Schools Show Off iPad Pilot Program

Tech Fair showcased donation to Wyckoff schools

By Joseph M. Gerace                                                                    Reproduced with the kind permission of Wyckoff Patch

Wyckoff students from around the school district showed off their technological know-how at a Mobile Technology Fair at Eisenhower Middle School Thursday night.

The event showcased an educational initiative pairing young students from Pre-K to fifth grade and their teachers with iPads in an effort to enrich and advance the overall learning experience.

The Wyckoff Education Foundation spearheaded the pilot project, purchasing more than 100 of Apple's costly electronic devices.

Robert Bayer is the president of the WEF.

"[We] purchased 120 iPads last year, which went into the schools in September," Bayer said. "The teachers have been using the iPads in the classroom with the students using applications for reading and math." 

The Tech Fair, which was open to the public, enabled the district to demonstrate how the technology is being implemented through various demonstrations by teachers and students from Washington, Eisenhower, Lincoln, Coolidge andSicomac schools.

"This is an opportunity for parents to see what is going on in the classroom now," Bayer said. "The informal feedback from the principals, teachers, administrators and students has been very positive."

Technology allows students to potentially have the Library of Congress at their fingertips and in their pockets, said Wyckoff schools Superintendent Richard Kuder. 

Read more: Schools Show Off iPad Pilot Program

Annual Spring Event Redux 

The 2011 WEF Annual Spring Event buzzed with excitement. A sold out crowd, meeting capacity limits at the Indian Trail Club, turned out to support the initiative to raise $70,000 to purchase i-pads for all of the schools. Although it was a very cold spring evening the heaters in the auction room kept large crowds around the silent auction items generously bidding on the large number of donations. The heat was turned up with the live sound from the well known Benjamins who were able keep the dance floor crowded. Greg Wilson, trustee and auctioneer was able to keep the crowd bidding on lavish trips and other live auction items.

The event was a huge success. WEF proudly met their fundraising and their commitment to keeping Wyckoff on the cutting edge of education and enhancing the learning experience of 21st Century Learners.

Planning and preparation are underway for 2012 Spring Fling – Catch the Wave. This theme captures the ongoing need to continually introduce advanced tools for learning in the classroom. We are hoping to exceed the levels of giving from both our corporate and family sponsorships which are all crucial to our success. Save the date March 24th 2012, another fun and fantastic at the ITC rocking to the Benjamins, fundraising for our children, and helping us achieve this year’s goals!