GTECH MAKES $23,000 COMPUTER DONATION
TO NORMANDY MIDDLE
When Normandy Middle School students return to class in mid-August, they will notice a much needed upgrade to their building. That upgrade is in the form of a new, state-of-the-art computer lab made possible through donations by GTECH Corporation, the Missouri Lottery and Senator Rita Heard Days. Over $23,000 in computers, educational software and classroom improvement products and services were donated to Normandy Middle School. The donation, initiated by Senator Days, is a part of GTECH's After School Advantage program which is designed to provide children with the necessary tools to succeed in today's world.
"The new computer lab will provide a place for me to complete homework, conduct research and explore my options for attending college," said Normandy Middle School eighth grader Robert McRath.
McRath and fellow middle school students were joined by officials from GTECH, the Missouri Lottery, Senator Days, Normandy community leaders and district administrators during a recent ribbon cutting ceremony and reception to commemorate the lab's official opening. The lab is equipped with 30 brand new Dell computers and flat screen monitors, and an array of educational software has been installed on the computers. In addition to the computers and software, GTECH also made upgrades to the computer lab that included installing three dry-erase boards and replacing the window blinds in the room.
"GTECH's 141 After School Advantage computer donation to Normandy Middle School is greatly appreciated," said Dr. Stanton E. Lawrence, Normandy's superintendent of schools. "Your generosity will make an immediate difference in the lives of our students as we prepare them for continued success. It is vital that students are exposed to the most current technology if they are to grow up and compete in an increasingly global workforce."
GTECH is the online lottery services provider to the Missouri Lottery. The GTECH After School Advantage program provides educational opportunities to local children by donating state-of-the-art computers, printers, software, furniture, and volunteer hours to non-profit organizations that sponsor after school programs in states where GTECH operates.
Normandy Middle School is the 141st After School Advantage computer lab that GTECH has built since the nationwide program began in 1999. The GTECH After School Advantage program aims to narrow the "digital divide" between affluent Americans and minorities, low-income households, and single-parent families by providing more of America's children with access to computers and other educational opportunities.
PHOTO CAPTION: Normandy Middle School students and officials from GTECH, the Missouri Lottery, district administrators and Senator Rita Heard Days cut ribbon to commemorate the official opening of the school's new computer lab.
When Dr. Aubrey Todd, the districts Director of Secondary Education knocked on the door of former Normandy High School student Brittany G., she, along with her mother was somewhat hesitant to speak with Todd and the five volunteers that accompanied him. Todd immediately explained that he and his teammates were there to find out why Brittany did not complete the 2009-2010 school year. 
