By Emily Johnson, Director of Marketing

Technology is an ever growing educational tool, and it can be difficult to use. Here at Saegertown, a hidden gem called TEK4S helps with just that. The program has been functioning for eight years. It is run by Mr. Nick Paolini, and, in his Prezi, he describes TEK4S’s mission. “Participants will acquire and hone 21st century skills essential to learning while fostering the use of emerging technologies to strengthen the pedagogical practices of educators within their districts,” he said. Mr. Jeff Patrick, the adviser of TEK4S, works with several students: eighth graders Mikayla Balog and Will Phelan, and seventh grade students Megan Murphy and Josh Weaver. All four students were nominated by teachers to be in the club.

“It’s a jumpstart for kids interested in technology,” said seventh grader Josh Weaver. It introduces seventh and eighth grade students with newly developed technology, but there is a twist; the students attend meetings at the intermediate unit 5 in Edinboro. While at IU5, they’re assigned an education oriented application. Then the students, back at the school, make presentations to share at IU5, and teach their teachers how to use the apps. They explore three apps and complete three presentations per year. Their final project, if satisfactory, can make it to the state level. The students also participate in activities in order to receive prizes. Unfortunately this is the last year for TEK4S due to state level budget cuts, but it has supported our school for years.