IStation and Kindle Fire

The faculty and staff at St. Ann are constantly working to improve the education we offer our students. I have never worked with such hardworking and creative educators who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to try something new and different if they feel it will help our students.

Our St. Ann families, friends, and alumni have joined in by financially supporting our efforts to incorporate new programs, material, and technologies so that we are able to enhance our educational offerings for our students. We have asked for support, been extremely transparent regarding our needs, and have been faithful stewards of the many gifts we have received. I do feel the improvements are visible and take place on a daily basis. Because of these factors and many more, those who want to see St. Ann continue to improve and grow have stepped up to support the work taking place.

Sometimes, the ideas on how to grow and improve don't come from within. They come from those outside our school. That's how it is with Mike Devereaux. Just to refresh your memory, Mike Devereaux is the gentleman who lives in Dallas, TX and challenged St. Ann to match his $10,000 donation.

Well, Mike is super involve with education especially Catholic education in the Dallas area. He learned about IStation (www.istation.com) and how this program is helping schools. IStation is a fun, interactive program that allows the children to engage in reading and math activities that target challenges they may be encountering with particular reading and math skills.

He offered to pay for an IStation subscription for St. Ann PK-2nd grade. So, we took him up on his offer!

Leslie Harden (assistant principal) is our IStation leader. She has been working with Angela Odum (2nd grade teacher) and Melanie Wall (1st grade teacher) on using IStation in the classroom. Our 1st and 2nd graders have been using IStation and love it. With Istation, the teachers have a chance to differentiate instruction while allowing the program to create the lesson plans and activities for the students. Furthermore, the students get an individualized learning plan that hones in on what the students may need for extra practice.

When, Mike Devereaux learned that our students are having to share iPads (4 students to every 1 iPad in 1st and 2nd grade), he did his research with the IStation folks. He discovered the best technology for IStation and younger students is the Kindle Fire HD8. So, Mike is challenging us once again. This time, the challenge is to raise half of the cost so that St. Ann will be 1-to-1 with the Kindle Fire in the classroom. That way, students don't have to wait in line to use IStation.

With that being said, we are seeking $2,800 to purchase Kindle Fires for our first and second grade classrooms. We need a total of $5,600, which Mike is willing to give us half if we raise the other half! With this, we can purchase 45 Kindle Fire HD8 (32GB) including protective case and two charging carts. The charging carts will keep the Kindles charged and protected.

The cost of purchasing 45 iPads would be over $22,000. The Kindle Fire option for our younger students makes much more sense. Plus, they will be able to use the Kindle Fire with other programs they use.

How can you help? CLICK HERE to donate to this challenge. In the comment section, please write for IStation or Kindle Fire. We've sent out this information via direct email request and Facebook. Our supporters have already started giving to help our students. We will keep you posted via our Facebook page on the progress of this challenge.

Thank you for helping our students and teachers.

God bless you,
Didier Aur, Principal
St. Ann Catholic School

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