Govans Elementary recently received a $5,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor to help the school purchase three laptop carts with 30 laptops each for grades 3, 4, and 5.
Govans students need these laptops to prepare for the state's annual PARCC exam, which is taken online. Currently, our students do not have enough computer time to develop the basic typing and computer skills required for the PARCC.
Before PARCC, Govans was one of the higher scoring schools on the MSA, the former State assessment, which was a pencil and paper test.
After PARCC, state test scores at Govans and across the City plummeted. Govans still has the same bright students, but online testing prevents them from fully demonstrating their true knowledge and skills.
This isn't just about passing a test. We need to provide our students with computer access so that they can develop the same 21st Century skills as their peers in more affluent schools.
Three laptop carts will cost a total of $42,336. In addition to the $5,000 challenge grant, the school has raised $2,000 and we have embarked on several fundraising initiatives to raisie the remaining $35,336.
Please help us reach our goal and close the technology gap for our students.