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| • Cabot School • Teacher Pages |
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• Why is technology a top priority for Cabot classrooms?
• What is the purpose of the Cabot Technology Now fundraiser?
• What kinds of technology does Cabot School need?
• We have a computer at home that our child can learn how to use. Why do we also need computers at the school?
• Why not raise money to fund a teacher or classroom aides?
• Why not get used computers donated for free?
• It seems like Cabot School is always fundraising. Why not purchase technology with some of the money that the PTO raises every year?
• How can I become involved in this campaign?
Why is technology a top priority for Cabot Classrooms?
The 21st century classroom is designed to foster literacy in multiple areas. Today’s teaching incorporates dynamic use of the internet and digital technologies to enable students to react, create, express themselves, and learn. Many children are visual learners, and technology connects them to curriculum in ways not previously available. In addition, technology provides essential tools to support teachers in delivering and enriching the curriculum efficiently. Having more up-to-date technology will help Cabot School teachers reach students more effectively.
What is the purpose of the Cabot Technology Now fundraiser?
Cabot’s teachers tell us that when they can use technology, it revolutionizes their teaching; teachers need and want our help in providing Cabot with current technology. A full technology needs list is being finalized and will be shared with you in the fall.
What kinds of technology does Cabot School need?
Much of Cabot’s hardware and software is obsolete, worn out, and inadequate. Approximately 55 percent of our hardware is five years old, and more than a third of our computers are ten or more years old. Many of our computers cannot support current software or access online curriculum. Today’s core curriculum requires that students use computers. For example, the third grade Type-to-Learn program is required learning. Currently, Cabot students cannot complete this program at school because Cabot does not have the appropriate computers and software. The City of Newton’s suggested ratio of students-per-computer is 5:1. Cabot currently ranks 12th out of the 15 Newton elementary schools and Cabot does not meet this state standard. Cabot Technology Now responds to this need.We have a computer at home that our child can learn how to use. Why do we also need computers at the school?
Having technology in the classroom is not about teaching children how to use computers; it’s about having the best tools available to enhance all aspects of learning. Technology tools have revolutionized the way children learn to write and revise their work, perform research, make presentations, summarize their learning on a topic, and practice math concepts. Furthermore, the technology needs list for Cabot includes many non-computer technology tools, like projectors, digital cameras, printers and digital presenters (Elmos).
Why not raise money to fund a teacher or classroom aides?
The Newton Public Schools Elementary Equity Policy caps the amount of privately raised money that can be spent by each school in a given year. The policy also forbids private spending on certain expense categories, including staff, professional development, and core curriculum (primarily textbooks and educational software). Technology and playgrounds are the only major categories that are not currently restricted by this Equity Policy.
Why not get used computers donated for free?
Used computers are not covered under a service contract, and we can’t get maintenance on them. Furthermore, we may not be able to network donated computers due to lack of uniformity. We will still have to purchase current software for donated computers, and donated computers may not support the most current software. A computer that is already 3-4 years old has a very short remaining useful life (2-3 years), so we would need to be assured of a steady stream of relatively new used computers in order to consider used computers for furnishing our classrooms.It seems like Cabot School is always fundraising. Why not purchase technology with some of the money that the PTO raises every year?
We do. For several years now the PTO has contributed about $20,000 per year to upgrade and maintain technology in the school. This money, however, has not been enough to address our technology deficit. In addition, our need to upgrade technology tools in the classroom does not change the annual funding needs of the PTO. We need to raise money specifically for technology without having to cut other programs. Annual PTO fundraisers like the Campaign for Cabot cover the PTO’s operating budget, which funds field trips, arts and science programs, acknowledgment activities for teachers and staff, and much more.
How can I become involved in this campaign?
We welcome you to participate as a member of the Cabot Technology Now Committee led by parents Julie Bourgoin and Claire Ryan-Robertson. Contact us with questions at cabottechnologynow@gmail.com and consider joining our efforts.
Return to Cabot Technology Now Intro