Technology: Beyond Hurricane Rita

I am a third grade Language Arts and Math teacher at Eaton Park Elementary in Abbeville, Louisiana. Our school is an at risk school where over 75% of our students come from disadvantaged and low socioeconomic homes. Many of our students at Eaton Park rarely have the opportunity to engage in valuable experiences outside of their community. Although we do experience many adversities, as a school our standards and expectations are always set high each year. This year, our area was hit by Hurricane Rita. Our home lives as well as our school lives were drastically changed. Many of my students lost their homes and all personal belongings. Seven of our schools in Vermilion parish had extensive damage. Through it all, we pushed through and worked together to regain what was taken from us. Although it has been extremely difficult, our school and our students refused to give up. We have tried to heal our wounds and continue each day to push forward. As a result of the damage to many of our schools, technology has been placed on the back burner. I am asking for a laptop computer and projector. With this equipment, students will be given the opportunity to experience concrete connections between curriculum material and their lives. Student learning would be enhanced with virtual field trips, and the depth of student understanding in all subject areas would benefit. The laptop and projector would also be used to effectively integrate the use of technology into presentations, whole group activities, and small group practice. Students would benefit by having visual representations of information being learned and discussed. Also, with technology growing drastically, students need the opportunity to experience hands on activities that will enhance basic technology skills vital in today's world. Materials needed to accomplish the goals set forth are a laptop and projector. Access to the internet is also a major component which is available to our students. This equipment would provide a challenging hands-on experience for fifty third grade students. These materials would provide a profound experience for all of my students. As an educator, it would allow me to reach ALL my students and give them life experiences they may never be given otherwise. If granted, third grade students at Eaton Park would be given experiences to visit the world! Students would be given the chance to learn vital skills in technology which will help prepare them for a successful future. Without your help financially my students will not receive the opportunity to experience technology hands on. Due to the hurricane and the fact that 7 of our schools had extensive damage, our parish financially is unable to help supply technology materials for our classrooms. As a parish we truly believe that we will flourish and return our schools to wonderful learning environments for our children. Please consider helping a third grade class full of children who will one day be our future leaders! Thank You.