On any given day you can enter a classroom at Westview Elementary and find children hard at work taking Accelerated Reader tests, playing educational games, and doing research on the various computers throughout the school. What you may not see are many of the teachers closing their eyes, holding their breath, and crossing their fingers as they turn on the classroom computers. Will they work? Will they run too slowly? Will they lock up during a test?
As a school, we have made great strides in providing technology to our students and teachers, but time has taken its toll on those resources. Every classroom has at least three computers, but many are old and outdated, incapable of handling today's advanced software. More than 30 classroom machines do not meet the minimum standards the county requires for supported computers. The school's computer lab is available to all 700+ students throughout the year, so the wear and tear on those computers has been significant. We have a server that hosts an internal network along with all of the software and data that is critical to the school's infrastructure. Unfortunately, after almost eight years, its reliability is waning as well.
While it is true that our children could learn solely with books and paper, no modern educational system would consider turning back the clock. We are building the foundation for what lies ahead... and the future could be very bright...but not without your help!
For the first time ever, the Westview PTA is launching a direct donation drive to raise money for technology in our school. The goal is to raise $30,000 that will be used to replace the server and to purchase 26 new computers for the computer lab. The current lab's computers will be distributed to the classrooms, replacing those that are no longer adequate. Any additional funds we receive will be used to provide advanced instructional tools for the teachers and to purchase updated software for the students.
The PTA is absolutely committed to supporting Westview's dedicated staff by investing in technology. We believe this fundraising effort is the first step in maintaining our school's excellent performance levels.
Click on the donation form linked under on the right hand side of this webpage. Return it with your 100% tax deductible donation to your child's teacher or by mail. You may also choose to donate online through PayPal by clicking on the DONATE button below.
It is our hope that you will carefully consider your role in helping us meet this very important need. Every contribution makes a difference!
