School cited for tech-cellence

In recognition of that effort, the school recently won an award as a "Catholic School for Tomorrow" by Today's Catholic Teacher magazine.

Last week, Brother Jason Lody, dean of students at the school, accepted the award during the annual convention of the National Catholic Education Association, held in Atlantic City. The award was presented to the school for "self-initiated staff development and innovations in technology."

"This is truly an outstanding achievement, especially considering that just a few years ago, the school had no computers or internet access," said Sister Jane Herb, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools. "It is a perfect example of what can happen when schools pursue funding available to them, and teachers are willing to go the extra mile."

James Leveskas, the school's principal, noted that "each teacher was asked to learn how to use the computer and then to find ways to incorporate it into his or her class curriculum. Our teachers have truly outdone themselves. They spent their free time learning computer technology after school and even during the summer. They have earned this award through their hard work and dedication."

St. Casimir's now has about 45 computers -- at least one in every classroom -- and two computer labs. It also has a "white board," which, according to the principal, will be a valuable teaching tool.

"The white board is a large screen that can display what individual computers are displaying when students are accessing the internet," Mr. Leveskas said. "By viewing the white board together, students will be able to work as a class while working at their individual stations, following the teacher's instruction from the big screen."

When the vendor of the white board heard about the award St. Casimir's won, it donated it to the school.

Mr. Leveskas credited Darlene Cardillo of the diocesan Catholic Schools office, and Kelly Sano, a Title One teacher from Albany County, for getting the honor for St. Casimir's.

"Both of these individuals were paramount in helping the school win this award," he said. "I am very grateful to them both, as I am to all of our dedicated teachers and staff."

(04-11-02) [[In-content Ad]]