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A “SMART” Decision

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Not too long ago, SMART Boards,  which are described by the SMART website as the “interactive whiteboard [which}  lets you deliver dynamic lessons, write notes in digital ink and save your work”  were a new and idolized addition to Westport Public Schools. Few classrooms had them, fewer teachers knew exactly how to use them, and every student wanted a chance to write on the board with the seemingly “magic” markers.

But since then, SMART Boards have become common in this school district, and it looks like there will be another addition… in the fitness center at Staples.

David Gusitsch described each teaching station of Physical Education as like a classroom.

“A SMART Board will allow us to utilize supplemental information: videos, online demonstrations, film from class, and research sources,” said Gusitsch.

“It would increase my ability to teach through different mediums, without having to plug in all these different portable devices” said Janet Zamary, who teaches Physical Education.

Gusitsch said that the addition of a SMART Board in the fitness center would not change the curriculum for students in this unit of Physical Education. It would, however, “enhance the curriculum, making it more student centered” said Gusitsch.

As for a final decision on the installation, Gusitsch said that chances look good, but there is always budget stuff happening behind the scenes. “With this kind of stuff, it’s never really final until its there,” said Gusitsch.

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Katie Reynolds
Katie Reynolds, Staff Writer

Katie Reynolds, with her shoulder length brown hair and tan skin, might blend into a crowd of Staples students. But then you'll talk to her.

Katie Reynolds is unabashedly herself. She is one of the few people who can balance friendliness and sincerity; her sarcastic, honest bite goes nicely with an otherwise sugary sweet disposition. She'll tell you what she's thinking and why she's thinking it, and she's never going to apologize for that. “A writer has to be strong willed, stron enough to give their opinion and ask the right questions,” Reynolds said, a philosophy she lives by.

Reynolds is a much needed addition to the Inklings staff. Her persistence is admirable—— something she hopes will push the line of journalism to an even higher standard at Staples. And she's already started.

Her article “Concussion Repercussions”, which she worked on with classmate Emma Finn, proves the extent of her abilities. Written about the struggles faced between concussed students and strict teachers, Reynolds called it “her hardest article to date.” The extensive researched involved talking to Dr. Micheal Lee, five Staples students, and two teachers. Reynolds didn't bat an eye, easily talking to authority figures and peers alike with the same inherent charm.

Like most on Inklings, her favorite subject is English. Her favorite book is the critically acclaimed “The Language of Flowers”, an elegant book about an extraordinary woman who uses her talents to help others, though struggling through her own hardship as well. Perserverance is something admirable about Katie Reynolds, but also something she admires in others.

In her spare time, she plans events like weddings and bat mitzvahs. Each time, she's more determined to top herself, creating unforgettable bashes sure to amaze. She's unafraid of hard work.

In fact, I'm not sure she's afraid of anything. Like all things, she takes life as it comes, confident in her capabilities as a writer, and as a genuinely good person.

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