TARTAGLIONE HELPS STUDENTS GET ACCESS TO COMPUTERS

PHILADELPHIA – April 24 – More than 100 students, parents and administrators turned out at Sheppard Elementary School in North Philadelphia today to thank state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione for her support of an innovative program that has put computers in the homes of dozens of Sheppard’s families.

            “On behalf of the school district of Philadelphia and the school reform commission I would like to thank Senator Tartaglione for bringing such an important technological investment into our school,” said Sheppard principal James Otto.

            Tartaglione was visibly moved by the large crowd, the enthusiastic reception and a 16-foot ‘thank you’ banner that covered the back wall of the school auditorium.

            “It’s wonderful to see all these bright students here,” Tartaglione said, “but it’s just as important to see so many concerned parents. There are mean streets outside these doors and it’s parents like these that can help keep their children interested in school and out of the streets.”

Tartaglione worked for a $250,000 state grant to support a partnership that brought together the school district, parents and Penn State University to bring computers and Internet access into neighborhoods where such technology is in short supply.

“This project is going to reform the community,” Otto said. “Our kids have no access to technology at home, and now, because of this project and because of the Senator’s support, our kids now have a shot.”

During the current school year, the partnership has distributed 83 computers and Internet access to third and fourth grade families at Sheppard, a 290-student elementary school that was built on West Cambria Street in 1897. The school also has a new computer lab featuring new Apple iMac computers.  

Also supporting the project are Apple Inc., Wireless Philadelphia, Verizon, the Parent Leadership Academy, and Temple University.

Parents praised the project as a success, and administrators said they plan to expand it next year. 

“This is our future,” Tartaglione said. “I hope our lawmakers can see that without projects like this there are children being left behind on the information superhighway. I plan to continue to support this innovative and valuable program.”