21st Century Support Systems

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6.1.16 | Area Technology Center begins their expansion and remodel

9.22.15 | Chromebook Rollout to High School Students Begins

The start of our 1:1 student device initiative began in September 2015. Over the course of a week, 2,000 Chromebooks were put in the hands of our grade 9-12 students. A blog entry on the high school deployment details the rollout.

The success of the deployment inspired and movitvated the Board to move up the timetable for middle school students, and therefore deployment of Chromebooks for grades 6-8 was accomplished in January 2016. A blog entry on the middle school deployment discusses how ready our East and West teachers were to integrate Chromebooks into their instruction.

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8.15.14 | A 21st Century Elementary School, A New Professional Development Space

After a $14 million remodeling, a brand new Southside Elementary opened for the 2014-2015 school year. Located on the same campus as the previous school, Southside Elementary is a flagship of what 21st century classrooms can be. A news report by WDRB detailed the school's flexible learning spaces ("Southside Elementary gets a $14 million upgrade," 11/1/14).

On the same campus as Southside, the old Southside gym was renovated into the Blair Center, a state of the art meeting and classroom space. Created with large educator gatherings in mind (such as our district professional development), this space has quickly become a popular facility, used by regional educators outside of Shelby as well as by community groups. With movable walls to create larger or more intimate spaces, multiple screen options (Smartboards, projectors, HDTV), a sound system, and a kitchen, the Blair has become a hub of flexible learning for Shelby staff.

Breaking Ground on ATC Expansion

Student Device Deployment Begins

Southside Elementary remodeled and Blair Center opens

What are 21st Century Support Systems?

2017 SLP Goals for 21st Century Support Systems

The key to success for all of the preceding strands is a robust, integrated and effectively upgraded infrastructure. This involves all of the nuts and bolts, brick and mortar, "buttons and wires" aspects of our technology and facilities plan, including the rollout of 1:1 devices for all students, ensuring our wifi network is future ready, and maintaining and supporting the growth of our Big Picture Learning Academy and Area Technology Center (ATC).

Ongoing 1:1 device support for K-12
Provide student 1:1 digital device for K-5
Establish recurring budget for device replacement
Continue district-wide wireless upgrade
Expand student digital support team to middle / embed in a career pathway
Implement Big Picture Learning model with 50 students
Meet the facility needs for Big Picture Learning
Growth of business partner and career pathway connections
Build and occupy ATC addition
Consider options for Arts Center
Flexible learning areas in all schools

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Breaking Ground on ATC Expansion

Big Picture Learning Academy Opens

6.1.16 | Area Technology Center begins their expansion and remodel

A new 30,000 square foot addition is being added onto our Area Technology Center (ATC), breaking ground in June of 2016. The new labs will bring in two new programs: Diesel Mechanics and Welding. The original building is being renovated as well and both are scheduled for completion in the fall of 2017.

8.12.16 | Big Picture Learning Academy opens at JCTC, begins with 50+ students

What is Big Picture Learning?

Big Picture Learning (BPL) is the essence of personalization. We like to say that at Big Picture, “It’s Possible!”

Students will master standards but in an entirely different way than Shelby County has experienced before. The first school of its kind in the state of Kentucky, BPL offers students the chance to learn through areas of their choosing and interest. Three days of in-class instruction, coupled with two days of internship opportunities means BPL students will engage in learning like never before.

The core of BPL is Learning Through Internships/Interests (LTI.) Our belief is that the walls of the school do not define our school. Students will work with their advisor to determine different Internships/Interests. Students will then initiate contact for job shadowing opportunities that will hopefully lead to 9-week long internships. Through the LTI’s, students will gain hands on experience by working with mentors in their chosen setting.

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K-5 Device Deployment

9.30.16 | 1:1 Device Deployment complete with K-5 students receiving devices

The continuation of our 1:1 student device initiative that began in September of 2015 was completed one year later. Over the course of a week, 4,000 Chromebooks were put in the hands of our grade 1st - 5th grade students.

The success of the secondary deployments inspired and motivated our elementary students. Each school held their own roll-out making it personalized to their school for a fun and festive couple of nights!

Our kindergarten students have access to iPads in their classroom!