Mary Cariola was recently notified of a one-time funding opportunity in the amount of $90,000 via the Smart Schools Bond Act. The Smart Schools Bond Act was passed in 2014 and authorized a one-time $5 million bond to finance educational technology capital projects for students with disabilities. Schools which can benefit from these funds are approved private special education day schools such as Mary Cariola.
As part of the process to receive the funds, we are required to submit a Smart Schools Investment Plan to demonstrate how the funding will be used to provide educational tools and opportunities to students with disabilities to succeed in the 21st century economy. The plan needs to: demonstrate a linkage between our long-term educational plans and the technology investment; include learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom through the use of technology; and address the educational needs of all of our students. Mary Cariola has developed a plan that uses our current resources and equipment along with the funds received through the Smart Schools Bond Act to ensure that we are meeting the above-mentioned criteria.
Mary Cariola intends to enhance teaching and learning on a sustainable basis through upgrades in technology. We are currently considering things such as touch activated classroom boards, eye gaze activated computers, and ipad applications. The school currently uses computers in the classrooms and labs, and shares iPads and Smartboards in several shared locations. The planned expenditures will seamlessly integrate with platforms and systems currently in place and make them available to all students and staff.
Advance our school's short and long term educational goals.
Please direct questions to Laura Wink by email or at 271-2897 (1230). The plan was presented to Mary Cariola's Board of Directors and approved.
New York State's Dignity for All Student's Act (Dignity Act) took effect on July 1, 2012 to provide NYS public school students with a safe, supportive learning environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying. Schools across New York State are working hard to implement the requirements and communicate implementation goals to parents and the whole school community.