The plan is to create an online learning space (complete with computer terminals, a genius bar, online course/lesson resources). We hope the space can be used to access online resources, conduct research, and learn ways to integrate technology into our classrooms in a meaningful way. The space will be open during all GDPLC hours as a general resource. In addition, we will have a rotating schedule posted of when technology staff will be on hand to support these efforts. This space will also host a large table and chairs for study and book groups to meet from across the district.
Attached to the online learning room will be a traditional library. This library will house current texts and resources for staff. Each week, Dr. Novak will write an online review of a text. A few copies of each of these texts will be housed in the library for staff to check-out. In addition, this library will house "Book Groups in a Box". These boxes will contain books for book groups of about 10 staff. The box will also contain facilitator notes so staff who are interested can facilitate a book group without prior preparation. We will choose about 3 books for these Book Group Boxes each year. A survey will go out in the fall to request titles from staff. In addition to the resources that the district will provide, if any staff have any professional literature that they have already read and would like to give to the library, we appreciate the donation and will ensure that all staff have access to the donated materials.
Next to the library, we will be hosting an adult classroom. We will utilize this space to offer workshops and courses throughout the coming school year. It will be available for classes starting in mid-October.
Lastly, we will be utilizing the gym as a new staff wellness center. The GDPLC will offer wellness options for staff. We intend to open this option up for town employees in other departments as well. For example, it may house yoga classes offered right after school hours so they are convenient for staff. We may stagger options for different dismissal times.
The grand-opening of this space will occur during new teacher orientation in August. We look forward to new and experienced staff finding it a valuable resource. The GDPLC will be open to staff from 7:30 am-5:30 pm every day.
I wish to thank the following planning members for helping prepare this space with me over the course of the summer: Katie Novak, Steve Byrne, Gary Babin, Luke Callahan, Karen Tuomi, and Marilyn Gallardo.
This week, the GDPLC planning team met. We expect to have Phase 1 of this project completed by next week. Phase 1 entails getting the spaces cleaned and cleared, all of the technology infrastructure and hardware installed, as well as furniture placed. I want to publicly thank Steve Byrne, Marilyn Gallardo, Gary Babin, Phyllis Maynard, and Joe Bisby for all of their recent work putting this first phase together for us. Phase 2 will entail stocking the rooms with resources, decorating, and organizing the space. Phase 2 will also include defining a schedule for the use of the space. Phase 3 will occur in early fall and will entail sharing this great new resource with staff and engaging staff in providing us with feedback regarding technology training, professional development sessions, and book selection.
The photos below represent the spaces, cleared of much of the clutter and with the beginning pieces of furniture in place. We look forward to keeping the community updated with the progress as we move forward with this exciting project.