think out-of-the-box to strengthen curriculum in our schools.

Technologist in Residence – In October 2007 and January 2008, teachers at Cole and Spofford participated in a unique in-classroom training      utilizing SMART Board interactive whiteboards.  All teachers received a one-on-one tutorial on integrating SMART Boards and the extensive software          tools     that come with the technology into the day-to-day curriculum. B.E.S.T. was able to outreach to Esperanza Academy, a non-profit tuition free         school for girls in Lawrence, to spend a day with Spofford teachers exploring how to use SMART Boards to enhance curriculum.

Best Books for Booktalks – Dotty Patch, Spofford librarian, attended an informative seminar.  “A librarian can never have enough opportunities to examine books firsthand and discuss the latest buzz in new and exciting books,” said Dottie Patch.  “Many thanks to B.E.S.T. for giving me this opportunity to expand my book horizons!”