GoGuardian is a powerful tool for educators looking to enhance their classroom management and student engagement. This innovative software allows teachers to monitor student activity on school devices, filter content, and even remotely lock screens when necessary. With GoGuardian, teachers can create a safe and secure learning environment, while also providing students with the freedom to explore the internet and learn at their own pace. In this podcast, we will hear from a kindergarten teacher at Concord Elementary, Heather Bradshaw, about the benefits of GoGuardian in the classroom, and how it can help teachers achieve their educational goals. Join us as we dive into the world of GoGuardian and discover the many ways it can transform your classroom experience!

Get ready to amplify your classroom with the power of podcasting! In this episode, Danette McClinton shares how she collaborated with her DIS to create a project-based podcast unit. She'll share the scaffolds used to support students, the challenges she encountered, and the unexpected impact on students. Listen now as we discover how student-created podcasts can turn your classroom into a powerhouse of innovation!

Listen in as two teachers share the power of collaboration, the impact for their students, and the importance of having FUN.

Side Note: If you hear a low rumbling throughout it's not your device, we recorded at a table and apparently the table amplified every bump and movement around the mic. 😉

*Interview conducted in April of 2023.

Join us as we hear from Administrative Assistant John Garrett and Title One Facilitator Melanie Hahn of Robert Anderson Middle School (RAMS). They're going to spill the tea on how their school is crushing the social media game to engage the community. The initiative, called 180 Days of RAMS aims to highlight the daily achievements of RAMS students and staff. Trust us, you don't want to miss this episode; John Garrett is going to break it down for us with social media challenges, community impact, and the secret sauce to making a post that pops!

(This episode was recorded in March 2023)

Did you hear about Southwood Academy of the Arts in Anderson School District 5? They received a South Carolina state award called Palmetto’s Finest, but what is it? What does it mean to be recognized as a Palmetto’s Finest School? And, how will it impact the students and community? Join Southwood's Digital Integration Specialists Ashley Pursley, Beth Brannon, and Jennifer Burdette with Principal Jamie Smith for a behind-the-scenes look at Southwood Academy's journey to becoming a Palmetto's Finest School.

In this episode, we invite coaches from across the state of South Carolina to share their district's journey and progress with personalized learning. You'll hear from representatives of Lexington 3, York 1, Richland 2, and Berkeley County as well as our Office of Personalized Learning coaches. Listen now to gain insight on how to power-up your coaching for more personalized learning experiences in your district, school, and classrooms!

Welcome to Season 3 of the A5 iTalks podcast! To kick off the new school year and season, we wanted to talk about the district's instructional vision and how the DIS team can support you in the classroom. 

The empowered student 

The Anderson Five DIS team is an incredible team of educators dedicated to empowering, celebrating, and inspiring the learners they serve. The team collaborates with all stakeholders to provide and support high quality learning opportunities through innovative integration of instructional technology.

Danessa Barr is the principal of Varennes Elementary in Anderson School District Five. Mrs. Barr began her journey at Varennes in January 2021. She previously served as Assistant Principal at Nevitt Forest Elementary. She also taught 5th-grade and served as Instructional Facilitator during her tenure at Nevitt Forest. Mrs. Barr is married to Joseph Barr. He works for BHG as a Director of the Spartanburg Facility. His work is focused on Addiction and Recovery for almost 10 years. Together they have one son, Jaxon, and a dog, Cinnamon.