It's Mission Monday and the St. James R-1 School District is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Sourcewell: Helping Hands Grant! This grant not only aligns with our mission of empowering students but also opens up new possibilities for transformative learning experiences in our classrooms.
Timing has played a significant role in this opportunity, allowing us to acquire a comprehensive bundle for our students. This bundle includes not only the cutting-edge Echo 2 Digital Smartpens but also notebooks that allow students to record audio notes alongside their handwritten annotations seamlessly. The integration of this technology will aid auditory learners and those who process information at varying rates, providing a learning tool for students of diverse abilities in our classrooms.
Since being awarded the grant, we have actively identified student groups that stand to gain the most from this technology. Among these are English as a Second Language students and Foreign Exchange students, for whom the Echo 2 Digital Smartpens offer a unique and tailored learning experience.
St. James takes pride in its commitment to learning, shown in our tagline: "Learning: Whatever it Takes!" The Sourcewell: Helping Hands Grant opens up new avenues for students to expand their notetaking, writing, and organization skills and ultimately increase student achievement. As we received the products in the first week of January, we wasted no time in introducing them to the classroom setting.
The initial response from both teachers and students has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers are excited about the potential applications of the Echo 2 Digital Smartpen to enhance student learning. Meanwhile, students are interested in discovering how this technology can aid their studies and organization.
The journey has just begun, and as we celebrate Mission Monday, we reflect on how our mission continues to shape the future of our students. Together, we are creating an environment where every student can thrive and succeed.