Pocatello schools receive some new technology for the school year

Some students in Pocatello and Chubbuck are returning to school with new technology. Over the summer, close to $99,000 in technology grants was put into various classrooms.

The money was raised as part of the Education Foundation’s Festival of Trees. It’s a competitive grant process. Teachers have to apply for the grant to be considered.

Some of the new equipment in some Pocatello schools are iPad minis, iPad airs, wireless keyboards and dash robots.

The science department at Century High School was one recipient. It received 30 chromebooks for its students.

Scott Eldredge, a biology teacher at Century, said he’s excited to have the new gear and it really makes an impact on learning ability.

“The chromebooks really open up the world to the science students, especially what’s going on right now in science,” Eldredge said. “We have textbooks that are from 2007 and science really kind of moves at a quicker pace than every 10 years.”

The Festival of Trees was started in 2009 and has since raised about $475,000 in technology grants for the school district.