Oak Park Elementary Schools District 97

PTO FUNDS AND TECHNOLOGY PURCHASES

"We have some funds; we want to make a difference. What's the best way we can help?"

The Technology Department would like to give a few suggestions of things district-wide that would benefit students and teachers. At the same time, many things would be a lasting remembrance of PTO involvement.

Let's start at the top... with a procedure to effectively get things done.

First of all, the PTO has to have the funds that they are willing to spend on technology, and say so. The Principal, Technology Specialist and local building Tech Advocates provide direction (see below). The Principal and Tech Specialist will pass along this information to the Technology Department, and they will contact vendors, get quotes, etc. When they get back to the PTO with information, the PTO approves the expenditure and the Technology Department will go ahead and issue the purchase order.

Why go through the Tech Department?
Simply put, they see the big picture, and know what the district will be able to support, and what not. Before PTOS can agree to purchase software, it must be approved by our district Software Approval committee.

What not to get: computers These are always purchased through the Technology Department and are equalized in our schools.

Thank you.
District 97 Teaching and Learning Department
District 97 Technology Department

SUGGESTED TECHNOLOGY PURCHASES

Suggestions first listed are for LABS, since they are used by all the students in the schools and will therefore have the biggest impact.

  • Biggest - one time purchase. Mounted projection system with a screen.
    This would be a lasting “memorial’ to any PTO.
  • SmartBoards or Mimeo systems if the lab already has a white board.
  • CD/DVD burners
  • Flash Drives

Suggestions for Media Centers – checkout for teacher/student use:

  • LCD projectors
  • Digital Video Camera(s)

  • Digital still Camera(s)

Suggestions for general distribution

  • Computer carts

  • Peripherals (flash drives, USB floppy drives, CD/DVD burners, etc.)

  • Supplies (CD-Rs, print cartridges, batteries, etc.)

Suggestions for the auditorium:

  • Audio/visual systems

NOTE: The district will identify all purchases that are long lasting (carts, projectors, etc.) with an identification number denoting this was purchased by the PTO and in what year, Example: XXX PTO, 2006 (current year).