Niwot High School  November 2011
BY TINA EDEN
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Education Foundation Completes Technology Upgrades

The Niwot High School Education Foundation is in the process of completing its technology upgrades to 53 classrooms. Twenty classrooms have already been upgraded with equipment such as Promethean ActivBoards (smartboards), laptop computers, document cameras, clickers, and custom storage cabinets.
Two mobile computer labs, comprised of 30 netbooks on a cart, have been purchased so teachers can bring a computer lab to their classrooms, rather than taking the class to another room. The multi-year project was initiated in 2006, with the Education Foundation contributing $227,000 to date.

The Education Foundation has committed to providing ongoing resources for continued Digital Learning Communities Training and technology replacements as necessary. Currently, five teachers are enrolled in digital learning classes, and will provide support to fellow staff members.

Education Foundation President Gary Keschl said, “The Tech. Knowledge project represents a significant investment by the community in Niwot High School. When the project was first conceived, it was years ahead of where the other schools in the district were with regard to learning technology. The completion of this project is a major milestone for Niwot High School and the Education Foundation, and will help ensure Niwot High School remains one of the top high schools in the state of Colorado. The Education Foundation is extremely thankful to all of the donors who have made this possible.”

The Foundation relies on fundraisers, individual donations and grants to support its projects. IBM recently awarded the Foundation a $3,000 Community Grant recognizing its employees’ support of community non-profits.
The mission of the Niwot High School Education Foundation is to promote the welfare of students, graduates, and faculty members of Niwot High School by providing financial support for programs that will enhance and enrich student learning.

For more information or to support the Education Foundation, visit www.nhsef.org.

Lower Than Expected Enrollment Affects Support Staff

Students planning to visit the library during lunch might find the doors locked now that the position of library clerk has been eliminated. NHS had a projected enrollment of 1313 students, but when the October student count came in, it was at 1288. With a lower than projected enrollment, the positions of copy room aide and the library clerk were eliminated.

The library had a staff of only two people: librarian Dottie Martin-Stewart and clerk Karen Trafton. With Trafton gone, Martin-Stewart has to close the library doors during one of the lunch periods. She hopes community volunteers can help out during this time.

Blood Drive

The Key Club will host a blood drive on Friday, Nov. 4.
Community members may donate at the school by contacting club sponsor Katie Barger at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Les Miserables Is Coming

Photo by Tina Eden
Niwot High School math teacher Andrew Roberts uses his classroom smartboard. The board, along with other equipment, was funded by the Education Foundation Tech. Knowledge Project.