By John Lynds
Last year it was an upgrade to the school’s computer lab and before that the school was able to purchase a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projectors for every classroom.
These are just some of the items that East Boston High School (EBHS) Headmaster Michael Rubin has been able to invest in to improve education at the school through EBHS’s annual fundraiser.
This year, the school’s Sixth Annual Gala and Fundraiser will be held on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Suffolk Downs.
Rubin recently showed off the upgraded computer labs, which features state-of-the-art hardware and software to teach students the latest in technology skills and applications. Funding was provided by the proceeds from last year’s fundraiser coupled with matching funds from the East Boston Foundation.
The first fundraising effort raised $20,000 for the high school, which serves 1,430 students. The money raised in 2006 was matched through a grant from the East Boston Foundation bringing that year’s total to $40,000.
Since the first fundraiser five years ago, Rubin and the school’s staff have been able to use fundraising money to improve technology at EBHS like the new computer labs and installation of LCD projectors in every classroom at the school.
The LCDs are used as a supplemental resource to traditional textbooks. Students are able to see and work with on-line activities as well as create a class-wide power point presentation using the new technology.
“The LCDs have proved to be a valuable tool in the classroom,” said Rubin. “LCDs have allowed teachers to access the Internet and display web pages on math, history and current events on a screen at the head of the class.”
Rubin got the idea for the LCDs after visiting suburban schools and seeing the effectiveness that they had on high school education.
“I thought if suburban schools had these valuable tools for the classroom why can’t East Boston High have them,” said Rubin. “The LCDs are part of our ongoing effort to upgrade the school’s technological capabilities. A few years ago we got new computers, last year we added the LCDs and hopefully we’ll raise enough money this year to continue these efforts.”
For this year’s fundraiser Rubin’s goal is to raise $30,000 and again have that money matched by the Foundation.
“We are committed to equip our students with the necessary skills to be competitive in this highly technology-driven workforce,” said Rubin. “With the proceeds from April’s fundraiser we will remain focused on expanding and updating resources in this school.”
New to this year’s fundraiser will be a raffle drawing for $10,000. In addition to this prize, there will be other raffles, a silent auction, and dancing. Dinner tickets are $50 and raffle tickets are $100 for the $10,000 prize.
Contact Judy Brown at 617-635-9896, ext 30312 for ticket information.
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