Mayor Thomas M. Menino personally congratulated each graduate of the Technology Goes Home @ School pilot program at their February commencement ceremony hosted by the Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Over 55 families graduated from the program that was available at the Nathan Hale, Henry Higginson, Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Mary Lyon and Lucy Stone Elementary Schools – through the fourth grade classroom and at TechBoston Academy to the ninth graders. Teachers worked the additional hours for a nominal stipend, to train parents and children on the TGH curriculum (basics of technology), in addition to the MyBPS portal that will allow parents, teachers and administrators to communicate, around the clock, on their child’s progress.
Opening the doorway to two-way communication between parents and teachers has improved the relationship between the two parties. Parents and teachers alike spoke of the improved communication and connection between them. Teachers noted that spending additional time with their students each week helped strengthen their bond. Pat DiNatale, Principal of the Horace Mann School for the Deaf, said "all of the staff now realize that parents will spend time at the school in a teaching and learning situation if they feel there is benefit. This is a WONDERFUL program."
Technology Goes Home @ School not only helps eliminate barriers between parents and children, but also among teachers, parents and cultures. Sixty-eight percent of the students currently attending the BPS still do not have home computers.
On behalf of the BDBF and the City of Boston we thank the Wentworth Institute of Technology for hosting our proud and accomplished families.
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