RTC's Communicator for Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 9 • Students collaborate on projects virtually as well as side-by-side using tech tools in the classroom for all subject areas.  • Sixth graders’ Trooper Talk TV proj- ect includes language arts standards of writing, reading, and speaking for purpose and a broad audience. It’s published weekly on YouTube.  • Young learners practice math facts and sight words using engaging games that motivate them to learn more in order to get to the next level.  • Teachers use microphone systems to ensure that sound is not a barrier in the classroom and their voices can be heard without physical strain.  “The possibilities are endless and our teach- ers are experts at collaborating with each other and our tech educator to find the best match for our students' needs,” Fuller says. RTC Provides Services and Support To meet their communications needs, Garrison Public Schools has been an RTC customer since 1996. A PBX LAN (Local Area Network) from RTC connects the two schools. Bob Callies Elementary uses a phone system with phone and fax lines, and it plans to add security cameras soon. Garrison High School also uses a phone system with phone and fax lines in addi- tion to a Secure Site2Site LAN and video surveillance equipment. Chad Betz, Outside Plant Manager – East, is a key member of the RTC team that works with Garrison Public Schools. Betz explains how internet service is delivered, “Bob Callies Elementary and Garrison High School—along with most schools in the state—receive their internet through ITD (Information Technology Department) of North Dakota. It’s delivered via a circuit that comes from Bismarck through the Dakota Carrier Network to our RTC net- work, and then RTC delivers it to Garrison Public Schools.” Betz adds, “Our team is often asked to troubleshoot for the schools when they have Wi-Fi problems or network issues. RTC is also actively involved with help- ing Garrison Public Schools plan for future technology.” This support from RTC is greatly appre- ciated by both Klemisch and Fuller. “The best way to describe RTC is that they employ the most expeditious people I’ve ever met. This fall, we had a network- related problem that had little to do with RTC services. But RTC came out at the drop of a hat to get our network going again. Garrison Public Schools will con- tinue to look for ways to work with RTC to meet the technology needs of our schools in the years ahead,” Klemisch says. Fuller shares a similar viewpoint, “I so appreciate that RTC employees are always willing to go above and beyond to keep our technology up and running. In this day and age, it’s easier to have school without running water than it is without properly working technology. If we have any issues with connectivity, RTC is a quick phone call away. We can trust RTC to make sure the job will be done correctly.” Shelly Fuller, Principal of Bob Callies Elementary School and Dr. Nick Klemisch, Superintendent of Garrison Public Schools