Recycle for Education Contest With Staples Canada

Friday, January 11, 2013

According to a recent survey of teachers, more than half of computer labs in Canadian public schools are outdated by over two years and almost one in five schools lack computer labs at all. The results of the survey couldn't be any truer, in my experience. The computers in our school's lab are much older than two years and are refurbished models. It seems we are constantly placing calls for tech support. In fact, it is difficult to recall a day when all of the computers in the lab were in working order at the same time. I have worked in six different schools and the commonality between their computer labs is that there are rarely enough fully functional computer stations for an entire class.

Modern technology that functions properly plays a large role in preparing our students for a world where a working knowledge of technology is crucial, if not mandatory, for a successful career later in life. This is why I couldn't be more thrilled that Staples Canada, in collaboration with Earth Day Canada, is donating computer labs, valued at $25,000 each, to ten elementary and secondary public schools across Canada!

What: Recycle for Education contest

When: Expires February 22, 2013

Who: One student from each Canadian elementary or secondary public school

How: Students will submit a principal-approved 500-word essay on how their school has become environmentally responsible.

Where: Entries can be submitted at Staples.ca/RecycleForEducation, or on the Staples Canada Facebook page. Winning schools will be announced in early April.

According to Steve Matyas, president of Staples Canada, “We live in a tech-driven society and students in elementary and secondary public schools spend nearly six hours in computer labs every week. Having the latest technology in schools has never been more important, and we’re very proud to bring back this popular contest.” Through their new partnership with Earth Day Canada, Staples will donate $25 for every school that enters the Recycle for Education contest to Earth Day Canada. “Providing youth with opportunities to learn about environmental issues and their solutions are key aspects of our work,” said Jed Goldberg, president of Earth Day Canada. “Working with Staples on the Recycle for Education Contest allows us to recognize schools for their environmental initiatives while providing teachers and students with the technology necessary to research and implement new strategies to lessen the environmental impact of their school and beyond into their communities.”

Could your child's school use a new computer lab? Or do you teach at a school that places an importance on environmental responsibility? Encourage children to ~~put pen to paper~~ type out those essays and share their school's green initiatives today!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Staples Canada. The opinions on this blog are my own.