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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 7, 2007 - 13 Meeting the call of duty Continued from page 11 But competition is tough. Not just in life, but in the ability to access dollars for technology for their classroom. Often the Futures program is not only competing within their own school board, but their own school, for available dollars. However with the program well-established and still a paltry technological showing in their handful of classrooms, the teachers are getting tough. The program has only four older model computers, three of which are connected to a network, one which is a stand alone. Cash secured from the Halton Learning Foundation ­ the Halton District School Board's own technological fund -- has purchased one new laptop. "To Whom It May Concern: We are contacting you on behalf of the staff and students in the Futures program of White Oaks Secondary School here in Oakville. As is the situation in many schools and boards, funding for technology never meets the needs. The same is true of our program. What makes it really difficult to accept is that these students are already at a disadvantage, with often-limited opportunities for post-secondary job placements," reads a January 2007 letter the teachers have blanketed across the community. Oakville Hydro has already promised some hardware may be available when upgrades occur. There's a digital camera in the class that came from Oakville Place and local graphic artist, Branimir Zlamalik, has donated a printer and hard drive, but the class is missing the MacIntosh monitor to complete the set. "Our wish list is huge," admitted LoriJo Prescott who along with Ryan Luyk is an educational assistant with Futures. Prescott said it's wireless technology, flat screen monitors with high resolution (which some of the students are better able to see) and ideally a laptop for every student, that is their aim. A Smart Board -- essentially a computerized blackboard that functions interactively with students -- at roughly $3,600 is also be on that wish list. Prescott noted with envy that private school Appleby College has Smart Boards and a few are being piloted at other Halton public schools. Student Ryan O'Donnell, 18, has used his classroom's new laptop to design the marketing flyer for the class' new business project, Wicked to the Core Crafts. "I have a computer at home that, let's say, can be pretty stubborn," said O'Donnell who has been able to help out when it comes to technology at school. Futures teacher Christina Annis noted the knowledge has set up O'Donnell as something of an expert -- which has been beneficial to him. Annis also said there's not only technology and software available to assist the students in their classroom endeavours, but also that can help many of her students overcome their challenges. For example, one offers text when one speaks into the computer. This kind of ability can help some students blossom in school and in their personal lives. "Positive observations coming from this include increased self-esteem, stu- "It's our job to provide them with skills that are going to make them successful." Jennifer Gunion, Head of Special Education, White Oaks Secondary School dents' involvement in student affairs, integration within the community, and an increased technical awareness that promotes employability skills now and in their future," states the letter from Prescott and Luyk. "It is our hope and our goal to see each and every student in our program achieve their greatest potential, with a view to becoming valuable contributors to their community upon graduation from secondary school," states the letter. On the Futures wish list are Pentium 4s with flat screen monitors, a handful of black/white laser printers (one for each classroom), a Smart board, wireless mice, earphones and workstations. "For these kids, school has never been their forté, if school was easy, they'd be doing other things. It's our job to provide them with skills that are going to make them successful," said Gunion, noting that without the right tools, "They're never going to stand a chance of being integrated into the community and getting employment." While the wish list is the ideal, the Futures staff said they'll never say no to whatever comes their way. WOSS can be reached at 905-845-5200, ext. 502 or ext. 702, or e-mail prescott.@hdsb.ca, luykr@hdsb.ca, annisc@hdsb.ca or gunionj@hdsb.ca. We Know MORTGAGES LOANS · LINE OF CREDIT "We specialize in hard to place mortgages" 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mortgages Residential and Commercial Debt Consolidation Power of Sale Refinancing No Up Front Fees Up to 100% Financing O.A.C. 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