Donation helps bring iPads to Phillips Avenue students
Special education students at Phillips Avenue School received iPad 2’s this week, which were purchased in part with an anonymous donation from a local business, Riverhead School District officials said.
During the Riverhead school board meeting Jan. 8, the school board accepted the donation of $3,360 to purchase seven iPads and cases.
The district later matched the gift to in order to purchase a total of 15 iPads, officials said.
Teacher Gene Siller said he has been using his personal iPad during his lessons in conjunction with a Smartboard and believes the new Apple products purchased for his classroom will help his students improve their writing skills.
“The iPad’s touch screen and keyboard is easier for students with fine motor difficulties to use,” he said. “This gift will enable them to hold and use an individual iPad on their laps or at their desks for a variety of classroom activities.”
Principal Debra Rodgers said students are excited to use the new devices and described the donation as “a gift that will keep on giving for years.”
“It’s also a gift that other generous businesses and individuals could replicate,” she said.
