Peggy Revell
Some schools in the district just got a little bit “smarter” as two First Nation communities have stepped forward with funding for more SMART board technology.
Rainy River First Nations will providing funding of $10,398.72 for new SMART boards at Donald Young School in Emo, as well as the same amount for Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.
Seine River First Nation, meanwhile, has given funds to install SMART boards at Mine Centre School.
SMART boards—technology that projects a classroom computer screen onto a large touchscreen whiteboard—have been integrated into classrooms around the world and highly praised as an interactive teaching tool.
Both the Rainy River District School Board and Northwest Catholic District School Board already have been in the process of bringing this technology to classrooms across the area.
“This is a pretty significant donation,” Jack McMaster, director of education for the local public board, said during last week’s monthly board meeting, where representatives from the First Nations’ communities were presented with letters of appreciation.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to add SMART board technology to both of these schools, and to me it’s just an indication of the great things that we can do together,” he added.
“I’d just like to correct Jack on the quote that it’s a donation. It’s not a donation, it’s a contribution to the education of our children,” said Seine River Chief Earl Klyne.
“And that’s the meaning of what is was,” he explained.
Rainy River First Nations Chief Jim Leonard also stressed the donations are not just for First Nations’ students, but all students at the schools to use.
“The students are certainly going to benefit in these two schools,” board chairman Dan Belluz said while conveying its appreciation for the funding.
“And I hope that we can continue this relationship for a long time,” he added. “This is, as far as I’m concerned, a beginning.”
Belluz noted this contribution also complements the board’s long-range plans to bring SMART board technology into all its classrooms.
The local Catholic board also is expressing gratitude for the contribution of $10,398.72 from Rainy River First Nations that will go towards SMART board equipment at Our Lady of the Way School.
“This donation will add to our inventory of SMART board resources which will enhance our school in Stratton,” noted Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly.
“We are finding the SMART board technology is an awesome teaching tool that engages the students,” she noted. “It allows for lots of student interaction and ‘hands-on’ learning that is relevant, current, and fun.”
The technology is expected to be purchased and installed during the summer for all of the schools—and ready for use once classes resume in the fall.
