1. Introductions and Administrivia
The 2004 Cadre was introduced along with the Ranger Advisory team. Charlene thanked the Ratpack for their contributions to the PowerRanger program in the coming year. Stevenson's newest Technology Trainer, Jennifer Wood, was also introduced. Jennifer will be available to check out software keys and update Norton Anti-virus for those still needing it.

Access to Student Machines
Teachers can no longer use their Adlai logins to access student machines. If additional faculty machines are needed in "student areas," requests must go through the division director.

2. PowerRanger Expectations

Charlene reviewed the PowerRanger expectations:

• Teams: Rangers are encouraged to meet regularly within their assigned mentors/teams.
• Observations: The process of observation can be a powerful component for reflection on technology integration ideas. Rangers are asked to schedule one period of observation per semester. (2004 Rangers do not need to be observed, but should plan to observe a member of their team or a Ranger Advisor). A sub can be arranged if the observation cannot be scheduled during a planning period. Please be mindful of the policy for arranging substitutes, which requires director approval.
• Staff Development: Participate in 8 hours of "technology-based" professional development each semester, whether giving or receiving. This could be accomplished through University of Stevenson, online classes through STAR-Online, attending conferences, release day workshops, or individual sharing.
• Meetings: Attend the monthly lunch meetings (2004 Rangers are expected, all veteran Rangers are invited and welcome!) An agenda will be sent the week prior to each meeting with a link for lunch RSVP.
• Listserv: Rangers are asked to be active participants in the listserv, not only for "how do I" information, but also to share discoveries and "ah-hah" moments.
• Sharing: The PowerRangers shared folder can now be found on Patriot. Visit for teacher and student examples, PowerPoint templates and more. Teachers wishing to share files, can drop them into Charlene's Public->Shared folder on Patriot.
• Overall: Increase your use of technology for instructional purposes. The main focus of the PowerRanger initiative is Staff Development.

3. Upcoming Conferences:

The National School Board Association will be hosting its annual Technology & Learning conference in Denver, CO from October 27-29, 2004. There is funding available to send 2 teachers. If you would like to be considered as a candidate to represent Stevenson High School, please email Charlene by Tuesday, Aug. 31. For more information about the conference, visit: http://www.nsba.org/T+L

The area-wide common institute day will be hosted at Stevenson on Friday, March 4, 2005. There will be a technology strand. Please consider giving a presentation. More information will be coming from your directors and Janet Gonzalez. The proposal to present form can be found in the PowerRanger shared folder.

4. Staff Development Brainstorming:

An "Idea Exchange" activity was used to gather ideas for Staff Development workshops and activities for the coming year. Ideas were ranked and scored. Some of the more popular ideas included release day or late arrival workshops (creating web pages, maintaining webpages, posting grades online, iMovie, iPhoto, iLife, "What to do if your Mil-Kart turns sour?" and more). The Ratpack will work with Charlene to develop this year's offerings.

5. Goal Setting using an Online Journal or "Blog"

Goal Setting:
"An effective goal focuses primarily on results, rather than on activity. It identifies where you want to be... and it tells your when you have arrived. It unitifes your efforts and energy." -- Steven Covey (1991)

PowerRangers created accounts at http://www.livejournal.com. The online journal environment can be used to record goals and reflect on activities throughout the year. Since the journal can be viewed by Ranger Advisors or fellow Rangers, feedback can be provided and support planned where needed. An online record provides anytime access, without the need to backup or save documents. Directions and more information on LiveJournal can be found in the PowerRangers shared folder on Patriot. Rangers are asked to record their goals within the next few days by answering the following questions in their journal:

1. What is your technology focus area for this year?

2. What are your learning objectives within this focus area?

3. How will your learning objectives impact student learning?

4. What will be indicators of success for both you and your students?

The next PowerRanger meeting will be held Friday, Sept 24, during lunch periods 4, 5 & 6 in room 7096. 2004 PowerRangers are expected to attend, all veteran rangers are invited as well.

Return to the PowerRangers home page.