Ash Grove R-4 named Google Reference District, 1 of 5 in state

Despite small student population, Ash Grove leads with Google, technology

By Ryan Squibb

The Ash Grove School District was recently named one of five schools in the state of Missouri qualified as a Google Reference School. Ash Grove educator Austin Houp announced the achievement at the Oct. 22 Ash Grove Board of Education meeting.
The honor was bestowed upon the district for demonstrating "excellence and thought leadership through the innovative use of technology, including G Suite for Education and Chromebooks."
Houp, who has led the charge of Google accounts districtwide, said it began in 2013, when the high school started the process of going 1:1, meaning one Chromebook for each student.
In 2014, the vision expanded to a district-wide consideration.
"Our goal is to challenge our students to not just memorize content, but curate and share their learning with the world. We have provided our students with the opportunity to collaborate with students around the world," said Houp. "We understand that technology does not have the greatest impact on student learning, but that it can be a powerful tool when used appropriately."
Houp said the accomplishment is even more noteworthy considering the size of the district.
"We feel honored to be recognized as one of five schools in Missouri who have achieved this honor, especially as a small-rural school. We want our students to have every opportunity that is afforded to the students at larger school district, so that they can make a positive impact in this world locally and globally."
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In other news during the meeting, it was announced that all staff within the school district will receive a different suffix to their email addresses beginning July 1, 2019. The change will spell an end to the district's laughable current email addresses all ending in @apps.ashgrove.k12.mo.us. The incoming addresses will end with @agpirates.com.