Information program for ‘EAST’ project

on Monday at YHS

The Yosemite High School Environmental and Spatial Technology program (EAST) will host a parent and student information meeting on Monday [May 7] in the school library.

The meeting opens at 7 p.m.

Students already enrolled in EAST for next fall and those still considering enrolling are invited to bring their parents to the meeting. EAST teachers will provide detailed information about the program and answer parent and student questions.

Through a competitive application process, YHS was awarded an EAST grant establishing a new 15-station computer lab which will be installed this spring.

Students in EAST will be given access to state-of-the-art technology and software, and after learning to use the technology, they will perform community service projects.

In explaining the reason for the Monday meeting, EAST teacher Mike Cole said, “It is very important that both students and parents understand what EAST is all about and the kinds of expectations we will have for students before we finalize enrollments in the program. EAST is a very unique kind of educational program in which students will, to a large extent, define their own learning and project goals and participate with the teacher in evaluating how well they have met their own goals and objectives.”

One focus of EAST is to develop young people who can be successful in the Information Age workplace.

Currently, there is a severe shortage of workers who can quickly adapt to new technology and work independently or in small teams on developmental projects. EAST has established industry partnerships that both supply technology and help define the kinds of skills and traits EAST students should develop.

Examples of the kinds of computer applications and equipment EAST students will have the opportunity to use are:

n Desktop publishing.

n Animation, modeling, and design software.

n Video editing.

n Database management.

n Global positioning systems (GPS).

n Presentation software.

There are still openings in EAST for students who are interested in applying. Contact either Mr. Cole or EAST director Larry Pesetski at the high school, 683-4667.