WARRENTON, N.C. — A new school year means new opportunities, and for Angiene Pommells it's the ability to introduce children to new methods of learning.

What You Need To Know

  •  Warren County schools have over 1,700 kids in the school district

  •  Teachers are using techology and games to help keep students engaged

  •  Federal funds have helped supply more laptops for students

“When I got these, I could’ve drifted away from the projector to something like this," Pommells said, pointing at her smart board. "Because the kids get to touch, and move stuff, and write on this instead of the whiteboard.” 

The 17-year veteran teacher says technology, like her smart board, isn’t as accessible as you might think. 

In the few short years she’s been in Warren County, a district with just over 1,700 students, she has seen big advancements in resources. 

“Technology was there, it was more than what I had," Pommells said. "But how far we’ve come is wonderful. I have had access to students, being one-on-one, which is wonderful because it provides them opportunities to go home and engage and access the curriculum.” 

Pommells' classroom shows that technological growth.

A retro Magnavox television sits just a couple feet away from her smart board.

On any given school day, you’ll catch the math teacher opting for fun games and lessons, which she has to warn surrounding classrooms about beforehand.

“Yes, they get loud and excited, because they’re about to do a Blooket, and everybody knows what time it is," Pommells said.

Replacing the traditional work sheets and lectures with a program that rewards their progress, Pommells says is huge for their development. 

“Being able to not make my classroom feel like necessarily like a classroom, but as an environment where the the students can feel free to create in a manor that will bring out their creativity," Pommells said. "They were born into technology.” 

Along with the smart board, Pommells will be able to incorporate more laptops as Warren County has reached a one-to-one ratio, having a Chromebook for each student to take home for continued learning. 

“When they come back here, I don’t have to be going over the same thing, in the same manor, because they already forgot," Pommells said.

While the school district continues to reach its 21st century learning environment goal, Pommells says from her viewpoint, it has come a long way. 

“Technology is provided for you. If you need it, ask for it, and it will be given," Pommells said. "That’s something that I must say I’m thankful for.”

Warren County says it is committed to providing more resources like Wi-Fi on buses, more laptops and other equipment to help students reach their goals and career opportunities. 

One of those opportunities includes the SparkNC program, which connects students with subjects like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. 

Warren County Superintendent Keith Sutton says the rural district wants to expand students' horizons in the coming years.

“To be able to give kids the opportunity to dream, and dream big," Sutton said. "Whether you live in Warren County, Wake County, or Wayne County, students should be able to dream, and be whatever it is they want to be.”