Peters Township School Board approves purchase of game design package
When it comes to preparing students for careers of the future, the traditional “three R’s” don’t quite cut it anymore, which is why today’s education often focuses on STEM.
The acronym stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and Peters Township School District is providing another relevant learning opportunity, especially with regard to the “T.”
The school board on Monday approved the $2,400 purchase of the Game Design Fundamentals package for sixth through eighth grades from Manchester-based Zulama Modern Learning. The materials are geared toward engaging students in programming and STEM subjects through video game design.
“We looked at this in the past, but it was cost-prohibitive. Now, through the partnership with the intermediate unit, we have very reasonable pricing,” Superintendent Jeannine French said, referring to the district’s membership in regional educational support agency Intermediate Unit 1 in California Borough.
Michael Fisher, assistant to the superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, pointed out another financial advantage, provided by Zulama.
“Since it’s a middle-school package, and it’s six through eight, they’re giving us both McMurray and Peters Township at the same price,” he said about the elementary school for sixth-graders, along with the middle school for students in the other two grades. “That made it even more appealing.”
School board member Minna Allison requested a demonstration of the package at a future meeting.
“We plan on going over all our STEM initiatives to look at a lot of the exciting things going on across our schools,” Jennifer Murphy, assistant superintendent, told her.
In other business at Monday’s school board meeting:
• The board approved donations from the Pleasant Valley Elementary School PTA adding up to more than $11,000.
The school will receive 20 Apple iPad Air 2 tablets, along with cases for each and a charging cart, with a total purchase price of $10,676.21. The PTA has donated another $750 for games and equipment to support recess activities.
• Also gaining approval was a new pay rate for substitute teachers, who will earn $105 per day for up to 45 consecutive days at the same position, and $110 per day after. French said the rate puts Peters Township ahead of some other local school districts that compete for substitutes’ services.
“We do have a very robust sub pool,” she said. “Lately, however, we’ve been not getting absences filled at the rate we need for our children, and also to support our teachers.”