By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - There are nothing but positive things being said about the Niles Community Schools move of sixth graders to Oak Manor.
The overhead projectors are cool. You can see what's going on right in front of you. I think it really helps us to learn the information better," Touhey said.
Tyonna Taylor said. "Coming to Oak Manor is great. You get to meet all new people from all over Niles and we get to have our own laptop to use in class."
The students are also really excited to be getting the chance to use all the new technology the building has to offer.
Each of the students will receive a laptop computer which they will be able use throughout their school day. The building also has wireless internet which will allow each of the student to use the system at their own desk.
The technology continues as each of the classrooms has been set up with a ceiling mounted projector which allows the teachers to project items up onto a screen using their document projector.
Oak Manor is piloting this program which should be in place by the end of the first nine week marking period, for the Niles Community Schools.
The students at Oak Manor are also part of a pilot program with the state of Michigan as they will be taking both the written and multiple choice portions of the MEAP test online. The state recently changed the dates in which students across the state will be taking the test. Students will now take the test in October instead of January.
The students are also offered more choices at this level. They are able to choose whether they would like to take classes like band, choir, general music or even Spanish.
An extended lunch program is now also offered at the school, with choices more like those at the high school and middle school.
And finally, an intramural sports program is being offered after school for the students, as their day now ends earlier.
The students are also very excited about the extras which are now being offered to them.
Sixth grade teacher Amy Scott is enjoying her move to Oak Manor.