GOREVILLE SCHOOLS NAMED TECHNOLOGY "SHOWCASE SCHOOL"

Goreville Elementary School and Goreville High School have been notified by SMART Technologies based out of Calgary, Canada, that they have been chosen as a "2012 Showcase School"!  The award is based on a competitive application process where school districts from around the world describe their commitments to adding technology and engaged learning in classrooms.  In 2010 and 2011, Goreville Schools added state-of-the-art whiteboard interactivity technology to their Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, and High School as well as extensive training for their teachers on using technology to enhance learning.  The school was recently recognized by the Chicago affiliate of SMART Technologies when they traveled to Goreville in April to tour the facility and host a SMART Experience event for the region.  The event featured Goreville School's certified "SMART Exemplary Teachers" Rachel Jenkins and Melissa Robertson as well as Kindergarten Teacher Dana Harris and High School Business Teacher Diane Kirby where they provided inservice to parents and community members as well as teachers and administrators from school districts across Southern Illinois on the effective use of technology in their classrooms.  Due to the award, Goreville Schools will now receive technology training and professional development scholarships; exposure in global SMART publications and marketing materials; a profile in the SMART Showcase Schools web directory; a "Showcase School" display for their school facility; access to low-interest loans for technology purchases; and special opportunities to test new technology products from SMART as they are developed.  Goreville joins other Showcase schools from around the world including schools from Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom and their profiles can be found at www.smarttech.com/showcaseschools.  You can also view the article on the SMART Experience Event hosted by Goreville Schools in the Goreville Gazette here.