180 Days of Learning : WESTMINSTER

Teachers and students this fall will begin to see the results of a $1-million grant awarded in February by Project Tomorrow, a nonprofit education coalition.

Westminster was one of two districts, along with Saddleback Valley Unified, to receive $1 million in the form of cash, equipment and services for high-tech programs.

“The thrust is to develop science and science education through technology,” said Barbara DeHart, the district’s interim superintendent. “So we’re doing a lot of exciting things.”

One major project in the district, DeHart said, is to install computer wiring networks at each school so children can have access to the Internet and other resources.

“Right now, we’re working on the infrastructure that will allow us to have computer stations in every classroom,” she said.

The district is also spending some of the grant money to train educators in technology and develop a science and technology mentoring program between high school and elementary students.

Another summer project was the installation of bar codes on all school library books, to automate the system and link it with county and city libraries, DeHart said.

Students at several schools also will see new trees and other landscaping when they return to campus, she said.