Students getting 'SMART'

By GIOVANNI P. ROSSI, Staff writer
State Sen. Ed Bowman, D-Weirton, visited Sonya Lettieri’s eighth-grade English class at Weir Middle School Tuesday to participate in an interactive learning game.

During the visit, Lettieri’s class had access to one of several SMART boards purchased by the school through Legislative Digest funds made available by Bowman.

The senator reported that approximately $8,000 was allocated toward the purchase of three SMART boards, complete with transporting carts and projectors. A portion of the funds also was used to acquire a 144-square-foot projection screen.

SMART boards use remote location and projection to interact with custom-made computer programs.

“These are state-of-the-art pieces of equipment,” Bowman said. “If they improve the educational experience for even one student, they are worth it.”

Bowman, Lettieri, and Weir Middle School Principal Terry McAtee demonstrated the equipment’s potential by participating in a round of “English Jeopardy,” quizzing students on curriculum for their upcoming assessment tests.

Lettieri said the game was designed to work off a computer program.

“It worked as a fantastic tool to help enrich the students’ knowledge,” she said. “Our game was a hands-on, competitive activity that combined fun with academics.”

McAtee reported that one SMART board and projector have been designated for use in the school’s library and computer lab. The remaining pieces of equipment are available for teachers to borrow for their class periods. McAtee thanked Bowman for his contribution to the school and his dedication toward student development.



(Rossi can be contacted at grossi@weirtondailytimes.com)