Board member Dr. Murl Dirksen said, “It is amazing to look at all of the moving parts (of our system) and see what you (Dr. Ringstaff) do with them. I am very, very impressed.”

Paul Ramsey, Cleveland Schools’ energy education specialist, was presented the Pacesetter award from Energy Educators. Garrett Self, a consultant with the company, presented the award. Mr. Self said, “This is a very distinguished award.” He said Mr. Ramsey is a “living, breathing example and is leading the way for others.”

Mr. Ramsey has saved the system over $1 million in 28 months. When he accepted the award, Mr. Ramsey said, “This is a team effort. I would like to thank the maintenance department, kitchen staff, faculty and janitorial staff.”

Jim David, seventh-grade teacher, and Sandy Farlow, eighth-grade teacher, have been teaching in a virtual learning classroom. The pair say they are able to really dig into the textbooks and give direct instruction with the students following one set of rules and expectations. They say with the smaller learning environment the students are building confidence.

The two Cleveland Middle School teachers will present their paperless classroom to the Tennessee School Board’s annual meeting attendees over the weekend.

For the rest of the article, go to Plans To Be Drawn For Betsy Vines Little Theatre At Cleveland High; “Paperless Classroom” Working Well

Students who score high enough on AP tests can earn college credit. Gies said Shelby will likely use part of the grant money to cover the cost of AP tests, which is usually paid for by students who opt to take them.

“At minimum, we will offer at least two AP classes next year — one traditional and one online — which is what the grant requires,” he said.

Gies said the school is still determining what courses it will offer.

The district is still planning how to use a $750,000 state technology grant it received last summer to help integrate 21st-century teaching and learning in the high school.

Shelby will join the Advance Placement Network with its latest grant. The Ohio Department of Education has announced more than $400,000 in federal Race to the Top funds to create the AP Network.

Each network school will receive two four-hour professional development sessions and attend a free half-day workshop focusing on curriculum. They also have the option to receive funding support for expansion of virtual learning options to reach underserved groups of students, as well as priority registration for a summer of AP training for teachers. The grant is intended to increase numbers in underrepresented areas, such as rural and urban.

“Schools were chosen through a competitive application process that required applicants to show their vision of building an AP culture,” said Yolandé Berger, AP network coordinator.

For the rest of the article, go to Shelby to offer AP classes next year