Upgrading a Grade School

The computer lab at Spreckels Elementary School in University City needs some upgrades. The 33 antiquated Macintosh desktops, purchased in 1997, are running on old operating systems and crashing on basic commands. The computers are unable support new educational software and they lack the upgrades needed for multiple users to access educational websites.

“The computers in our lab are now 12 years old,” stated Spreckels principal Cecilia Fernandez in a press release. “We want the best resources available for our students and we hope the community will join us in our efforts to provide a computer lab where we can effectively teach them the critical 21st century computer skills they’ll need to succeed throughout their education.”

But, there’s little backup coming from the San Diego Unified School District. The school has no money for the upgrades, the school board is offering little support, and the PTA is overloaded with demands for other classroom needs.

In response, community members are working to raise $40,000 for a new computer lab. The funds will purchase 35 new computers, a projector with a document camera, and two new printers.

They’re raising the money through community drives, and, so far, support from local business and restaurants is streaming in. In December, a local bicycle shop helped raise $3800 after donating a scooter for a school raffle.

This Valentine’s Day, the community is launching another fundraiser. Several businesses have signed on to help. A local realtor is printing up 5000 pamphlets, and the community newsletter is offering free space for advertisement.

Stacy Torgeson, spokesperson for the fundraising efforts, says the charity has received approximately $3000 worth of products from local businesses for the Valentine’s Day drawing.

So far, 13 local restaurants contributed $100 in Valentine’s Day gift certificates. Several other businesses, including hair salons and natural food stores, have also donated products and services.

For more data on how you can “chip” in, visit spreckelsweb.net.