Schools Receive Computers Donated by Hospital
By Ryan Schlehuber

The student computer lab at Engadine Consolidated Schools was rejuvenated and reopened after 10 fairly new computers were donated by Mackinac Straits Hospital, replacing computers that have been broken for several years. (Photograph courtesy of Janice Wagner)

Eighteen computers were donated to four elementary schools in the Eastern Upper Peninsula by Mackinac Straits Hospital last month and are now being added to existing or new educational programs for students.

Elementary schools in Engadine, Cedarville, St. Ignace, and Curtis received computers ranging from one year to three years old.

The computers were no longer needed now that the hospital upgraded to more advanced computers that are more compatible to the network system the hospital shares with Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey, Hospital CEO Rod Nelson said.

"We wanted to give back to the community and we felt our schools, if they needed them, would be a good choice," said Mr. Nelson.

The 10 computers donated to Engadine Consolidated Schools replace 10 computers that have been broken for several years, said Angie McArthur, the school's elementary coordinator. The new computers mean the elementary school's computer laboratory will now reopen.

"This will give our elementary students and teachers the ability to utilize technology more easily and more often as an integral part of the curriculum," she said.

The elementary laboratory is open to students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

The community's public library, which is part of the Engadine school building, also received three other computers through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Libraries program.

In St. Ignace, three computers were added to the elementary school's after-school program, which aids students with homework.

The computers will allow students in grade six and higher to receive and complete their homework online. For younger students, the computers give them a chance to play educational games.

"A lot of the textbooks are being put online now," said Charlotte Burlew, coordinator of St. Ignace elementary's afterschool program. "Students can read their assignments, do their homework, and even check their grades online with these computers. It is a very nice addition to our program."

The program also received another computer from the Department of Human Services office in St. Ignace.

Les Cheneaux Community School in Cedarville received five computers from the hospital, which will replace older computers at teacher work stations. Tahquamenon Falls Elementary School in Curtis received eight computers.