Iowa State Savings Bank (ISSB) recently donated funds to Creston Early Childhood Center for the purchase of nine iPad 2s. These iPad 2s will provide continuity of vocabulary instruction to the students as they transition from one grade level to the next. This is important for those students whose test scores are low enough to require intensive and/or supplemental instruction, but don’t qualify for special education.
According to Jan Knock, vice president of marketing at ISSB, this donation matches the philanthropic priorities at ISSB.
“This donation is a perfect fit with one of our goals – to improve literacy in children. We are thrilled to support the efforts of the teachers by providing this contribution,” Knock said.
The effectiveness of iPad 2s has already been demonstrated in the classroom. Last year, iPad 2s were purchased for every preschool program in Union County with funding from Endow Union County. Teachers are able download applications onto the iPad 2s for individual and small group vocabulary instruction.
The iPad 2s will allow teachers to work smarter, not harder, by utilizing the applications which have already been created. In addition, the students are motivated by technology and may work harder to experience success.
The nine iPad 2s will be provided to six kindergarten teachers, one title teacher, one junior-kindergarten teacher and one English language learner instructor.
According to Callie Anderson, Creston Early Childhood Center principal, this donation benefits the entire community.
“We really appreciate the participation from ISSB on this extremely worthwhile project. Funding this grant is a true testament of the support that ISSB provides for our schools and community,” Anderson said.
And the iPad 2s in the hands of these educators help demonstrate what a school can do in the classroom, even at the earliest levels, to support children to achieve their full potential, take on life’s challenges, communicate well with others and remain committed to learning.