Former educators call for donations, submissions for ‘Great Technology Giveaway’

Retired Catholic school educator Sally Watson is leading an effort called “The Great Technology Giveaway.” Working alongside other former Catholic school educators, Watson hopes to collect cash donations to be awarded to participating Catholic elementary schools in the diocese for the purchase of
iPads, Chromebooks or other technology needs.

The project, an offshoot of the Catholic Foundation’s “Great iPad Giveaway” which ran from 2013 to 2016 and distributed 52 iPads to area Catholic schools this year, is already underway and ends Jan. 20, 2017.

“Technology is a big thing these days. I think it is extremely important that we do what we can to make our Catholic schools the best for the students of those schools,” said Watson, who taught and served as principal during her 25 years at the former St. Peter, Paul and Michael School in St. Cloud (now All Saints Academy, St. Cloud).

“It’s such a sacrifice parents and parishes are making to keep our schools going. [This project] is from my heart.”

For schools to participate, Watson is asking them to submit up to three student-created entries using technology. The entries must be under three minutes and must include the name of the Catholic school, the student or class name, grade and parish. It can be a video or other type of digital presentation sharing a story of faith, promoting their school or telling a story about Pope Francis or a saint.

“It’s the kids doing something with technology, telling something from their own perspective, [and] at the same time using technology to do it,” Watson said.

During Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, Watson and other members involved in the initiative will choose the top submission from each school and present a check to the winning student or class on behalf of his or her school.

“We appreciate any amount people can send. This is one of those things that comes along that motivates kids to do something new and gets a little bit of cash into the schools to help meet their [technology] needs,” Watson said. “It’s for the children.”

To make a donation, checks can be mailed to the Catholic Foundation, 305 7th Ave. N., St. Cloud, MN, 56303. Questions can be directed to 320-258-7653.

Author: The Visitor

The Visitor is the official newpaper for the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

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