Harold McCormick Elementary is one of 10 semifinalists across the country in the running to win a $48,000 Team Up for Technology makeover through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.
Students and teachers are in the process of creating a 2-minute video illustrating why the school critically needs a technology upgrade.
Some students recently went on a field trip to Bristol Motor Speedway to film their video enumerating the many reasons why HME should win.
Principal Eric Wampler said the school no longer has a computer lab due to a need for more classroom space. These computers are now located in the library, and most were hand-me-downs from East Tennessee State University or Northeast State.
“If we win the prize, we are planning on buying laptop computers,” said 3rd grade teacher Debbie Estep. “We are lucky to have old computers donated from ETSU that each teacher uses in their classroom. Many of those were outdated when we received them, but of course we were thrilled to get them. Our technology department works hard to keep them working.”
This is the third year in which Harold McCormick has entered this contest, said Estep, who found out about the opportunity from her son who is a die-hard Jimmie Johnson fan.
“This grant will afford many opportunities for our students,” she said. “It will allow the students to have more access to computers. Our world is completely centered around technology. We have to prepare our children to utilize computers properly. Many of our children at Harold McCormick do not have access to a computer at home, and the only chance they have access is at school.”
Wampler pointed out that the majority of state testing will be done on computers this year, and that having experience using computers will make the students more comfortable during testing and will improve their performance.
Schools across the country were nominated for the grant. Semi-finalists received a laptop, camera and SD card to make a video highlighting their need for a technology makeover.
The program encourages parents, teachers, administrators and children’s advocates nationwide to nominate their schools through the foundation’s website and Twitter Account.
Since 2011, the JJ Foundation has awarded $268,000 in cash and products to K-12 schools through the Team up For Technology program. For more information about the program, visit JimmieJohnsonFoundation.org.