are on grade level or ahead of it,” says Dr. Holt. By blending emotional support with engaging, developmentally appropriate academics, RFISD ensures its youngest learners, regardless of their family’s military journey, build a strong foundation for success. TECHNOLOGY AND STEM: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE RFISD is making strategic investments to ensure students graduate as tech-savvy problem solvers. “We are a one-to-one district for the entire span of the grades,” says Dr. Holt. This year marks a districtwide transition from Chromebooks to iPads, a move he calls “a better purchase for us long-term.” The shift complements other upgrades like replacing traditional projectors with large interactive TVs where, as Dr. Holt notes, “multiple students can be at the TV or at the board doing activities on them in unison.” Teachers leverage technology as a dynamic resource, using digital repositories to house lesson materials. “Everything can be accessed anytime you want it through that repository,” Dr. Holt explains, enabling students to revisit lectures or notes as needed. Yet the district recognizes when traditional methods prevail, like in algebra classes where, as Dr. Holt observes, “sometimes paper and pencil truly still is better.” The district’s STEM commitment begins in elementary school and continues through high school, where students participate in STEM camps year-round. “Some of our older students volunteer to work some of these STEM camps as well,” explains Secondary School Vice Principal Matthew Atwell, “so they’re focusing on the learning and being in a leadership role throughout the summer.” With its military connections, RFISD prioritizes cybersecurity and is developing policies around AI use in classrooms.“We have been developing policies around artificial intelligence and the acceptable use thereof,” Dr. Holt explains, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges these technologies present. 309 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 RANDOLPH FIELD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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