Attendees of Wednesday night's Fulton School Board meeting got to meet the two newest members of the district: Buzz and Buddy, two humanoid robots which eventually be used to work with autistic students at McIntire Elementary.
Buzz introduced himself to the school board and showed off his tai chi skills (they need a little work, he lost his balance after a series of several moves). To further demonstrate his potential use in the classroom, Buzz played a game with a visiting Boy Scout; asking him to touch various parts of his body (feet, head, hands) and providing feedback about whether or not the "answers" were correct - offering "Congratulations!" when they were.
Fulton High School science and engineering teacher Jim Hall said two of his students have been working on programming and training the robots to help get them classroom-ready. They also will install special software programmed for working with children with autism and will conduct periodic updates and tune-ups.
Hall noted that Buzz and Buddy are "very interactive" and can walk with students, follow voices and will have facial recognition software so they will know which students they are working with.
"We're excited to get them working with the kids," Director of Special Services Barb Reid said.
Later in the meeting, Reid gave her annual reports on Fulton's special services, differentiated instruction and Parents As Teachers programs.
Those reports included an update on the new preschool program at the Fulton Education Center. Reid said a teacher has been hired and the program has an official start date of Dec. 1. There currently are 16 students enrolled in the 30 available spots. The program has two half-day classes - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The only requirement for enrollment is that the student must have turned 4 years old by Aug. 1. There is a fee of $40 per week, dependent on income. For more information, or to enroll, contact the Fulton Education Center at (573) 590-8050.
Reid also noted during her reports that, "We have the best special education staff in the state."
In other business, Superintendent Jacque Cowherd praised the transportation department for its performance on a recent surprise inspection by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
"They checked five buses and they ... passed with flying colors," Cowherd said. "I was pretty proud of our staff."
Also during Wednesday night's meeting, the board:
•Approved the charter for a new Fulton Agricultural Program Advisory Committee.
•Recognized students with the tennis, cross country, softball, choir and theater programs for recent performances.
•Heard a presentation from Bush Elementary Principal Lynne Engle on her building's goals and strategies for the year.
•Heard a report from the Fulton Middle School Improvement Team.