 |
The Foundation brings parents and community members together to raise money to enrich the educational experience so that every child at Valley Elementary School can succeed. |
At Valley Elementary School, technology has the potential to accelerate student learning in many ways. Whether they're using the Internet to conduct research, learning word processing for writing, or using innovative programs such as CompassLearning, technology allows students to learn skills that can't be built in other ways.
It's amazing to think that even 15 years ago the world was learning about the Internet, experimenting with e-mail, and "dialing up" for online access. Now, most of us don't think twice about hopping on the Internet many times a day. However, at Valley we still have many families who don't have computers or Internet access at home. Teachers are sometimes challenged when assigning homework that requires Internet access or the use of computers or promising new programs such as CompassLearning. They rely instead on computer access at school.
In the last 6 months at Valley, as a result of the very generous support of our parents and community, the Foundation purchased 16 new desktop computers to update the existing computer lab. Now there are actually enough stations to accommodate a full class of students at one time! And we have also purchased 34 ThinkPads for use in classrooms.
But there is still a lot to be done and a lot of classrooms -- and students -- without daily access to technology. Our students need state-of-the-art equipment. Teachers use technology differently at each grade level and in each classroom. Some use technology in small groups, others use it to teach lessons to the entire class as a whole and there are those who do a little bit of both. We need to get technology into the hands of teachers and students so that they can use it in the way(s) that best suit their needs and academic goals.
Here is our technology plan and a look at the investments we've already made and the goals laid out in front of us:
IMPLEMENT PHASE 1 OF COMPASS LEARNING
Math Module RENOVATE THE EXISTING COMPUTER LAB
14 desktops CLASSROOM COMPUTERS PHASE 1
34 ThinkPads CLASSROOM COMPUTERS PHASE 2
44 ThinkPads IMPLEMENT PHASE 2 OF COMPASS LEARNING
Language Arts Module ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Keyboards, monitors and other components
TOTAL
When you read about the technology plan, you may wonder how you might be able to support the effort. There are a number of ways to help:
1. Donate your old computer. Although the school itself cannot accept donated computers, they can be given to families who don't have computers at home. Donated computers must be fairly current and in good working condition. For more information, please e-mail Megan Schirmacher.
2. Donate keyboards and mice. The school can accept donations of other peripheral equipment that is gently used and in good working condition. To donate these items, e-mail Cris Rollins.
3. If you or your employer would like to make a direct donation to the Foundation to support this technology plan, you can make an online donation by clicking on the 'Donate' button in the left menu bar or by emailing Dea Simon.
 |
