The first shipment of the 140 computers being donated to the West New York School district from the Social Security Administration arrived at the town’s Public School No. 3 on Friday, March 9.
Social Security is taking part in a national project known as “Computers for Kids” to help ensure that American school children have the skills they need to succeed in the information age.
The Social Security Administration will be donating more than 40,000 computers nationwide, many of which have been giving to school districts in the New York and New Jersey area.
“I can’t think of a better impact we can make on your future,” said New York Regional Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Beatrice Disman. “These computers will furnish students with technology that will enable them to develop the skills that will be necessary to compete for jobs in the future.”
This donation was made possible by the work of Public School No. 3 Principal Sharon Johnson and a parent working within the Social Security Administration, Alicea Matos.
“This is another example of the partnership that is formed between the schools and the community,” said West New York Superintendent of Schools Anthony Yankovich.
“This is a real shot in the arm for the district,” said West New York Mayor Albio Sires. “[These students] will be able to get a feel for where the future of New Jersey is going.”
Each of Public School No. 3’s 18 classrooms and two pre-kindergarten classes will now have computers in them. “Sometimes the computer labs are packed,” said Wuael Naymeddin, an eighth grade student at Public School No. 3.
“Now the computers will be in the classroom,” added Luis Peguero, another eighth grade student, explaining that he and his classmates will now have more access to computers at school.
This school, which is the smallest school in the district, is currently using 40 of the donated computers. The other 100 computers will be dispersed throughout the grammar schools in the district.
“[The computers] were needed,” said Johnson. “Especially in the upper classes that needed to do research.” According to estimates received from Rep. Robert Menendez’s (D- 13th Dist.) office, by 2005, an estimated 60 percent of new jobs will require advanced technological skills and computer know-how.
“The Social Security Administration is thought about in terms of people that are older,” said Menendez. “It is great to see that an administration that has a hallmark for securing the future for retirement will also be securing the future for the younger generations.”
However, according to Disman, helping children is not a new project for the administration. According to Disman, 3.8 million children receive Social Security benefits each year, 7,000 of whom are living in Hudson County. Children can receive such benefits if their parents pass away, if the children have a disability, or for other reasons.
Not all have them at home
The donation of computers also allows students that do not have computers at home to gain some experience. “That is why it’s very important that we have computers in our schools,” said Menendez. “So that kids who don’t have their own computers will still be able to learn the vital computer skills needed to compete in today’s job markets.”
“This is a very significant donation for all of our students,” said Yankovich. “These computers are going to help us accelerate our efforts to provide our children with the tools to achieve the best possible education.”