Poplar Bluff, Missouri - U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill chose Lake Road Elementary School to donate five used computers to as part of the Computers for Schools program of the legislative chamber.
 
The HP Compaq devices were placed in first grade classrooms on Friday, Sept. 4, to be utilized for differentiated instruction during group exercises, according to Lake Road educators.
 
"We are delighted that out of the hundreds of elementary schools in Missouri, Sen. McCaskill picked Lake Road," Principal Erica Weadon said. "This year we've been able to add computers in our classrooms with Title I funding so second and third graders can have access to online instructional resources. This generous donation will help us expand our efforts to reach more first graders as well."
 
Lake Road was the only school in Southeast Missouri selected to receive the computers under the national yearly program. The Missouri senator also donated computers to Jefferson City, Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis elementary schools this summer.
 
"Technology is a critical component of education today," McCaskill stated in a press release. "This program connects young Missouri students with technology that can enhance classroom learning and boost the life skills needed to succeed in the 21st century."
 
In the photo: Support specialists Brandon March and Kim Geringer of Poplar Bluff R-I's information technology department set up a small computer lab in elementary teacher Alex Tinker's classroom.

Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District.