The Weehawken public schools open on Sept. 9 for one half day only. Sept. 14 will be the beginning of full school sessions.
Upon returning to school, students will have something to look forward to other than talking about how they spent their summer. This year, students will be able to learn from “Smartboards” in some of their high school math classes. Replacing the old-fashioned chalkboards, the new technology utilizes a projector to display class materials on a white board. Teachers will be able to pinch and squeeze triangles on the board during geometry class, just like touching an iPhone. And lesson notes on a compact disk can be put in a computer to be displayed on the “Smartboard.”
“It’s very interactive. It’s touch sensitive,” said Superintendent of Schools Kevin McLellan.
In addition, approximately 150 computers will replace the old computers at Weehawken High School.
Mandarin, virtual school, and fashion design
This will be the first year that students will be able to take classes on-line through the New Jersey Virtual School Program, which will be offered to juniors and seniors in Weehawken High School.
By popular demand, ‘Fashion Design’ will now be taught at Weehawken High as an elective.
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As for new in-house electives, fashion design has been added to the list. It was chosen due to popular demand from students.
Also, teachers in the high school will teach through a newly created math curriculum. Students will learn through the Sanford-Oxford mathematics textbooks and methods. Little said that parents will not have to worry about helping their children with their homework after school.
“When in doubt, they can go online and learn how the student learned it. That’s a whole new plus; parents can now learn the new methods,” said Little. “All the textbooks are online. They can see the actual pages in the textbook.”
New busses and other improvements
Two new busses have been purchased by the Weehawken Board of Education. One will be for children with special needs. The busses came at a cost of nearly $70,000 each, which will be covered by federal stimulus funds.
“Most of these issues had to deal with energy efficiency or with safety,” said McLellan.
The roof and stairways have been improved at the Roosevelt Middle School. New stairways have been installed as well as new lighting in the auditorium, and 150 desks have been replaced. Also, the running track inside Roosevelt School has been renovated and is scheduled to be finished by the end of September.
In Webster School, the cafeteria kitchen has been renovated.
“It will serve a dual purpose,” said McLellan. “It will serve the students in the school and the residents of the township for recreational activities.”
McLellan also commented that through a state grant, all three of the township’s schools will receive four new automated external defibrillators for cardiac emergencies.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com