Kelso High School receives $10,000 grant
Above, Jerri Ann Patten receives her check from the Qwest Foundation. Below, Qwest’s “Pioneer” volunteers, along with Qwest representatives Jane Nishita and Mary Bremen, present the award to Jerri Ann Patten, KHS Principal Adele Marshall and Superintendent Glenys Hill.
Kelso teacher Jerri Patten is one of nine Washington teachers to receive a $10,000 Technology Integration Grant from Qwest. Qwest Foundation grants help teachers create 21st century learning environments that use technologies to solve real-world problems. “Every year it becomes more critical that we lead our students to global literacy, turn them into expert problem-solvers and make sure they are fluent in technology,” State Superintendent Randy Dorn said.
Patten will use the grant to help bring struggling students up to grade in reading by purchasing 30 "e-readers," electronic books that have built in dictionaries and other features to assist students.
Her use of e-readers will provide some of the state's first data on using this technology in the classroom, said Patten, who teaches English and history.
The readers — which resemble the Amazon Kindle — allow users to make electronic notes and highlight text, Patten said. "So kids can write all over the book. The best way to work with a book is to interact with it right on the page."
The machines also will help students act out plays in class, because it's easier to hold the electronic tablets than a bulky textbook, she said.
Public Information - April 26, 2010