Over $100,000 has been invested bringing technology to the classroom!
Teacher training for the interactive whiteboards
Susan Vistein has her class practice handwriting
A 1st grade class takes turns at the interactive white board, working on a currency unit.
TECHNOLOGY GRANTS
What started as a pilot program in 2016-2017 has blossomed into a groundswell of demand from teachers and parents alike. With over $100,000 invested so far, 25 classrooms currently have interactive whiteboards and 150 iPads are in the school. The demand remains high, and we have a funding gap for additional technology requests.
What are Interactive Whiteboards (also known as smart boards)?
Interactive whiteboards are powerful instructional tools used in the classroom. Teachers and students of all ages can move and manipulate the content on the screen. Much of the current curriculum is designed for this technology and many of our teachers are already trained in how to effectively use this learning tool. At WestU, grades Kinder through 4th have the space for interactive whiteboards.
Why Does WUES Need Interactive Whiteboards?
Research shows that interactive whiteboards have many positive benefits for all students.
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Improves motivation and participation
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Accommodates many different types of learning styles (visual, audio, tactile)
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Allows teachers to create interactive lessons
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Enables teachers to utilize HISD science and math curriculums designed for this technology
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Promotes group discussion and increases classroom participation
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Makes learning fun and engaging
Why Doesn't our School Have Technology in Every Classroom?
On a per student basis, WUES is the least funded elementary school in all of HISD. Simply put, the district takes the funds paid by our residents and reallocates it to other schools. All monies raised by the WUES Foundation, however, is controlled by parents, and for the 2019-2020 school year is dedicated to put interactive whiteboards and other technology in our classrooms. Over the past two years, the Foundation has awarded 25 of these boards to teachers across our school. With your help, we can outfit all classes with technology and training for the teachers.
How Can You Help?
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Individual and corporate donations are welcomed
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Please remember to check your company for matching funds
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Donate either online or by check, payable to “WUES Foundation”
Help WUES keep pace with technology by getting interactive whiteboards into the classrooms. We can get children out of their seats and create a learning environment without limits by donating today!
TEACHER GRANTS
In the 2016 - '17 school year, the Foundation focused its time and resources on providing educational grants to teachers at West U Elementary School. The Foundation awarded a variety of grants across grade levels, including
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STEM training workshops
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SMART Board pilot program
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The creation of a new "science sanctuary" outdoor learning area
In addition, the Foundation funded an acoustic study for new sound panels in the school cafeteria. The sound panels were installed and, ultimately, have helped decrease noise levels during lunch periods and improved sound for school performances.
LIBRARY
Thanks to your generosity the WUES library was expanded and completely refurbished. New shelving, books and an outdoor reading courtyard was added.
Corporate sponsors celebrating the grand re-opening of the playground with Principal Threet and Past Foundation President Adrienne Vanderbloemen.
PLAYGROUND PROJECT
In 2015, the Foundation completed a $250,000 fundraising campaign to repair, refurbish and improve the front playground of West U Elementary School. This project was made possible through our community's unfailing personal generosity as well as the tremendous support received from organizations and businesses in the area including