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Inside and outside of class, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students can be seen studying and working on assignments on their new Chromebook laptops. It is the first time that CHS students have been able to use technology for their entire school day, courtesy of a $3.5 million gift from an anonymous donor. 

A portion of the gift was used to purchase 120 new Chromebook laptops, which students first received on Monday, Oct. 7. Coordinating the 1-to-1 Chromebook Computer project are Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEM instructional coordinator, and Greg Laktzian, CHS math teacher assistant.  

“Students check-out/in their assigned Chromebook and carrying bag daily,” said Cummings. 

“We want the best for our students, and the gift of the Chromebooks has made it possible for students to better study and learn,” said Gina Jeffries, EdD, CHS director. “They love them. The Chromebooks allow our East St. Louis students to remain competitive amongst other students in surrounding districts. They are a big success. We know that students will grow academically with this new resource.” 

“When we had some laptops, they could only be used in a certain class,” said CHS senior Tyrin Smith. “Now, we have it all the school day. The Chromebook has helped me with my classes. Because everything is online, I can just log onto the computer and work. I like that.” 

“Using the Chromebooks are more efficient. Everything can be found online, and that makes it beneficial for both the students and the teachers,” said Mildred Fort, CHS science teacher. “The students love technology. There was a short learning curve for most of them.” 

“In addition, the new technology initiative is believed to support both teaching and learning!” added Cummings. “It will allow our classrooms to be infused with digital learning that has the potential to expand the learning experiences and materials. We hope to increase student engagement and motivation, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.” 

“I like the Chromebooks, because I can get my work done better,” said CHS sophomore Jayla Sussix. “Before when we had to write a lot, it was hard. Also, for some assignments we had to go to the computer lab. But the Chromebooks make things easier.” 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.  

Photos:
CHS senior Tyrin Smith checks out his Chromebook for the day.

L-R: CHS students Tyrell Montgomery and Ty’Asia Alls work on their homework during class.

Greg Laktzian, CHS math teacher assistant, (left) works with CHS freshman Matthew Hicks on a class assignment.