---

Worms and hand-held, interactive computer screens may not have much in common. But projects involving each have been funded at diocesan Catholic schools through a grants program for classroom innovations. 

The Catholic Schools Office runs the program and teachers apply. It's part of the effort to make good use of new generation technology.

Christ the King school, in Guilderland, received a grant to purchase Airliners, a handheld device for notes, and funding for a composting ecology unit for their pre-school.

"My teachers were the sign-offs on them," said Judy Smith, school principal. "I encouraged them to look into this last year and supported them all the way."

Pati Smicinski, a math teacher at Christ the King, received the grant for Airliners to enhance learning in the classroom. 

Overhead easy
Mrs. Smicinski elaborated on the new devices.

"Instead of using a chalkboard or overhead (projector) to take notes, you can hold it in your hand and write notes and relay it to the board," she explained.

The board she referred too is called a Smart Board. Smart Boards are an interactive whiteboard that allows PowerPoint presentations and websites to appear on the screen, making the method easier for both the teachers and the students.

"It's so much easier," said Mrs. Smicinski, "because you can be more interactive with students as a teacher. You can walk around the class. You're not stuck standing there in one spot."

Teachers say that the students seem to enjoy it.

"It's a wonderful ability for the students," said Mrs. Smicinski. "They're definitely getting more. They're more excited about learning. They know about computers, they know about learning. It excites them much more than something like a worksheet."

Getting dirty
Janice Stevens teaches pre-school and an early childhood development class at Christ the King. She used the money to fund a composting project for her kids. 

"When we heard there was money available, we said 'let's see what we can do,'" she said.

The result? Composting with worms.

The funding paid for bins and worms. Now, the children are learning all about the process of composting, or what Judy Smith referred to as the "4 R's" of the environment: recycle, reuse, renew, and respect.

"We teach them that God loves everyone and everything and that we need to take care of the earth. And the worms are a part of it," exclaimed Mrs. Stevens.

The children are having fun. 

"They love it," Mrs. Stevens said laughing. "A bunch of 4-year-olds with dirt and worms? Are you kidding?"

Overall boost
Both Janice Steven and Pati Smicinski agree that these grants benefit not only the students, but can help the school as well.

"We hope so," said Mrs. Smicinski when asked if it will have a positive impact on the future of Christ the King. "We're hoping our technology will encourage parents to send their kids here."

Mrs. Stevens also felt it could entice parents to enroll their children.

"I think anything like that helps," she said. "I think many parents are interested in science and technology for their kids."[[In-content Ad]]

---