Hillsmere Elementary moved one step closer to achieving its latest technology goals at the final PTA meeting of the year Tuesday night.

Hillsmere’s Parent-Teacher Association voted to move $9,000 in excess funds from the general budget to the technology budget, paving the way to purchase six additional Smart Boards for classrooms.  

These interactive white boards allow students to experience collaborative learning and immediate response through the projected video output with touch-screen capabilities. The money approved at the PTA meeting will put Smart Boards in all but one classroom for next year.

PTA President Jennifer Barrett is asking Hillsmere parents to make contributions for the purchase of the final $1,500 Smart Board. 

“We hope to get some end-of-year gifts to purchase this final Smart Board,” Barrett said. “We would love to start the new school year with a Smart Board in every classroom.”

Twenty-five parents attended the meeting in the school’s media center to discuss business before classes recess for the summer. Hillsmere Principal Mary Wagner was on hand to answer questions and provide a wrap-up of the school year.

She touted the jump in Maryland School Assessment scores as one of the highlights of the year.

“We raised our MSA scores 16 points from the first year I was here,” Wagner said.  “That is great news.”

Wagner also praised the highly involved parents who donate time and money to the school.

“Our parent volunteer groups are so well organized and have had a positive impact in what goes on in the classroom,” she said. “Our PTA has come up with over $20,000 in technology equipment. I can’t be more proud of our PTA.”

Hillsmere Elementary, and all county schools, will recess for the summer Tuesday, June 14. Classes for the 2011-12 school year will begin Aug. 23.