Did you read the news this week? Our secret is out…Technology Drives Westview! (check out the East Brainerd Weekly for the full story at this link). Great things have been happening behind the scenes for the students of Westview, and we are delighted to update you on the changes ahead.
This past February, we launched our first-ever direct donation campaign to raise money for technology improvements at Westview. Since we are not a Title I school, and because the PTA is limited to only two fundraisers per year, upgrades in technology are completely dependent upon the generosity of our parents and the community. We are happy to report that you have come through for us in a big way. With the addition of a recent donation from County Commissioner Larry Henry, our technology total has risen to over $21,000!
Thank you to everyone that has given so far!
Please check out our List of Donors and be sure to say thank you!
How is the money being spent? The funds we have collected to date have allowed us to replace our aging server, order 26 new computers for the computer lab, and begin the process of updating the machines in the classrooms. We have also been able to replace some of the teacher computers, maintain our lab printer, and even provide Westview logo mouse pads for each machine in the lab (you could own one, too!).
That is only the beginning, as even more changes are in the works. Imagine improvements to the Accelerated Reader program that would allow you to view your child’s progress online, permit you to search for AR books by any criteria, and give your child access to every single quiz available (over 120,000!). What else can you imagine? An interactive whiteboard in every classroom? A mobile computer lab? The possibilities are endless! We are finally catching up to current technology, why not take it a step further? Westview is not just another elementary school. We want to be on the cutting edge of technology so we can give our children the best education possible and prepare them for the future.
How can you help? Our hands are tied with traditional fundraising, so we are only allowed to accept direct donations (all of which are tax deductible). However, there are many ways to contribute:
Mail in your donation using the form attached, or donate online through PayPal via our website.
Check with your employer to see if they will offer a matching donation.
Refer us to a friend or relative who may be interested in donating.
Provide us with some leads for possible corporate sponsors.
Use your computer skills to do a little research on grants that may contribute to our cause.
Just to put the numbers into perspective, consider that a donation of only $35 per student would raise over $25,000. The potential for raising enough money to make vast improvements to the school’s technology is phenomenal. However, it will require the help of everyone in the Westview family.
