Kentucky Schools Benefit from U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program
Senator McConnell secured computers to be used by students in eastern Kentucky
March 5, 2014
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced that five Kentucky public schools located in eastern and western Kentucky received computers from the United States Senate’s Computers for Schools program. The schools were selected by Senator McConnell. The Computers for Schools program is a national initiative administered by the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms (SAA) office, which helps public schools by sending surplus computers to schools across the country.
Four of the schools are in eastern Kentucky: Pineville Elementary in Pineville, Owsley County Elementary in Booneville, Mountain View Elementary in Hyden, and McCreary Academy in Stearns. Longest Elementary in Greenville is the recipient school in western Kentucky. Each school received five computers.
Senator McConnell is pleased that this surplus equipment will be used in such a valuable way in providing an innovative learning environment at the five schools. “These computers will help aid teachers at these Kentucky schools in showing students the vast resources that are available at their fingertips,” Senator McConnell said. “This knowledge will give students an upper-hand in learning computer skills and assist in their overall education. It is exciting to be a part of this computer initiative and see its continued support in promoting a good educational environment in the Commonwealth.”
In Bell County, Pineville Elementary School Principal Cynthia Smith thanked Senator McConnell for the new equipment, “Pineville Elementary is really appreciative of the thoughtfulness of Senator McConnell to send these computers to our students. We are a small school with 280 students and we are all excited to have been chosen and to put them to good use in every grade level.”
Owsley County Elementary School Principal Alan Taylor expressed that communication literacy is essential for Booneville students’ success, “We are sincerely grateful to Senator McConnell for these computers that will be used to further the academic success of our students at Owsley Co. Elementary. This is a tremendous boost for our school in these trying economic times.”
Highlighting the impact these computers will have on her students in Leslie County, Mountain View Elementary Principal Heather Gay said, “I am very thankful to Senator McConnell for giving our students these computers. They will be used to help teach technology skills to our 400 K-8th grade students. We’re a small school struggling and with Senator McConnell’s help these computers certainly enhance education at our school.”
McCreary Academy Principal, Sharon Privett, said receiving additional computers will enhance the availability of technology, which is an integral part of all the classrooms at the academy. “The generosity of Senator McConnell’s contribution of technology to our school will be used to support student instruction in intervention programs for at-risk youth. Technology is utilized for student access to online programs and information which extends the walls of our classrooms. We are thankful for Senator McConnell supporting student achievement in our school.”
The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 1997 authorized the Senate to participate in the program, which allows the SAA to transfer educationally useful surplus equipment to eligible public schools. The computers remain in excellent condition and are ideal for use in public schools. The SAA, in coordination with the United Parcel Service (UPS), ships the computers to the selected schools.