Shelburne Parent 1:1 Roll Out Letter

This year the Shelburne Community Middle School is excited to embark on a three year partnership with the Tarrant Foundation in conjunction with The University of Vermont.  Representatives from the Tarrant Foundation will be working with the middle school teachers to implement Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) for every student.  These learning plans are part of a transformation of education in Vermont through Act 77.  Students will be afforded opportunities to identify their individual strengths and challenges in school, and then work with teachers to craft goals that address those individual attributes.  

As part of this transformation the school has re-allocated the technology budget to allow each student access to a chromebook for their exclusive use.  These Chromebooks will be utilized as a tool to improve the educational experience for every student.  Students will use the Chromebooks to organize their workload, work on assignments, document their ongoing successes, and communicate more effectively with all members of the school community...including parents.  A huge component of this program will be ongoing instruction in “Digital Citizenship” for all students.  We want to make sure that all students understand what it means to live responsibly in a digital world.  Once students are clear on responsible use of technology these Chromebooks may come home to work on homework assignments, collaborate online with classmates, and communicate with teachers.  

In an effort to keep families informed as this initiative rolls out the Community School has setup a Tarrant Foundation Web Site that parent can visit to answer any questions that may arise.  The school will also be hosting a Grand Rounds Parent Night where parents can talk to teachers, technology support personnel, and representatives from the Tarrant Foundation.  Our overriding goal through all of this is to make sure that all students graduating from the Shelburne Community School are prepared to enter high school as a fully functioning 21st Century Citizen.