Kids today live in a technical world of instant communication. The use of computers has changed the playing field in providing educational elements so necessary to a child’s learning process.
Use of computers and Internet access in a classroom has skyrocketed in the last decade. Students who have access to these tools can explore hundreds of skill-building programs, lessons on the Internet, and a variety of other possibilities for furthering their education. It is important to know how computers have impacted our schools and education so far, and to recognize the full purpose of computers within the classroom. Research documents that kids who have access to working on computers in a classroom setting improve in a wide range of social skills, including the ability to cooperate and learning to solve problems within a group setting. Working with a computer may also encourage students to explore their own ideas, as well as share their ideas with the class, allowing the students to interact as they work together and to communicate effectively while creating strategies for completing tasks. There’s no question that today’s students have to learn how to effectively use a computer and to navigate the Internet. This is best begun in the early years of education to acclimate the student to performing online school tasks, because they will need to be familiar with this process in many colleges and universities.
That’s why St. Simon’s 13th annual “Bites for Bytes” fundraiser is so important as it helps support the “Computers on Wheels” (COW) program which provides much-needed computers for classroom use.
“Unlike other public/township schools, St. Simon’s receives no state or federal aid to fund the purchase of needed computers for its classrooms. As a school, we must raise these funds on our own. Bites for Bytes was conceived to help our students have access to computers in their classroom experience. The school currently has two traditional computer labs, but we need to expand this to hosting computers on wheels that are accessible to students in rooms for whenever they need it. All the funds raised at this fun event go to support the technology needs of our school,” stated Angela Duggan, co-chair of the event.
Principal Donavan Yarnall added, “We don’t want to say that every child should have a computer, but we want to give our students the best flexible technology available. I think we all know that the best tool in the classroom is a good teacher. So if we can add to that element the support of available computers to help their students achieve, then that is the best of all worlds for St. Simon students.”
“We so appreciate all the support we received from our dedicated PFO and the efforts of Amy Hruskoi who is the co-chair of the event which includes the silent auction portion of Bites for Bytes and all the local community food vendors including: Bella Vita, Jonah’s Market, Sundae’s Ice Cream, The Grill, Michael’s Southshore, Apezza, Ribs Express, Casler’s Kitchen, and Chef Suzanne Catering who so generously provide the wonderful Bites for the evening,” adds Laura Mates, assistant principal at St. Simon’s.
It is also exciting to know that this year’s, Bites for Bytes will include a new food vendor, Chick-fil-A! Jeff Mosley, Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A at the Crossing and Castleton Square Mall, and a long-time supporter of St. Simon’s, perhaps sums up the total efforts for this wonderful fund raiser when he remarked, “Bites for Bytes at St. Simon’s is hosting Faith, Fellowship, and Great Food that serves an important benefit for the kids at St. Simon!”
Mark your Calendars:
February 12, 2013, for 13th annual Bites for Bytes!
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Feltman Hall at St. Simon the Apostle Church, 8155 Oaklandon Road
Adults Only
Cost: $30 per person – or $33 if purchased at the door
Ticket includes: Silent Auction, Food, Soft Drinks, Beer and Wine, and Music
For more information call: 317-826-6000, ext.170
