Craning their necks, walking at a pace a bit more lethargic than usual, with eyes concentrated on the screen above them, many students have recognized the newest technological advancements at the Cannon Falls High School, two new TVs. Ranging from the daily lunch menu, to messages in the office, this new up-to-date embellishment is covering a wide variety of activities occurring at school.  If a student or group wished to display a message on the TV, the process is facile; run the idea past a school administrator and make sure it is school appropriate. To some students, this accessory may seem redundant. Superintendent Beth Giese explains the deeper, more logical reason for this installment by saying “The ultimate reason that they are up is for safety. If we go into a lockdown situation, they will flash code red”. She later explained that these televisions are built to complement the newly installed security system within school which was implemented in the beginning of this school year. Just wait, the excitement is not over yet.

Three kiosks will be placed within the high school and elementary over the course of the next year. With one by the cafeteria and one by the field house, the school aims to place the technology in high traffic spots, while the final kiosk will be located in the elementary school near the entrance. Described as television touch screens, they will be primarily useful for visitors from other schools on game days. Acting as a map, the guest will be able to type in their destination, for example: gym A or nearest restroom, into the screen and the kiosk will provide directions. In the far future, Giese says that she hopes these screens will be connected to the internet so that a student can look up the lunch menu or check when the next PLC day is. What many students do not know, is that our school’s spending was minimal in the purchase of these accessories with the only spending involved being some rewiring. Otherwise, the group Skool Live gifted the school, along with many other schools in the area, with a grant allowing the schools to receive this bundle of technology. Funding is provided from advertisements that Skool Live arranges to be periodically displayed on the TV and kiosk. Not only have these TVs provided modern additions to the school and helped to convey information, but they will act as a safety mechanism in the time ahead. The future of Cannon Falls High School and technological advancements shines brightly.