Tag Archives: technology in education

As School Buildings Remain Closed, Learning Continues in New Jersey



After Governor Phil Murphy closed school buildings for the year, NJASA got a high-level look at how New Jersey’s districts are faring from AbdulSaleem Hasan, Assistant Commissioner of Field Services for the New Jersey Department of Education. Meeting school budgets, overcoming the digital divide and getting the resources for special education at home are just some of the challenges facing districts in the coming weeks. In this podcast, NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza talks with Hasan about the challenges and successes, including examples other districts can follow. Visit njasa.net to join us in exploring best practices together.


Wildwood, NJ Schools Show Warrior Spirit During Pandemic



Lack of technology, language barriers, and food insufficiency were just some of the challenges faced by Chief Education Officer J. Kenyon Kummings as he led the charge to take Wildwood NJ School District online during a pandemic. His district, known as the Wildwood Warriors, harnessed its true warrior spirit with students, staff and parents coming together to make it happen. Kummings launched bilingual communications in English and Spanish, the latter to address its 66% minority population which is largely Hispanic. The district loaned Chromebooks, set up a farm-to-table breakfast and lunch pick-up program, and recreated their academic programs including options for Career to Technical Education. They also connected in meaningful ways with students and families on social media. In this podcast, NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza talks with Kummings about the challenges and successes, including examples other districts can follow. Visit njasa.net to join us in exploring best practices together.


Staying Connected in Union County School District, NJ



In a matter of days, the Elizabeth school district had to get remote learning materials to 29,000 students. Chief Education Officer Olga Hugelmeyer and her team made it happen. The district reached out to Altice, which offered free internet access for families that had none. For PreK to grade 2, teachers developed packets, which were printed and mailed to families. Working with Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, the district set up a breakfast and lunch pick-up and delivery program. The district also reached out through social workers and guidance counselors for mental health support. Already, the district has lost four teachers and one of its support staff to COVID-19. In this podcast, NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza talks with Hugelmeyer about the challenges and successes, including examples other districts can follow. Visit njasa.net to join us in exploring best practices together.


Future-Ready Students Excel at Distance Learning in Morris County, NJ



The Morris School District had a jumpstart on digital learning and using technology in education even before the COVID-19 crisis. Chief Education Officer Mackey Pendergrast was part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Superintendents Technical Working Group. He helped to create the Future Ready Pledge, paving the way for digital learning in the nation’s schools. A forward thinker whose reputation earned him the New Jersey 2020 Superintendent of the Year award, Pendergrast initiated a bold approach for his district that prepared students for a global-based economy. That made for a seamless transition to digital learning. Pendergrast shares details on the district’s new distance learning program with NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza, including examples other districts can follow as we all face unprecedented challenges. Visit njasa.net to join us in exploring best practices together.