What is the Walpole Computer Foundation?
The Walpole Computer Foundation (WCF) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1992 by a group of parents interested in improving the availability of up-to-date computer technology for students in all grades (K-12) of the Walpole Public Schools. The WCF’s primary mission is to raise money to supplement the school system’s annual technology budget. The WCF works in close partnership with the Walpole Public Schools to accomplish both short and long-term technology goals.
What has the Walpole Computer Foundation accomplished?
Through the strong support of the local community and area businesses
over the past eight years, the WCF has distributed nearly $500,000
in technology grants among all of Walpole’s schools. These funds
have been used to purchase new computers, CD-ROM drives, printers, communications
equipment, educational software, and more.
What remains to be done?
WCF funds have had a significant and positive impact on the number of
computers and variety of technologies available to students and
staff at all grade levels. However, increased levels of funding are needed
across
the school district for ongoing expenses such as: licensing software
for multi-site use, wiring classrooms for Internet and local area network
access, upgrading outdated computer hardware, hiring additional
technical
support staff, increasing the schools’ inventory of computers to
attain lower ratios of students-per-computer as mandated by the state,
and training staff on computer use and integration into classroom curriculum.
Clearly, funds provided through the WCF continue to be essential supplements
to the Walpole Public Schools’ technology budget.
How does the Walpole Computer Foundation raise funds?
Since 1992, the WCF has sponsored one or two major fundraising events
each year. Past events have included auctions, comedy nights and golf
tournaments which have been held annually in September since 1994. In
addition, a first-ever fundraising campaign was conducted by mail and
online via the WCF web site during the spring of 2001. Fundraising activities
for 2003 began with a Las Vegas Night which was a great success. In addition
to the above, the WCF accepts individual and corporate donations at any
time throughout the year.
Are there any Walpole Computer Foundation activities other than fundraising?
Although fundraising remains its primary focus, the WCF also solicits
donations of new and used computer equipment, evaluates technology project
proposals that are submitted by school staff for WCF funding consideration,
assists with school district technology planning efforts, applies for
corporate and government grants, and supports a comprehensive WCF web
site.
How is the Walpole Computer Foundation organized?
The WCF is managed by a nine-member Executive Committee consisting of
the organization’s President, Treasurer and seven appointed Trustees.
There are two categories of general membership: Trustee and Friend
of the WCF. These categories represent different levels of commitment
and
enable members to volunteer for whatever amount of time, type
of activities and level of responsibility that suit their work and family
schedules.
Interested?
The WCF welcomes the participation of anyone who would like to contribute
in any way! Your help can take the form of financial support
through donations, fundraising support by attending WCF events, or volunteer
support by becoming
a member of the WCF.
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