Thanks to a generous grant from the Fess Parker family, the Los Olivos School District has a state-of-the-art technology package to serve its students needs, says Stephen Palmer. So now the Los Olivos Foundation is dishing up a farm-to table dinner by Chef Clark Staub at the Montanaro Farm on Saturday, Sept. 8, to raise the last funds necessary to complete their end of the deal.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with ticket prices set at $150. There will be both a live and silent auction to enjoy, as well as music by the Bushels. But doesn’t mean, says Palmer, that parents who can’t attend can’t also help. Volunteers and financial donations of any amount are always welcome.
The Los Olivos School Foundation is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation whose specific goal is to improve the quality of education at Los Olivos School, says Bridget Baublits, the school’s principal.
Each teacher received a new Apple computer and projector to use in the classroom. In addition, there is a new computer lab that students rotate through as needed by the instructors. Whether it is test taking or researching or using the new green screen for animation or creating digital presentations, the lab provides a big step forward in the effort to prepare students for the world they are maturing into, says Palmer.
The school was also able to purchase an iPad cart that is shared by the teachers. The junior high school science room has a laptop cart – that, while mobile – generally stays in Sue Squires classroom, says Baublits.
By receiving grants, gifts and through fundraising efforts, the foundation provides financial support to help augment the school’s facilities and programs. When the current campaign is complete, says Palmer, they might look into trying to buy another iPad cart as there seems to be more desire to use it than time slots currently available.
“The technology that the foundation has provided is transforming the way teachers are teaching and students are learning in the classroom,” says Baublits.