Hillside Elementary School Brings Media Center Into 21st Century

ROSWELL, GA -- The School Governance Council of Hillside Elementary School is pleased to announce the fruits of its labor resulting from the school year 2016-2017 seed funds.

Hillside was able to transform its Media Center into a 21^st Century learning space for students and teachers. The Media Center now has flexible seating arrangements that can quickly change to suit the needs of the learners using the space. There are tables that move easily, as well as, soft seating that is perfect for small group activities and Project Based Learning. Some tables are topped with white boards and some of the ergonomic seating includes device charging stations.

Additional 2016-2017 seed funds were used for Project Based Learning (PBL) training provided by the Buck Institute of Education. As Hillside Elementary and Fulton County Schools explore ways to provide inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills in the classroom, PBL has been identified as an instructional support to serve students, as well as, support the district goals of impacting college and career readiness. Six teachers attended a week-long conference over their summer break to become leaders for Hillside, and then a PBL facilitator conducted a 3-day, in-school training for the staff in November.

Hillside Elementary School Principal Dr. Maisha Otway is thrilled with the tangible benefits seen throughout the school.

“It is an honor to be a part of our School Governance Council, which has collaborated to earn seed funds for Hillside," Dr. Otway said. "The result of our work has impacted teacher practice through PBL training, and greatly enhanced the learning environment in our Media Center. Our teachers were already highly effective, and PBL training has just added another high-leverage practice to our teachers’ repertoire.”

The school has just been informed that its school year 2017-2018 seed funds have been approved. These funds will go to further furnish learning labs within the school building and additional PBL training.

School Governance Councils are an integral part of the District’s charter system. They help to drive a school’s strategic plan, budget recommendations, performance expectations of principals, and seed fund requests and expenditures. Seed Fund Grants are managed by the Fulton Education Foundation and are designed to implement great ideas tailored to each individual school in the District.

(Pictured are students enjoying the newly designed Media Center.)