*12.11_December

December Agenda

1. E-mail update, specifically need 7/8 for start of science fair in January. Carol I've ordered the domain name hcsstudent.org through a company that Dave recommended. Not sure how long the purchase order process will take, but things should start moving pretty quickly after that. I know there will be a process where I have to "prove" to google that we own the domain and that may take a few days. I think we should be all set up sometime in January, but not right at the start of the month. (Jock)

2. Thoughts on saving money by dropping Microsoft license in favor of Google Docs. Carol I think it is a good idea but, ?? will all students need to have a google account then (Leanne) We had a discussion several years ago about dropping Microsoft Office in favor or Open Office and we decided to stick with Microsoft. One of the reasons was the substantial commitment we'd made to training our staff in the use of office. (I'm just saying this to give a historical perspective) Two things to consider now are 1) Microsoft Office is costing us less than it used to because we're purchasing it in a pool with the entire SAU, and 2) Google Docs won't work with no Internet connection. Given some of the problems we've had recently with the wireless network, I don't think it's a good idea at this time. I think we should revisit it next year, though.

3. January NWEA schedule. Carol

4. Tech Plan (Leanne)

5. Wireless Network (Jock) We've been experiencing some serious interference issues with the wireless network... Mostly on the east side of the elementary wing. This results in an EXTREMELY slow network connection when bringing a mobile lab into certain classrooms. I've been in touch with a company out of Manchester who will come to the school to analyze the problem and come up with some solutions for us. This could happen as early as next week.