Volume 3 Issue 3

This winter, the New York State Department of Education issued RFPs for TWO technology grants. The Title II-D Competitive Grant program is intended to improve student academic achievement in relation to NYS learning standards through the use of technology in high need NYS school districts. The grant award period will span three years and six months beginning with January 2004 and ending June 2007.  25% of the allotment must support professional development activities. The minimum grant award for which an eligible LEA may apply is $100,000 (on a 12-month basis).  The maximum grant award for which an eligible LEA may apply varies, based on the number of children ages 5-17 in poverty within the high-need local educational agency included in the grant proposal. Albany City Schools and Bishop Maginn, Schenectady City Schools and ND-BG, Troy City Schools and OLV/Sacred Heart, Amsterdam City Schools and St. Mary's/St Stanislaus, BOCES and St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus/St. Clement's/Spa Catholic and Berlin CSD and  St.

Mary's Academy have been successful in winning this grant.

The purpose of the second grant program (Learning Technology Grant) is to improve student academic performance in relation to the New York State learning standards, with a particular focus on mathematics, English Language Arts through the integration of education technology in districts, school buildings and classroom activities. This grant's award period is July 2003 through June 2004.  The maximum grant award is $50,000 with 30% allotted for professional development. Several of our schools received funding through this grant:  St Francis de Sales with Owen D. Young CSD , St. Mary's Rensselaer /Holy Spirit with East Greenbush CSD,  St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus with Glens Falls CSD, St. Mary's Institute with Fulton-Montgomery BOCES, St. Mary's Ballston Spa with Hudson Falls CSD and St. Francis with Mohawk CSD.

Often computer teachers are considered one of the "Specials."  Not at St. Ambrose. Karen Gaul, the computer teacher there, was selected by Channel 10 as "Educator in Excellence" for the week of January 12-16, 2004 and was featured on their evening and mid-day local newscast. Karen was nominated by Grace Selkis, a parent of two at the school and also an alumni. She praised

Karen's dedication and willingness to give of her time to the students. In addition to teaching computer education to grades K-8, Karen teaches grade 4 Science, helps out with the Brownies, the school newspaper, is the moderator of the Sewing Club and is the webmaster of the school site, www.rcdaschools.org/stambrose/