The campaign centered on replacing Mimio technology interactive whiteboards, 45 in total, that are an integral part of the learning day at Simpson Elementary. The next-generation technology gives teachers from kindergarten through fifth grade access to our world which allows them to extend their lessons and create an interactive learning experience.
“At Simpson Elementary we’ve nurtured a long-standing commitment to integrating technology resources into our students’ daily learning,” observes Bron Gayna Schmit, Principal. “We feel these tools give our teachers the ability to expand their daily lessons with increased content and deeper context that amplifies the relevance of the curriculum for our students.”
The capital campaign spanned the 2016-2017 school year as a centerpiece of PTA fundraising efforts. Through parent donations, gift wrap sales and a wildly successful inaugural Online Auction, parents and school partners raised over $32,000 to fully upgrade existing Mimio boards in every classroom.
“The different avenues we used to raise these funds demonstrate the amazing levels of community and family support we are fortunate to have at Simpson Elementary,” shares Seana McPherson, PTA Co-President, 2017. “An enthusiastic core group of parents originated the Online Auction idea in the fall and through their diligence and creativity, we raised over $15,000 toward our goal in four short months. The generosity of the Peachtree Corners business community and the enthusiastic support of our families and volunteers has been simply incredible.”
The new Mimio Smartboards are currently being installed across the school and will be in place for the opening of the 2017-18 school year in August 2017.
Julianna Donaldson, Simpson’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year, summarizes the impact this investment in updating these tools will have on the classroom experience, “The smartboard technology creates the opportunity for every Simpson teacher to take our curriculum to a higher level of student engagement. The technology is an invaluable resource to augment classroom activities and help create new, multi-faceted routes for students to connect to our daily lessons.”
“We couldn’t be more grateful to our families and the surrounding community who generously supported these efforts,” reflects Ms. Schmit. “They’ve helped us ensure every Simpson student has access to the latest tools to engage with our curriculum and continue on the path to being the world-class learners and next-generation of leaders that we focus on developing every day at Simpson Elementary.”
About Simpson Elementary School
Simpson Elementary School is a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award, a 2011 Green & Healthy Taking Action School, a 2010 Georgia School of Excellence, and a Platinum Award school since 2005. The school serves more than 900 children in grades Pre-K through fifth grade. Simpson Elementary School is part of the Gwinnett County Public School System and is located in the heart of Peachtree Corners. For more information please visit us at www.simpsonpta.org.
