Fundraiser Provides Local Students With Technology
While the State of Idaho is slowly transforming classrooms across the state into 21st Century Classrooms, one local community is getting ahead of the curve by providing technology for students themselves.
Running, jogging and walking…everyone does it, but does it always have a purpose? Sunnyside Elementary School in Idaho Falls turned a form of exercise into a fundraiser, benefiting local students.
“We want children involved in lifetime fitness and we wanted to have a big community event for our school to come out and for everybody to be here and for families to get together,” said Michelle Ball, a teacher at Sunnyside. “The other purpose is we wanted to run for technology.”
Running for technology is the theme of the school’s second annual 5-K. Donations and entry fees are put towards providing students with the technology teachers say helps them absorb and retain curriculum.
“With the advancement in technology over the last four year, with the iPod Touches and iPads, research has been done that shows tremendous student growth,” said Ball.
If it’s any indication of how much community support this fun run receives, proceeds from last year’s run went towards purchasing a brand new computer lab for the school.
“In some ways, it’s really important but not that important,” said Julie, a student at Sunnyside.
“I just came out here to run for fun,” said Tyler, a student at Sunnyside.
“I think it’s important for the people of Idaho Falls to know what a benefit they can make to education,” said Ball. “Especially with all of the tax cuts that are happening to education, we as a community can come together and build our education from the corporations within our own community.”
With over 350 participants and a handful of local sponsors this year, organizers said they will be able to purchase between six to eight new iPod Touches for the nearly 20 classrooms in the school.
If you are interested in donating to or sponsoring next year’s fun run, contact the Parent Teacher Organization at Sunnyside Elementary School by calling 208-524-7880.
