The Mesa County School District 51 Foundation has donated a total of $35,000 to five schools to support digital classrooms.

Central and Palisade high schools, Pomona and Shelledy elementary schools and West Middle School received the latest funding for five digital classrooms.

Digital classrooms are equipped with teacher computers, prewired electrical raceways, an Aquos Board, document camera, instructional audio system and interactive video camera. Installation charges are also part of the cost associated with these classrooms. The cost for each classroom is about $7,000. Since 2019, the D51 Foundation has provided funding for 25 digital classrooms.

“We truly believe that giving our kids the best tools and environment for learning is so important in today’s world. That’s why we’re genuinely grateful to the District 51 Foundation for their donation towards making our classrooms more modern,” said Dan Burke, executive director of technology for Mesa County School District 51. “This isn’t just about new gadgets or tech. It’s about preparing our students for what comes next in their lives. The foundation’s support helps us make sure our kids have what they need to learn, grow and face the future with confidence. A big thank you to the District 51 Foundation for believing in our kids and their future.”

Tracy Arledge, principal at Central High School, also said she was grateful for the support. “We are so very appreciative of the D51 Foundation for selecting the Central High School information and technology department as a beneficiary to receive a new 21st century digital classroom. We anticipate this donation will provide real time conversation with remote experts in career fields of interest. This will benefit our Girls Who Code Club and provide students the opportunity to share out solution sets that are much easier to read and display. Our IT teacher will now be able to provide real work examples students can see with much better visualization projected in the classroom.”

Peter Icenogle, president of the D51 Foundation, said donors make it possible for the organization to provide additional technology for classrooms. “The foundation is always seeking to further our mission. One of the ways we are able to achieve this is through improving our community’s technical capabilities by ensuring current and future generations of students have access to updated technology and classrooms.”

Cami Kidd, principal at Shelledy Elementary, said additional technology provides teachers the tools they need to engage students and promote learning. “Technology provides opportunities for learning, inquiry, collaboration and inspiration to a world of what could be. We are so grateful to provide one of our classrooms with this innovative equipment that will be utilized for many years to come.”