Rivermont Elementary boasts new $100,000 multi-media center

photo Rivermont Elementary School fourth- and fifth-grade students check out new Apple computers in the school's updated library. From left are Kenney Toney, Hayden Neal, Marcus Mathis and Kathy Guandique. Photo by Katie Ward

Rivermont Elementary School is on the cutting edge of technology with its new updated multi-media center.

Seven new Apple IMAC research computers, 25,000 books, the newest version of the Promethean board, seven iPod Touches, six digital video cameras, licenses for Rosetta Stone in German and Spanish, five foldable tables, 30 iPad2s, a new mural, artwork and aquariums can all be found in the school's updated multi-media center. The new additions were purchased through a grant.

"We received $100,000 from the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children," said school principal Marthel Young. "It's a foundation that impacts student learning. The grant is to renovate, update, enhance research, deepen students' learning and provide access to today's technology."

During the multi-media center's official unveiling, students conducted research on computers and interviewed teachers in a conference room using new video technology.

"The uses are endless," said Rivermont's media specialist Sam Martin. "We can build an archive of experiences and writing samples. We want to help children succeed."

Public Education Foundation Benwood Initiative Director Clara Sale-Davis said Leonore Annenberg wished for children in poverty to shine brightly. PEF administered the grant provided by the Annenberg fund.

"The idea is to measure success through state of the art tools," said Sale-Davis. "Individually, it will impact student academics. The teachers learn from students. It's great for professional development as well."

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