Streator Elementary technology department sees busiest year yet

Tackling the technical turmoil of the current education climate is an ongoing issue. Luckily, Streator Elementary School District 44 has three qualified IT professionals to help with that task.

Bryan Venturi, Jordan Henson and Carolyn Wargo are the behind-the-scenes workers who help keep the district's network going and the students connected.

Venturi is the head of District 44’s tech department. He has 23 years of experience with IT and has been working for Streator Elementary for the last 14 years. Henson has 11 years of IT experience and seven years of working with the district. Venturi and Henson handle the bulk of the technology issues for the district.

This is Wargo’s first year working with technology for the district. She had spent the last 17 years teaching math. Over the summer, Wargo completed the Google 2 certification and received a computer applications endorsement on her teaching certificate in preparation for the upcoming instructional technology coaching job. Wargo splits the school day between teaching fifth grade technology classes and providing technical support for the faculty and students at all three schools within the district.

This year’s change in schooling caused by the COVID-19 pandemic required the district to prepare for a more digital, technology-driven setup.

“We ordered and set up almost 2,000 Chromebooks to provide to the students for their use as in-person or remote learners,” Venturi said about the district’s preparations for COVID-19 instruction. “We continue to support both in-person and remote learners with any and all technology issues. We have tech support days or times that anyone experiencing issues may come in or meet with one of the staff to assist with their specific issues. We have a support team available by phone or email for assistance.”

Parents or students who are in need of tech support for their school devices can email the IT help desk, at helpdesk@ses44.net.

• Ted Wargo is an eighth-grade teacher at Northlawn Junior High School in Streator. The Times invites educators to submit articles highlighting programs and activities happening in schools. For more information, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.