RC schools purchases 12 new Apple computers for lab

September 11, 2013 Editor featured

3713-rc-school — Traffic flow in the parking lot of the Rogers City High School has been the biggest issue for students with the start of the new school year. (Photo by Angie Asam)

by Angie Asam–Staff Writer

Monday evening the Rogers City Area Schools board of education approved the purchase of 12 new Apple computers to double the capacity of the current Apple lab. Twelve Apple computers already occupied one of the labs as they are used for the broadcasting class. The addition of 12 more will make the lab accessible to more teachers as they will be able to take a class in the lab now.

High school principal Dave O’Bryant got the quotes on the computers for about $1,000 a piece as they receive a discount for being education related. The computers will be a good fit for the yearbook class as well.

Some of the board members questioned if it was a good idea to expose students to both the Apple and the “regular” computer. As brought up by member Deedra Haselhuhn, many companies are now using Apple’s so it will be good for students to know both systems.

Board president Mike Marx asked O’Bryant if other teachers in the building knew how to use the Apple computers and O’Bryant told him that those that want to learn it will pick it up fast as he can help them learn the system.

IN OTHER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS:

• The board heard public comment on the gates that are now blocking the road that runs between the school and the track. The gates were installed over the summer and make it safer for those going outside for physical education class, practice and soccer. With the gates up students only have one entrance and one exit when coming and going from school. It is raising quite a ruckus as students race to get out of the parking lot at lunch and dismissal. O’Bryant and superintendent K

aty Makowski are looking into how to have the gates open at those times but closed at others, seeing which times would be appropriate. They are working with school resource officer Matt Bisson.

• The board approved the hiring of Eric Moltane as the junior varsity football assistant coach. Moltane has been a volunteer assistant at the varsity level for the past two seasons and was highly recommended by varsity head coach Tim Nagy.

• Millington Community Schools was the highest bidder for the bus that was for sale as they bid $2,800.01 and won the bid. The board received two other bids on the bus.

• Both principals reported that enrollment is up to start the year. The high school/middle school enrollment is up to 348 and it was at 325 at the end of last school year. In the elementary, enrollment is at 224, five more than at the end of last school year.