WES receives grant for iPad purchase

The start of a new school year is less than a week away, and students at Russellville’s West Elementary School will be starting the new year with technology upgrades thanks to a recent grant they received.
The $2,277 grant they received was made possible through the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council.
The grant helped the school purchase seven iPads that will be used in the classroom by students and teachers.
“We are currently working to update our computer lab to include iPads since they are the latest and most innovative technology available to the elementary classroom today,” said former WES assistant principal Deanna Hollimon, who recently transferred to the position of assistant principal at Russellville Middle School.
“Our goal is to bring our students into the 21st century. The iPads provide a way to get on the web and access programs that help with math problem-solving skills, reading skills and it provides assistance to our English language learners.”
Roger Hayes, chairman of the Northwest Alabama RC&D Council, said being able to help schools and children is important to the council.
“Providing grants like these that better educate our children is one of the cornerstones of the RC&D program’s mission,” Hayes said. “Since technology is moving forward every day, it’s important that our children are given the opportunity to train on the latest technology available.”
Hayes also expressed his appreciation to Sen. Roger Bedford and Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow who represent Franklin County’s district and provide support for the RC&D program in the State Legislature.