Coventry board welcomes new treasurer

The Coventry Local Schools Board of Education used its July 19 meeting to introduce new Treasurer Aaron Butts, 40, who replaces outgoing Treasurer Lee Ann Weisenmiller.

“I come here from the Cardington-Lincoln Local School District and I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity to be the next treasurer,” Butts said.

Superintendent Russell Chaboudy said, “I congratulate Lee on her retirement and welcome Aaron.”

Board member Tom Thompson concurred, while board Vice President David Andrews added, “Treasurer Lee Ann Weisenmiller has been here for a long time. She has done a terrific job and saved the district a lot of money.”

Something else of note about the meeting was that it took place in the high school band room. This was due to the large construction project going on around the facility.

“Construction is coming along at the high school,” Chaboudy said. “We feel confident we’re on schedule, although things can always happen. We’re looking at Aug. 15 right now as the date to move in. I can tell you the other buildings are looking great, and I cannot compliment our custodial maintenance staff enough. They have been unbelievable, and I appreciate the work they’ve done. I think the teachers coming back to high school will be in for a big surprise when they see the big changes that are happening here.”

One other change for the upcoming school year involves the school district’s bus fleet, which is getting an overhaul due to a recently approved five-year contract with Peterman Northeast LLC to provide supervision of student busing services. Chaboudy has stated the district has an aging fleet and cannot afford to make improvements, but the contract will bring newer buses to the district, save about $780,000 and allow construction of a new bus garage.

“We had nine buses pass inspection in June that we’re keeping,” Chaboudy said. “And with our agreement with the Peterman company to take over management, we’re putting the other buses up for sale. We sold five and we had someone from the [New Franklin] area offer to buy the rest. We’re working on a price with him. It’s important to know that money goes to us. When Peterman did their survey, they noted we were the oldest bus fleet in the state of Ohio. ... We have two new buses and 16 used buses should start rolling in sometime this week.

New Garageband Killer uJam is the best web app of 2011 - Art ...

Is without a doubt the best free app I have seen pop on the web in the last 12 - 18 months and it is a really fresh and unique piece of software that is going to blow your students minds.  Essentially uJam let's anyone create a professional piece of music in minutes by simply singing.  No instruments required. ( You must see the video below to believe it.)

Next, the user can edit the style of their music. There are many to choose from and each allows the user to produce something that sounds exactly the way they want it to. After polishing their personal music creation, the user can share it with others. It can be sent privately to a select group of friends or family members or shared with a larger group of fans.

It has some big names behind it including Han's Zimmer and Pharrell and is currently totally free but I get the feeling that may not last.  You really need to take a look at the videos below to get an idea of how this amazing app works but I can definitely see this up there with facebook and myspace as internet phenomoenons for teenagers and aspiring stars by the end of the year.

Just about everything Ujam can do is unique. The application guides musicians of all levels to building their own music. Style settings allow users to produce a piece they can be proud of and would want to listen to.

Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity

Handbook of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK) for educators

Art book news annual

The Macintosh iLife '06 in the classroom

Best Ideas for Teaching with Technology, A Practical Guide for Teachers, by Teachers