Surviving Greenwich HS Without A Computer or Internet
Going through school in Greenwich I've seen the importance of having a computer, whether to access homework teachers had posted on the student portal at GHS or to work on a project or essay. Being one of the very few students who didn't have a computer or Internet, made school extremely difficult.
Starting especially in middle school, we were assigned many essays that had to be typed or else you would not receive credit. Numerous times I got a "zero" averaged into my grade due the fact that there was no way for me to get to a computer or the Internet.
I would try going to the library, but I only had so much time before I had to go home or pick up one of my younger siblings from Julian Curtiss School or the Boys & Girls Club. And, as a sixth grader, it's not the safest thing to be walking home from the library at 9 o' clock at night in the dark.
So I decided to put my personal safety ahead of getting an A+ on a writing assignment. That did not go over well with my teachers. It wasn't that my teachers didn't believe me. They knew it was the truth, but they felt at the same time I was making up excuses or that I could have been doing more. They always wanted me to stay after school to do my homework, but that forced me to choose between an extra-curricular activity, a family commitment or getting my homework done. This is not to say that I don't see the importance of getting good grades in school or how a teacher said that I was being "a slacker." They called me that many times.
When this year I was nominated as a candidate for the Greenwich Alliance for Education's "leveling the playing field," with technology program and eligible to receive a refurbished computer and internet access for one year, I literally jumped for joy in the hallway at GHS.
To have this computer has been a true gift because I now get to work on my assignments for as long as it takes because it is MY computer to use. Because I can work as late as necessary, I get to hand in more assignments on time and my grades are steadily rising.
I am extremely grateful to those who donated and I hope that more people will follow suit and help other students like me.
In This Blog Post
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Greenwich High School
10 Hillside Rd, Greenwich, CT -
Julian Curtiss School
180 E Elm St, Greenwich, CT -
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich
4 Horseneck Ln, Greenwich, CT
Susan
8:45 am on Monday, December 19, 2011
Wow, you made a very compelling case for all of the people in Greenwich to donate their used, extra laptops and desktops to the Greenwich Alliance for Education. So many Greenwich families/kids will upgrade to new computers this holiday season. Can you please provide contact information for the The Greenwich Alliance for Education so that those inclined, can donate their used computers? I am certain people who are upgrading their technology this holiday season would like to know that that their used computer can make a huge difference in a student's life and help them tremendously academically. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Leslie Yager
8:56 am on Monday, December 19, 2011
Alliance website: http://greenwichalliance.org/web/
Julie Faryniarz, Exec. Director (203) 340-2323
Christine Kim
9:47 am on Monday, December 19, 2011
Alleyha, thanks for telling your story! I hope having access to a computer and the Internet at home will significantly help your academics.
Although the Greenwich Alliance is thrilled to be supporting this project, at this time we unfortunately cannot accept donations of more computers. We sincerely hope that after this pilot year of "Bridging the Digital Divide" we will be able to expand the program to more students next year, at which time we may be able to accept computer hardware or software donations. Please see our website for other programs supported by the Greenwich Alliance!
The Greenwich Alliance gives thanks to the Verizon Foundation, which is partly funding "Bridging The Digital Divide", and Greenwich Public Schools Media Specialist Jennifer Lau, whose considerable talents and energy created and are currently implementing this program.
Susan
6:51 am on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
It's a pity that this pilot program hasn't evolved into the next phase, especially since this is the time of year that laptop and printer donations would be at an all time high. Since the Greenwich Alliance is not currently moving forward with the next phase of "Bridging the Digital Divide" until next year, how can those of us who believe that this program makes a huge difference in the success of high school student's academics, help the Greenwich Alliance reprioritize this project and help move up the timeline? What is needed? I would like to assist any way that I can, I am certain other residents feel the same way.
Natalie
8:20 am on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wow, I am HAPPY that the Alliance was able to print a story that I talked about for my four years on the Board of Ed. It is amazing also, that Alleyha had to go through so many trials and tribulations from her teachers. I pray that this is an eye opener for the Educators in our town and that they can accept the work handed in and not the work they want. Alleyha is by far a "Slacker!" MOVE FORWARD ALLEYHA!! You are an amazing Young Lady!
Meredith
6:12 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I am very happy for Alleyha for persevering, not giving up, and finally getting a computer. But I am alarmed at the attitude of her teachers. With two GHS students in my house, I know they would be failing if they could not get their typewritten work into TurnItIn by the designated time. When kids don't have computers, either accommodations need to be made or the school needs to supply the computers for them. How can our educators be so callous?? Why should a student be required to be affluent to succeed at GHS? And we wonder why our "achievement gap" is so hube??
Christine Kim
10:29 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
To Susan and others: the Greenwich Alliance for Education is happy that you share our mission of providing opportunities for Greenwich students. Visit our website (www.greenwichalliance.org) or contact our office (203.340.2323) for information about the Alliance and how to support us.
The Alliance supports programs that are well-planned and carefully executed. Although it may seem like a great idea to flood the schools with computers for all students who need one, without the proper preparation and follow-up the results could be disappointing. Jennifer Lau, GPS Media Specialist and director of "Bridging The Digital Divide", selected students based on need and willingness of the family to participate. She is training the students and their families (sessions generously hosted by Greenwich Library) on using a computer, avoiding viruses, accessing homework and parent portals, and so on. She provides a translator for non-native English speakers. She will do assessments to determine the impact on the students' academics. There will be ongoing technical support for each family. All this is necessary in order to ensure that we are doing right by both the students and our donors.
Despite her impressive preparation, Jennifer is discovering improvements she can make to BTDD (e.g., have childcare at training sessions). That is why it is a pilot.
If you have thoughts on how to speed this up, or want to volunteer your time and talents, please contact the Alliance! Thank you.