By Eishna Ranganathan
News Editor

In a society where technology is becoming more commonplace, Neshaminy decided to introduce new programs and efficient equipment in order to join the modernization trend.

During late Aug., an official Neshaminy School District (NSD) app was created, powered by Parlent Technology Inc., in which users receive messages from school administers, notifications on major events such as Back to School Night, and the ability to customize which the schools which sends them updates.

Additionally, the app enables people to view live sports scores, as well as ones for games against previous teams versed. People have access to a Directory in which every school’s phone number, address and teacher schedules are listed. Students are able to log-in and view their schedules, upcoming assignments and attendance. Other information such as library books checked out and busing placement is also available.

The Information Technology Dept. also plans to further investigate the limits to be put on devices students bring to school: “the ability to allow staff and students to [bring] their own devices (BYOD) is one that we are currently working on. Wireless throughout the building is the first part. Security and access is important to make sure students are protected while using the District network,” Kathy Christie, IT Director of Neshaminy School District, said.

This venture is currently in the planning phases and more details pertaining to the BYOD will arise throughout the year.

For seniors applying to college, the district started to use a database called Naviance. The Guidance Department made the decision after surveying neighboring schools in the area to find that they have been using the program for past graduating classes.

“[Naviance takes] three resources and combines them. Instead of using College Board for career exploration, mailing transcripts to universities and trying to find teachers for recommendations, students can access these features in one spot via the program,” guidance counselor, Casey Rodgers said.

Students complete their graduation project research on Naviance via the “strengths explorer assessment” to identify top qualities to be placed on their “career cluster.” In the past, they had to print these results, but now it is in a condensed setting. It is faster to see who did and did not take the tests. Letters of recommendation are directly uploaded to it as well.

For underclassman, Naviance includes a program for SAT practice with diagnostic tests for each subject – Reading, Writing and Math. Using the taker’s weaknesses, it sets up a schedule for practice to improve.

For mainly the math and English departments, the district introduced BrightLink 585Wi projectors by Epson to replace the Promethean SmartBoards. From 12 inches away, the interactive projector senses kinesthetic movements and features vivid color 3LCD technology.

“I came in and the SmartBoard was replaced by the projector. It has several new features, but we were never taught how to use them. The week following the switch, an email was sent out, but did not provide much help,” Amy Wilkinson, math teacher, said.

“The projectors where budgeted with Technology funds and are purchased through National Purchasing Contracts that approved vendors participate in. This allows for the most competitive price,” Christie said.

The new gadgets bought and companies partnered with, demonstrate the district’s utilization of equipment in an era which electronics dominate daily life. The new layout of Home Access, creation of a new app and primer of modernized projectors fuse education and technology in the classroom.