Dear Parents and Friends,

 

 "The kids literally squealed with delight when they arrived to see the new monitors today!" (May 14)

 

                                   - Tracey Goering, Computer Teacher
 
It is a great pleasure to let you know that our school computer lab has been transformed! There are 22 new, flat panel monitors that deliver sharper, brighter pictures for our students. They replace the big, bulky monitors that used to take up so much room that it was impossible for students to find space for books, notebooks or other materials.

 
Less visible, but even more important, are the new virtual desktops hosted by four powerful Dell workstations that make computing significantly faster - approximately 100 times faster - than before. This is a big deal! Students now get a much more rapid response from the lab computers, allowing them to work efficiently, without frustration.

 

 

Assistant Head of School and Technology Committee Chairman Carl Tillona says, "This new technology will deepened students' interest and engagement in academic learning." First grader Ethan A. seems pretty pleased with the new setup!

 

One more thing to celebrate: The computer lab is now  "greener" than before. The new LCDs and computers will put out less heat and use about 1/3 the electricity of the old equipment. Not only is our carbon footprint smaller, but we will save around $1,000 on electricity for the 22 workstations over the next five years.
 
There are many people to thank. Proceeds from Spirit Wear sales, Poker Night and the Pancake Breakfast funded roughly two-thirds of the computer lab improvements. So if you bought a sweatshirt, ate pancakes or played poker, pat yourself on the back! We thank the Parent Council and dynamic Spirit Wear co-chairs Debbie Gibson and Leslie Ham for their enthusiastic fundraising to purchase flat screen monitors.
 
A generous gift made by Dennis Mahan and Tracey Goering to the capital campaign - Building Futures One Child at a Time - and designated for technology, financed the rest of the improvements. Computer Teacher Tracey Goering describes the first moments of excitement, "I wish everyone could have been there to witness my 2nd and 3rd grade classes arrive this afternoon. It was worth the effort to experience the joy of such a small investment."
 
We also thank the Technology Committee, chaired by Carl Tillona, for fast-tracking the project in time for students in summer computer camps to enjoy the benefits, and Technology Director David Zlotky for technical help and advice.
 
When students return in the fall, the quality of their technology education will be greatly enhanced by the improvements in the computer lab. The Technology Committee plans to meet through the summer as its researches the next phase of technology improvements.
 
If you're here for Summer Adventures or just in the neighborhood this summer, feel free to drop in and check out the new computer lab!
 
With warm regards,

 

 

 

 

 

Dick Patterson
Acting Head of School