23 Oct 2006
250 Volunteers Will Help in the Distribution to Students
DALLAS–The Technology Outreach Program of the Dallas Independent School District will hold its annual Connect-A-Student to Technology computer distribution at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, at Stephen J. Hay Service Center (formerly Service Center II), 3701 S. Lamar, to distribute 2,006 donated computers to district students.
Last year the department distributed 1,500 donated computers to students, with the help of 250 volunteers from the district and community. CAST computers will be distributed districtwide and students in each of the six areas and alternative schools will be the recipients.
"We are grateful for the numerous corporate and government agencies that donate computers to the CAST program, and the volunteers who give of their time to help make the program a success. It is this type of support and cooperation that helps Dallas ISD educate and graduate students ready for college, increase student achievement and improve teacher-parent-student interaction," said Arnold Viramontes, associate superintendent of Information and Technology Services.
Donated computers are refurbished, upgraded and distributed to students for their use at home. StarOffice application software is installed on the computers and students are given access to the Internet with parental approval.
School principals from each campus identify recipients, while the area superintendents select the schools. Only students who do not have computers at home are eligible. One computer per family will be given away.
"Recycled computers are turned into useful learning tools for students in Dallas ISD,"
said Sam Barani, senior programmer analyst, Technology Services.
To date, the department has distributed over 7,500 computers to students. For more information about the CAST program, to make a donation or volunteer, please call (972) 925-5010.
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