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#124.4 continued
from previous page
The mission of Daphne's grant proposal had been
fulfilled with huge success.
But to my overwhelming surprise, Dr. Bell continued with the rest of the story.
"In addition to the time saved for the many teachers and designated services
at this school, members of the MacValley user group also serviced our computer lab."
 __ Ken Gruberman, and others in the group had volunteered
to take a look at other computers at the school while they were there working with
the grant computers. They discovered a handful of old Mac 5400s and SEs -- well used,
sadly out of date, locked in the '80s. Ken spoke with Principal Sara Applebaum about
the real need to upgrade existing technology in the school -- and how it would truly
benefit all their efforts. They resolved to approach the leadership committee for
more help.
__ The initial $5,000 grant would prove instrumental
in persuading District administration to get the people and additional funds to improve
technology school-wide.
__ "As a result," continues Dr. Bell, "we
bought three new computers for each classroom and this led to the acquisition of
a new iMac for each classroom, and AirPort networked iMacs to replace the old Macs
in our computer laboratory -- 185 total!!! What a bonus!!"
 __ But that's
not all. The capital funding of 185 new iMac computers then led the community to
actually add improvements to the facility! A new school security system was added,
and in many areas security was now installed where previously there had been none.
The grant grew into much needed physical improvements to the facility.
__ This story would be a huge success with the grant
fulfillment alone. But to learn that the grant caused administration to wake up and
add to the important work being done at Kittridge multiplies the value of Daphne's
original grant proposal many times over. What a great message.
I got a letter from Dr. Bell today. It proves that when people come together to
help their own community there's no ending to the story. Dr. Bell writes:
"We are especially grateful today as our new Education
Plan has been sent to us -- 18 pages of improvements instead of the usual four!"
__ Think about the possibilities. And next time I ask
"What good can we do today," think about the Kittridge School story
and how one person's vision came to the benefit of an entire community -- and will
continue for many years to come.
Fred Showker
Special thanks goes out to Daphne Gruberman for her insightful grant
proposal, and to both Daphne and Ken for taking their time for my visit to Kittridge.
Special acknowledgment also goes to other MacValley Mac User Group members: Lynn
Lanning and Bob Campbell as well as those in the partnering schools, Robin Jacobs,
Resource Specialist for Erwin Street Elementary School and Dr. Rosalie Bell of District
C, and Mrs. Sara Applebaum, Principal of Kittridge Street Elementary School. My best
wishes to you all.
Back to the beginning
of this story . .. back to the Grants Index
About 60-Second Windows:
This article was first published in 60-Second Window #124, September,
2000. It was a follow-up to a previous article asking "What Good Can We Do
Today". __ 60-Second
Windows, is the longest running syndicated user group column in the computer industry,
established in 1990. Certified user groups are invited to reprint any of the 60-Second
Window columns in their local newsletter. User group editors are also invited to
submit their own articles for publication as a 60-Second Window, information: http://www.60-Seconds.com/ _ 60 Second
Windows is an affiliate of the User Group Network, The Association of Apple Computer
User Groups, and The Graphic Design Network.
Sponsored in part by
The Association of Apple Computer User Groups: www.AACUG.org
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