Laptop computers being prepared for distribution to Cape students

ASUS Transformer Books, set to be distributed to Cape Girardeau Central High School students in January, are just about ready, assistant superintendent for academic services Sherry Copeland told the school board Monday.

"We've been in the process of having them imaged and etched," Copeland said after the meeting. "Right now, we're finalizing the distribution plan for Jan. 7."

Imaging means installation of the district's version of Windows and etching engraves the district's logo and serial numbers onto the convertible laptop computers, officials have said.

Under the so-called 1:1 initiative, the district ordered 1,300 of the laptop/tablet computers -- at a cost of $520,000 -- with 1,200 going to Central High School students and 100 already delivered to teachers.

"We will distribute the devices [to students] Jan. 7, first thing in the morning," Copeland said. "When they get to school, they'll be dismissed to the commons area. The freshman class will start first thing in the morning, shortly after 7:45 a.m."

Moving toward 1:1 started in spring 2012, when the district began researching the project. The devices were purchased earlier this fall and arrived in late November.

Other business

• The school board recognized the Tigers football team and coaches from Central High School for being 2013 district champions and state semifinalists. This was the first time since the late 1970s that the milestone had been reached.

Superintendent James Welker said the team is now part of Central High School and Tiger football history. He also thanked the coaches for their work.

• The board recognized Alma Schrader Elementary School principal Ruth Orr for earning her doctorate and presented her with a potted poinsettia.

Orr earned her doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri. She took a bachelor's in elementary education and a master's in guidance and counseling, both from Southeast Missouri State University.

This is Orr's 30th year with the Cape Girardeau School District and her 13th year as principal of Alma Schrader. She's been working on her doctorate for eight years, which she said included two years of coursework and six years to do her dissertation.

"I feel like I've finished the unending homework assignment," Orr said.

• The board watched a video presentation from the Missouri School Boards Association that touched on Common Core implementation, student transfers, the upcoming legislative session and MSBA governance changes.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.