BY VICTORIA CARUSO
A new booster association is coming to the Herricks school district. The Herricks Technology Boosters Association, an initiative started by several parents in the district, is being launched to support the use of technology at Herricks public schools.
Clifford Katz, a representative of the association, announced the initiative at last Thursday’s Board of Education meeting. By providing a combination of financial and educational support, Katz explained, the organization aims to keep technological standards high in the district and push educational boundaries.
“We’re very excited about this,” said Katz. “We’re going to be soliciting members throughout the entire district.”
The new group will mirror the district’s long-established booster associations in music and athletics. These programs have supported the district for over a decade, providing workshops, equipment and scholarships to students.
The association will soon use community listservs to build membership and support. Katz said he’s hopeful that the initiative “will draw a lot of traction,” explaining that supporting technology goals in the district will benefit everyone.
The association comes at a time when technology is being heavily prioritized in Herricks public schools. In October 2021, School Superintendent Fino Celano said that the district planned to distribute Google Chromebooks to as many grades as possible. As of now, grades 4 to 12 have Chromebooks and the district plans on extending it to grades three, two and one.
Grades 11 and 12 are allowed to bring their own devices, but are offered Chromebooks as well.
The district’s goals for the 2021-22 school year also include the development of a “digital citizen curriculum” to increase digital fluency and educate students about the importance of a “digital footprint.” The Herricks Technology Boosters Association plans to support the district in these endeavours. Katz mentioned the possibility of creating seminars to assist students and teachers with operating new technology.
During the board meeting, members of the public suggested the creation of coding camps and seminars for parents.
“We’re starting kind of small, but yes, we could consider that,” responded Katz. “We’re open to everything.”
The next Herricks Board of Education meeting will take place on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
