This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Cranford Seeks Tech Grant for Sixth Graders

$2 million grant would bring virtual learning communities to Cranford schools

Cranford has thrown its name into the running for a 21st century technology grant that would provide wireless internet access in two middle schools, laptops for sixth grade students, and more technology-based learning opportunities for students and teachers.

Dr. James McLaughlin, assistant superintendent for Cranford public schools, announced the Talent21 grant to a handful of parents at Monday night's open agenda meeting in the Cranford High School library.

The grant is for $1.9 million and would service sixth graders at both Hillside and Orange Avenue schools. It would allow for greater wireless technology capabilities in the schools and the introduction of virtual learning communities, as well as provide options for professional development for teachers. The grant would provide virtual learning and professional development for all disciplines: academics, music, art and health.

Find out what's happening in Cranfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“There’s a required percentage of the grant that must be used for professional development,” said McLaughlin. “But the gist of it is to reach student in other ways, particularly those who need to improve their skills, and to teach students in other ways.”

Cranford students’ high test scores made the district ineligible to apply for the grant directly, so they had to partner with grant-eligible Kawami Middle School in Union. In return, Cranford agreed to manage the logistics of the grant, including dealing with vendors and the implementation.

Find out what's happening in Cranfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Since we were not the lead agency in terms of being eligible, we thought that we needed to offer that piece to Union," said McLaughlin. "And Union’s very enthusiastic about being a part of it.”

McLaughlin acknowledges that working with another school is mutually beneficial

“There’s a benefit for collaborating with any school outside of your walls,” he said. “You see how other teachers teach, other schools approach subject matter, you get exposed to other populations of students... sharing ideas, hearing other opinions, seeing other techniques, is all good.”

He said that the Union administrators feel the same way.

“The superintendent [of Union schools] said ‘We feel it’s valuable to be associated with a town like Cranford,’” said McLaughlin.

"They are only allowing 11 awards and there are a lot of districts applying statewide, so don't get your hopes up," Schools Business Administrator Robert Carfagno said at a Board of Education meeting on October 26. "But 270-something sixth graders would benefit from this. It's worth taking the chance."

McLaughlin said that although competition is stiff, he is confident that Cranford is as likely as any to receive the grant.

“I think we have a very competitive shot at winning the award,” he said.

OAS Principal Michelle Vella served as the main author of the grant, with help from Technology Manager Michael Mangini.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?