GRE E N SBU R G SAL E M SC HOOL N E WS
center pavilion each day brought a new experience for the GS
students.
Anna Kate commented, “We handed out gift bags filled
with toys for the patients at a children’s orthopedic hospital.
The employees tried to make the hospital environment
as comfortable as possible for the kids. They did this
through color paintings on the walls and bright smiles.
The energy was exhilarating.”
During the week, the Golden Lions built friendships
with the locals and learned to better understand their
struggles. “It was really great to see that what we were
doing was truly making a difference in these people’s
lives,” observed Nick. “This trip really opened my eyes.”
Greensburg Salem
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Edwards. “It was incredible to see how quickly the teachers and
students were able to operate the tablets.”
Throughout his two-day visit, Edwards made observation
on the teaching techniques that were used by the teachers
and developed a series of recommendations for further
implementation. With the help of a translator, Edwards conducted
two teacher-training sessions with his Haitian counterparts
sharing his recommendations for best practices.
HELPING HAITIAN TEACHERS INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
A fifth grade teacher from Hutchinson Elementary traveled
to Haiti to help implement a technology-based tablet program.
Working with the non-profit, A Connected Planet, Mr. Stephen
Edwards went to Haiti as an education subject matter expert.
Prior to his travel he helped A Connected Planet design a teacher
training program to assist them in learning how to integrate the
100 donated Android devices into the teachers’ everyday lessons.
The agency’s mission is to improve healthcare and education to
children in the developing world.
By the time he arrived in SOLT Kobonal Mission near Hinche
and the Haiti Community St. Rose School in Jacsonville, the
Haitian teachers had already been working to create lessons
that interactively used the tablets. “The teachers were very
receptive and excited about using the tablets to improve student
instruction and help prepare them for the 21st century,” said
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1. (l-r) Alex Rensonnet and Laura Hoffer show some attitude outside of French class. 2. French guests and
host students visit Pittsburgh. 3. Anna Kate Payha joined other Rotary volunteers to paint a home while
in the Dominican Republic. 4.Nick Silvis helps a young student to wash her hands. 5. Fifth-grade teacher
Stephen Edwards (right) was given school supplies to take to Haiti by Greensburg Salem Education
Association officers (above right [l-r]) Jessica Zahorchak, Lisa Malloy and Steve Tribble.
Greensburg-Salem | Summer 2014 | icmags.com 27