Bayport-Blue Point Library Partners with JWY Middle School on ELA iPad Initiative

Bayport-Blue Point Library Partners with JWY Middle School on ELA iPad Initiative

The Bayport-Blue Point Library launched an iPad initiative with the JWY Middle School in Bayport for the 2014-2015 academic year. “In today’s technological world, public libraries can no longer simply focus on in-house reading and research,” described Bayport-Blue Point Library Director Mike Firestone. “Libraries need to expand their outreach, services and expertise into the community, which has led us to create the ELA iPad initiative with the JWY Middle School.”

The Bayport-Blue Point Library loaned 60 iPad Minis to two English Language Arts (ELA) teachers who are working with sixth grade students at the JWY Middle School to support the ELA curriculum. The iPads include the Library’s e-reader platform for e-books as well as direct Apps to the Library’s online tools. “Partnering with the Bayport-Blue Point Library on the Pad initiative enables the district to pilot new technology, expose more of our students to the public library and enhance our curriculum by providing our students with greater access to information,” stated Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Tim Hearney.

The sixth grade students will use the iPads during the academic year. They will be returned to the Library during school breaks for updating and maintenance and will be made available for public use in the summertime. “We anticipate the success of this pilot iPad initiative – as well as to the increased usage of our e-books and e-resources – and look forward to expanding this pilot program with grant funding in the future,” said Firestone.