General Articles
Searching for a Data Specialist
Data, process and precision: If these words resonate with you, let’s talk. Penn Manor is in search of a full-time data specialist. Working as part of the PM Technology Team, you will orchestrate all district data initiatives, conduct PDE PIMS collections and tune student instructional data reporting to better harmonize with classrooms needs. Your precise, [...]
Elementary School Wireless Upgrade Complete
Teachers and students increasingly rely upon a high-performance network for innovative teaching and learning. As classroom technology grows, and mobile computing devices expand, strengthening our technology infrastructure is vital. The wireless network, in particular, is the core hub through which virtually all classroom technology projects flow. Without wireless, the district would grind to an unpleasant [...]
Open Campus PA Website Launched
As we start our second semester of online courses, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the new Open Campus PA website: www.opencampuspa.net. Open Campus is the virtual course collaboration between Penn Manor and our two partner districts: Hempfield School District and Manheim Township School District. During the second half of the school year, students [...]
2012 Technology News Recap
With 2012 drawing to a close, it is time to reflect on Penn Manor technology accomplishments. Let’s recount major IT highlights from the past 12 months: Nine school buildings received a much needed communications upgrade during the spring. The new phone system, powered by open source sipXecs software, replaced our nearly decade-old, proprietary 3COM NBX [...]
Let’s Build a Computer
The Penn Manor IT team recently spent the day building 40 new staff computers. Rather than purchasing more costly finished PCs from a traditional vendor, my staff assembled the systems from individual components. The computers will serve as upgrades to 7 year old systems currently in use by various district personnel. My team has hand-assembled [...]
Home Laptop Recommendation 2012
Some of the most common questions I receive from district staff and students involve advice on home computer purchases. It has been several years since I first blogged about this question. With the new school year approaching, it is time to update my recommendation. Most staff and students have similar needs: web surfing, email, social [...]
New Sapphire Parent Portal, Goodbye Paper Report Cards
I am thrilled to announce the release of a new version of Penn Manor’s Sapphire Parent Portal. The new site, now called the Community Web Portal, will be available the evening of May 9th. Existing parent/student usernames, passwords, and PIN numbers will not change as we migrate to the new Web Portal. During the 2012-2013 [...]
PM School News on Android
I’m pleased to announce the availability of our brand new Comet News app for Android phones. The app makes it easy to follow district and building website news feeds. Android phone owners will find the free app in the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pmsd.cometnews. Penn Points and PM Techblog news is included as well. A big thank [...]
