LemonAid for Learning
Students in eight Putnam City 5th-grade classes will each have an iPad to use in class next year thanks to a gift from Larry and Suzy Lemon to the Putnam City Schools Foundation.
Lemon originally planned to donate funds to equip one 5th-grade classroom with iPads. To determine which classroom it would be, the Foundation launched the “LemonAid for Learning Project,” inviting 5th-grade teachers to submit proposals about how they would use iPads to enhance student learning.
Eight teachers submitted proposals, each detailing ways and apps for iPads to help students learn. The proposals were specific, thorough and creative, covering exactly how iPads would be used to build skills and knowledge in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, music and more. Teachers explained in their proposals how iPads would be used to tailor lessons to individual students, how students would use iPads to learn and practice research and presentation skills, and how students would be engaged by the technology.
The proposals were shared the Lemons as well as with district specialists. Larry recalls that he had already secretly decided to fund two proposals, and then began reading them to choose the best ones.
“My plan was to read through the proposals and put them in three stacks. One stack would be the winners, another stack would be for maybe and the third stack would be ones we wouldn’t fund right now but might in the future. The thing is, every proposal I read went into the winner stack. In the end, Suzy and I decided to go ahead and fund them all and really make a difference,” Larry says.
Two weeks after submitting their proposals, teachers came to a meeting expecting to hear which one of them would receive iPads for their classrooms next year. When it was announced that all of them would receive an iPad set, teachers were thrilled and thankful.
“I was overcome with joy after hearing that I was receiving an iPad classroom next year. I am so grateful for Mr. and Mrs. Lemon’s contribution to our district, which paved the way for this opportunity. Not only am I grateful, I’m very eager to get started creating lessons and projects that will make best use of the iPads,” says Kerry Rice, a 5th-grade teacher at Wiley Post Elementary School.
Debbie Shirley, a 5th-grade teacher at Windsor Hills Elementary School, had similar feelings.
“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Larry and Suzy Lemon and so excited to know my students and I will receive a class set of iPads. I’m looking forward to collaborating with other teachers in our district, reviewing apps and leaning more about the iPad so that I will be better prepared to use them. We’re living in a digital age, and having iPads in my classroom will give every student access to technology and help prepare them to be ready for college and careers,” says Shirley.
Research on the value of iPads in education is still in early stages. Studies so far indicate that iPads make courses more interesting, encourage exploration of additional topics and increase learning.
Julia Tiller, a 5th-grade teacher at Ralph Downs Elementary School, says iPad use and the resulting benefits only make sense.
“My students are digital natives. It’s a language they speak very fluently. This gift will allow me to create a digital classroom where my students are using technology as a vehicle for learning,” Tiller says.
Cory Boggs, director of Information Technology for the district, agrees with Tiller that the gift of iPads to eight 5th-grade classrooms is meaningful.
“This gift is a game-changer for these classrooms. Where we have iPads now, we’ve seen an undeniable effect on learning. What was once a flat textbook with fixed photos and plain paper has been transformed into an interactive, living resource that links to a world of information. iPads have a unique way of engaging students and making learning truly 21st Century,” says Boggs.
Making an impact in learning is exactly what Larry and Suzy Lemon have in mind.
“Suzy and I have been very fortunate in life. We believe that because we’ve been successful, we have a responsibility to help the next generation be successful, too. We want to create opportunities for students that they might not otherwise have and use our resources to make a difference in classrooms,” Larry says.
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LemonAid for Learning Project Beneficiaries
• Amy Armstrong, 5th-grade teacher, Northridge Elementary School
• Katherine Bishop, Donna McMullen and Crystal Reis, 5th-grade teachers, Lake Park Elementary School
• Fallan Bowen, 5th-grade teacher, Rollingwood Elementary School
• Christine Clay, 5th-grade teacher, Central Elementary School
• Kerry Rice, 5th-grade teacher, Wiley Post Elementary School
• Debbie Shirley, 5th-grade teacher, Windsor Hills Elementary School
• Jamie Taylor, 5th-Grade teacher, Arbor Grove Elementary
• Julia Tiller, 5th-grade teacher, Ralph Downs Elementary School 5th-grade teacher
For More Information
Steve Lindley
Communications Director
slindley@putnamcityschools.org
(405) 495-5200, x1204
Pictured above left to right: Caroline Gist speaks to Rollingwood students; Caroline Gist and Rollingwood teacher Fallon Bowen speak to students; Caroline Gist presents iPad to Rollingwood teacher Fallon Bowen; Rollingwood teacher Fallon Bowen and Rollingwood 5th grade students