SALEMBURG — As technology becomes more important to help educate elementary students, Principal Gerald Johnson was pleased to receive a generous donation.
On behalf of the Donnie M. Royal Foundation, Charles Royal presented a $10,000 check Friday morning to Salemburg Elementary School (SES). Funds will be used to purchase laptops or other technology needs for the school.
“The foundation is very aware of the challenges that a small school has with funding,” Royal said. “In rural areas, we’re subject to an unfair disadvantage to the children because of finances.”
Royal also challenged community members to give back and for organizations to seek financial assistance help from philanthropists as well.
“There’s philanthropists out there looking for places,” Royal said about find . “All you have to do is raise the flag.”
While showing appreciation, Johnson said a lot of students don’t have computers at home, which are required tools for education
“It’s good to have a nice new school,” Royal said. “But equipment and educational tools is what we miss often.”
Royal said the foundation is committed to helping the school in upcoming years. This year marks the second time, RES received a check from the Donnie M. Royal Foundation.
It’s purpose to help organizations, education efforts and is named in honor of Royal’s uncle, a doctor who practiced medicine for more than 60 years. During his tenure he responded to many house calls. Royal, currently serves as the vice president of the organization. It has several plans for the future, which include building a website to let the public know about the history.
Funding for the school was made possible through the work of the School Improvement Team. Members include Jeannie Faulk, Diana Herwy and Vanessa Parker.
“Members of the School Improvement Team were very instrumental in writing the grant,” Johnson said.
Parker, a second grade teacher, was glad to receive additional funding.
“Nowadays everything is technology and the kids learn better with having a computer,” Parker said. “They’re more responsive to your teaching if it has something to do with technology. It’s important that we have updated equipment for them to use to help them.”
Even when text books are used, the teachers said there’s a technology component attached. Learning at the elementary level is essential as well, since computers will be utilized more in middle and high school levels.
Herwy, a first grade educator, emphasized the importance as well for students lacking the resources at home or in school.
“When they do get it, you can just see them engrossed in it,” Herwy said. “They enjoy it and they remember it.”