Future: Bringing Technology to Classrooms
As we look to the future, we see Adams 12 rededicating itself to providing the high quality education our children deserve while dealing with reduced funding as a result of this nation’s financial recession. In these times, the role of the Five Star Education Foundation becomes more important than ever before. At its strategic planning meeting, board members questioned how the foundation could best support students, teachers and the district.
Following a conversation about technology and a demonstration of a “STAR Cart”, foundation board members were convinced that funding technology is vital for students. “Technology crosses all levels of the education system, addresses the needs of all students, teachers and schools, and will have a tremendous impact on learning,” states foundation Board President Noel Busck.
The foundation committed $70,000 to technology, the biggest one time donation in the history of the foundation. During the spring of 2010, the foundation used $60,000 to match ARRA (stimulus funding) from the IT Department and provided 83 STAR Carts to seven schools, benefiting nearly 4,000 students. “Star Carts are just one example of the kinds of technological tools needed in our classrooms, and just the beginning of the foundation’s commitment to help fund technology in the Five Star schools,” noted Clarke Carlson, the foundation’s president elect. At the Highway 21 Conference in early June, the foundation contributed $10,000 for technology tools to teachers for use in classrooms. Additionally, the Foundation sponsored the districts Highway 21 Conference in early June and provided $10,000 for technology tools. to attending teachers.
Star Carts, which contain a Dell Latitude Netbook computer, a LCD projector, document camera, and powered speaker, are mobile so they can easily be moved to various vantage points in a classroom or from classroom to classroom.
“We are fortunate to have the support of our Education Foundation,” says Chris Gdowski, superintendent. “The Foundation board members are dedicated to supporting our students, teachers and staff and to that end, are planning events that have the promise of reaching new fundraising heights. Dollars raised by the Foundation will help the district stretch a tight budget and allow us to continue to provide the quality education our community expects – and that our children deserve.”
“The role of the Five Star Education Foundation is more important than ever before,” explains Noel Busck, Foundation president. “For 25 years we have focused on raising money for students and teachers, but the need is greater now. The support of our parents, businesses, faith organizations and our own employees is paramount to the success of our students. Children are our future and technology provides the skills they need. “
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