Sample of Email Sent to Principals on 11/16/2004.
Each was customized for their campus.

To: Principal, Campus Name

Re: Campus Technology Representatives' (CTR) Meeting on November 16, 2004

Howdy! Thought I'd write and give you a quick summary of what was discussed at the Campus Technology Representatives meeting. Your campus tech rep--name--will give you more details.

ROLE OF THE CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE
Before I give you a whirlwind tour of the CTR Meeting held on 11/16/2004 from 2:00-4:30 PM, I'd like to once again remind you that the Technology Department depends upon CTRs--like NAME--to bring information back to you and the Campus Leadership Team for collective problem-solving.

This collective problem-solving is especially important in light of the challenges elementary campuses face in upgrading software on their SyncStations, and that the whole district faces in having to update Windows XP computers prior to April, 2005 with anti-spyware software, and critical updates. Planning how these things will get done is something that is in your hands as the principal, and I encourage you to rely on the CTR as a primary source of information about what needs to be done, not necessarily as the sole person who will get it done. The CTR is our liason with the campus; like you, I value the key role they play. While it is up to you as principal what role the CTR will play, it is clear that one or two people cannot both carry the message and implement it (if you're looking for that kind of person, then you need a Campus Instructional Technologist; more info at http://itls.saisd.net/cit ). If you would like some support on how to best use your campus technology committee, please let me know.

TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE CTR MEETING
Topics discussed at the CTR meeting included a wide variety, including the following:

1) Graphic Organizer Initiative: This initiative, like the Campus Enhancement Program, will match you license for license to help you obtain electronic graphic organizer software like Kidspiration (grades K-2) and Inspiration (3-5). Middle schools already have access to Inspiration software through their TA:TEKS Teacher, and we are working on a next phase for high school licenses. More information can be found online at http://itls.saisd.net/go

2) TCEA Area 20 Conference and Students' Technology Fair was a wonderful success! Thank you for your support. You can find a photo album of people and events--along with a congratulatory note from Mr. Alfaro--online at http://itls.saisd.net/techfair/

3) August-October Workshop Attendance Report: This report is being sent to you reflecting the "No Shows" for Instructional Technology workshops. This report--which may be incorrect if teachers had not updated their campus information--reflects staff who registered for classes but then did not show up for the class. We intend to provide this information to you periodically so that you can be aware of "No Shows" from Graebner Elementary School. You can view list of all who attend classes from your campus online at http://itls.saisd.net/pd and clicking on Administrators' PDP Search.

4) Dell Computer Employee Purchase Program: This program was unveiled today, enabling SAISD staff to purchase 3 desktop computer systems (entry (<$500), mid (<$<650), and high level (<$920) at different price ranges. This is the first phase of the program. Future phases will include laptops (perhaps as early as next week), and plans are being made for payroll deduction, but this last piece is still under discussion.

5) Software Selection and Purchasing Handbook: Going to be buying software soon? If it's not on the "approved" list, then campuses are urged to follow the process outlined in the handbook. A copy is available online at http://itls.saisd.net/ctr and CTRs will have a printed copy to share with you.

6) Protecting Windows Comptuers from Spyware/Adware: Spyware/adware have become serious problems in the last year for all Windows computers. Making the changes on the computers themselves can be time-consuming if only 1-2 people are left to do it. SyncStations--for elementary campuses--have to be upgraded per published instructions by no later than January 14th, while other computers (whether at elementary or secondary campuses) should be done by March, 2005. Campuses now have the tools they need to combat invasive spyware/adware. More information is available online at http://itls.saisd.net/software/spykit

This brief update will be elaborated on by your Campus Technology Representative. If for some reason your CTR did not make it to the meeting, you will receive a packet in the mail. Note that campus attendance at CTR Meetings is tracked online at http://itls.saisd.net/ctr

If you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to contact Miguel Guhlin at mguhlin@saisd.net or 527-1400. Instructional Technology is here to collaborate with you on the best ways to realize the benefits of technology so as to impact teaching, learning and leadership.

Wishing you well,

Miguel Guhlin
Director, Instructional Technology
San Antonio ISD, Texas
http://itls.saisd.net
Email: mguhlin@saisd.net
Phone: 210-527-1400 ; Fax: 210-281-0257
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"Ask not what computers can do with
students,but rather, what students can do
with computers."
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