Kids and Computers

It was a fun evening on last Monday night as we “kicked off” a program with parents introducing the 1:1 computer project (1 student to 1 computer) at Central Middle School where each 7th grader will have an HP netbook (computer) for their use at school and home. Additionally each student is supported by an Internet connection though either SmartRiverside (wireless) or when that doesn’t work a hardwire connection to their house. Monday night the parents began by signing up online for the training and other elements of the program.

Central Middle School is one of two schools in the State of California that have this unique opportunity (the other school is a charter-like operation in Los Angeles). The project is NOT paid for with District or school funds but is supported by the CETF fund which is part of the phone bill that we all pay – and they have obligation to support this type of effort. A major component of the project is training and involving parents (the first training was on Saturday). In addition to the District there are 4 key partners that are making this happen and will guarantee its success:

• CETF – California Emerging Technology Fund
• The Children’s Partnership
• School 2 Home
• SmartRiverside

We anticipate this continuing forward to all the 8th graders at Central along with expansion of the project to TWO other RUSD middle schools – in this coming year. This is an exciting project with what I am sure will be improved learning and results for our students.