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Donations to local schools help students learn [Lodi News-Sentinel, Calif. :: ](Lodi News-Sentinel (CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Aug. 22--Students in Claudine Stanbridge's third-grade class at Heritage Elementary School now use iPads in the classroom. Apps loaded onto the tablets help the children learn vocabulary, spelling, reading, writing and math. In the "Big Brainz" app, for example, students play a game where they must answer math facts in order to advance to the next level. "I like all the learning games," Kailani Preciado said. "My favorite is 'ShowMe,' because you get to write." Having access to technology in the classroom will help to level the playing field for students who are economically disadvantaged or English-language learners, Stanbridge said. She is not only using the tablet computers for educational games, but also using them to teach children how to complete work in Google Docs with a plug-in keyboard, and how to create Google presentations. The iPads were provided thanks to a large grant from the Junior League of San Joaquin for $47,066.99, to provide iPads to two classrooms -- one at Borchardt Elementary School and one at Heritage. Several organizations and individuals donate to the Lodi Unified School District throughout the year, providing extra assistance for sports programs, field trips, FFA, high school clubs, families in need and classrooms. Donations are more than just money. Some people donate cars, instruments, gift cards and computers. Last school year, the total donations amounted to $597,110, according to chief business officer Tim Hern. A chunk of that amount reflected money given for the new Lodi High School track via the Lodi Sports Foundation. In the 2012-13 school year, the community donated $91,593 to the school district. The year before, they gave $60,305. "Lodi Unified is fortunate to have a very supportive community," Superintendent Cathy Washer said. "The Junior League has been extremely generous in donating money for iPads for classrooms. Twin Arbors has also contributed large sums of money that have been used to put technology into classrooms. The Lodi track is another example of how much the community supports schools." The Junior League of San Joaquin is an active donor to the school district, giving iPads and help to individual families in need. One donation was used to help pay a utility bill for a family in extreme need. "Our main focus with the iPads is academic success. We aim to increase reading efficiency on a third-grade level," said Nicole Goering, vice president of the Junior League of San Joaquin. "We're looking to build community partnerships." The organization's priorities include tackling homelessness, raising academic success, helping those with special needs and helping foster youths, she said. Stanbridge is grateful. "I can't emphasize the importance of incorporating technology into the classroom," she said. Tokay High School's auto program also received several cars to work on last year, which students can use from year to year. Some of the vehicles include a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, a 2000 Saturn and a 1995 Ford. "We don't need them every year, but we try to get the most updated cars possible to keep them up-to-date with their skills. Usually the vehicles are high mileage and need minor repairs," said Jason Marins, auto teacher at Tokay High School. Washer believes that many programs and services in the district would benefit from outside support. This year, the school board has allocated funds to bring back programs including elementary music, counseling, technology and academic interventions. The community is welcome to support the school district any time, she said. ___ (c)2014 the Lodi News-Sentinel (Lodi, Calif.) Visit the Lodi News-Sentinel (Lodi, Calif.) at www.lodinews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |