Grant Proposal for Eaglecrest Laptop Replacement

Identification of Focus Area

The desired outcome of this grant proposal is to replace ten outdated Macbook laptops
with ten new laptops for student use in Eaglecrest High School Library.
Identification of Needs
Eaglecrest High School, a part of the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) in Colorado, has
a current enrollment of 2,504 students in Grades 9-12. We were awarded the 2014 National
School Library Program of the Year (NSLPY) by the American Association of School Librarians
(AASL) and Follet. The data we compiled during the NSLPY application process revealed a
direct correlation between the improvement of library services and an increase in academic
growth and achievement. The American Library Association (ALA) noted that, The school
librarians at Eaglecrest guide their decisions by asking the question, What is best for our
students? In the mind of Superintendent Harry Bull, the answer is clear: High performing
students require a high performing library. For many years, the school library program has
been successful because it has been consistently ahead of the times, and it has been
intentionally staffed by personnel who are knowledgeable of their content and the
instructional needs of their school. 1
Regrettably, our award-winning library is on the verge of losing its edge. Technology in
CCSD has traditionally been funded through Capital Reserve; however, the computer
replacement cycle was suspended circa 2010. Much to our dismay, students must currently
check out Macbooks that were purchased in 2006. All ten of the Macbooks are grossly
outdated and three are now entirely out of commission. (See Table 1, 2 & Figure 1.)
Obtaining new laptops that are capable of supporting Web 2.0 tools and programs will allow
students to engage in the 21st century instruction necessary to prepare them for college and
post-secondary preparedness and success. 2 We have demonstrated our commitment to
professional excellence and to making a difference in the lives of our students, our
colleagues, our school, and our surrounding community. Securing the new laptops will allow
us to teach to the 21st century learning skills and standards that all students deserve to
learn.

1 (Habley, 2014)
2 (Cherry Creek School District, 2012)
1

Reas ons For Returning Laptop

Can't Hold Charge

Keyboard not
working
Mousepad not
working
Freezing/acting up

Table 1
Figure 1
Reason For Returning Laptop
Time
Reasons
s
Can't hold charge
Keyboard not working
Mousepad not working
Freezing/acting up

19
13
15
28

Laptop #
#1,#3,#7, #8, #4,
#2
#6, #3, #7, #4
#7, #8, #6, #4
#2, #6, #2, #10, #4

Table 2
Out of Commission
Laptop #4, #11, #12
Purpose
Our students visit the library approximately 3,800 times a year specifically to checkout
laptops. (See Table 3.)The addition of ten new laptops will attract a different group of patrons
as well as delight our seasoned regulars. Our school campus is large and rather spread out,
so some students require more enticement then others to make the journey to the library.
Initially, students may have different reasons for visiting us, but once a student physically
enters the library, the potential of them checking out a book increases exponentially.
Research shows that students who read for pleasure everyday score better on tests 3; thus,
procuring funds to purchase new laptops will indirectly raise academic achievement and
help students develop the academic, professional and information literacy skills and
knowledge needed to be productive citizens of the 21st century.
Table 3
Macbook Laptop Use

3 (Hofschire & Lance, 2011)

2

Date
11-3-14
11-4-14
11-5-14
11-6-14
11-7-14
11-10-14
11-11-14
11-12-14
11-17-14
11-18-14
11-19-14
11-20-14
11-21-14
11-24-14
11-25-14
12-1-14
12-2-14
12-3-14
12-4-14
12-5-14
Totals

Before
School
1
2
9
3
1
0
0
7
3
1
6
3
2
3
1
2
1
7
1
0
53

1st
Block
5
6
5
5
6
8
7
6
5
3
3
4
5
3
6
3
2
6
2
7
97

2nd
Block
4
2
3
2
4
3
5
5
7
2
8
2
5
1
6
2
3
2
4
2
72

3rd
Block
5
6
7
4
2
5
7
5
9
5
4
5
1
5
5
4
2
3
6
6
96

4th
Block
3
8
2
9
1
7
4
11
5
4
5
9
4
9
1
7
2
6
1
7
105

Total
18
24
26
23
14
23
23
34
29
15
26
23
17
21
19
18
10
24
14
22
423

Reasons for Use

AP Assignments/Notes

Games

Privacy/Space

Classwork

College

"

5%
7%
4%
Google Drive/Docs
Homework
Internet
1%
8%
7%
4%
5%
13%
0%

2%
Research/Projects

Schoology

3%

13%

Sit With Friends

Essays

Printing

Writing Center

23%

5%
Test

We monitor student usage of laptops to ensure they are being used ethically and responsibly
for academic purposes. Periodically, we formally track why our laptops are being checked
out. As you can see from the current data, the majority are being used for appropriate and
educational reasons. (See Figure 2.)
Student Interviews
Ann Kaur (11th grade)
When we asked Ann what she was using a library laptop for today, she shared that she is
currently working on her research paper for her AP Lang. class. She said she usually checks
a laptop out to work on her physics homework, which is all online.
Ann prefers the laptop over sitting at one of the desktop stations because she can work on it
at a library table that has more space for all her materials. She also finds it more distracting
to work in a desktop lab setting. She is better able to concentrate on her work when she
has her
own space.

Anna K. hard at
work.

Anna K. after we told

her the interview was
conducted
in

Simon Menso
grade)

(12th

Simon often uses a library laptop when he works at the Eaglecrest Writing Center, located
in the back of the library. Because he needs to be on duty in that area, he appreciates
that we have laptops that he can use in between student consultations.
When Simon comes to the library during his study periods, he uses a laptop to complete
homework. Simon appreciates the flexibility of a laptop and the fact that he has more
workspace around him at the student tables. He also explained that he likes to sit with his
friends, who may or may not be doing computer-related work, so they are available to
collaborate with, on his work.

Simon M. having a
friendly chat with
Ms. V. while
checking in at the

Program Description
We will use the funds to purchase ten new HP 15.6" Laptop PC for the library. We decided
to purchase this particular Laptop PC for the following reasons:
Intel Pentium N3520 processor
2.17GHz (with Turbo Boost up to 2.42GHz)
4GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory
Gives you the power to handle most power-hungry applications and tons of
multimedia work
500GB SATA hard drive
Store 333,000 photos, 142,000 songs or 263 hours of HD video and more on the HP
laptop PC with Intel Pentium N3520 processor 4GB memory
SuperMulti DVD Burner
Watch movies and read and write CDs and DVDs in multiple formats
10/100Base-T Fast Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN
HD WLED display
Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet or wirelessly connect to a WiFi 4
Students are welcome to checkout a laptop for personal use in the library, pending they
follow our current procedures. Upon arrival, all students must check in with one of us at the
circulation desk, and we look up their schedule to confirm they do have a free period at that
time. This prevents students from using the library to skip class, teaches them
accountability, and allows us to personally connect with everyone who comes to the library.
Our building technology policy clearly states, Eaglecrest High School IDs are required for
computer use. The use of the internet at Eaglecrest High School is for the support of

4 For more detail about this product

5

curricular goals and objectives. 5 Laptops are stored in a locked cabinet behind the
circulation desk and we leave the students ID in its place when in use. As a preventative
measure, our laptops remain in the library. If a laptop were to get damaged or stolen, it
would most likely be a serious financial burden for the student. Once the laptop is returned
and shut down, it goes back on its charger in the cabinet. Software updates are installed
when necessary.
Goals
The CCSD plan for future student success includes the following goals: 6
o Excellence and Equity Raising the academic achievement of all students, closing
the gap between the highest and lowest performing students, and eliminating the
predictability of achievement by race.
Thirty percent of our student population receives free or reduced lunch, meaning they are
more likely to rely on school computers for completing classwork, accessing Schoology and
for typing assignments. The grant funds will be used to secure educational equity.
o College and Post-secondary Preparedness and Success preparing students for
success
in college and other post-secondary options, including vocational/technical education,
the military and the workforce.
Students need experience using programs in Microsoft Office, which is commonly used in
higher academic and business settings. Our school received Chrome Books earlier this year;
however, Google Docs often has interface issues and you must have internet service to
access your documents. Additionally, we feel it is important for our students to become
skilled in using a variety of popular operating systems and programs.
Sustainability
As we stated before, laptops must remain in the vicinity of the library, which reduces the
risk of theft or damage and extends the longevity of the device.
In June 2013, President Obama announced the Connect ED, a five-year initiative designed
to enrich K-12 education and to connect 99 percent of Americas students to nextgeneration broadband and high-speed wireless in their schools and libraries. 7 Our library
needs laptops that are capable of supporting the connectivity of the future and providing
students access to high-quality digital content.
Partnershipi
Microsoft created a new affordability program open to all U.S. K-12 public schools to
connect 99 percent of Americas students to the digital age within five years. The program
includes options for schools of all sizes and with varying levels of need for cost, technology,
and services. This program includes a range of discounted partner and Microsoft devices
built with Windows 8.1 Pro; communication and collaboration tools with Office 365
Education; teacher training and resources through the Microsoft Educator Network; ad-free
search with Bing in the Classroom; broadband as a critical component to connected learning
through Microsofts nonprofit partner EveryoneOn; and student training and resources for
fundamental technology skills through Microsoft IT Academy for up to 2,000 high-needs

5 (Administrators, 2014)
6 (Cherry Creek School District, 2013)
7 (Whitehouse.gov, 2014)
6

academic institutions and their educators, students, and staff with digital curriculum and
certification.8
Evaluation
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) uses data from several indicators, such as
CSAP scores, to analyze student performance. Once students have access to the new
laptops, the CDE, CCSD, teachers, parents and students will see noticeable improvements in
the Eaglecrest School Performance Framework. Hofschire and Lance state that, dozens of
studies based on single-year, snapshot data have documented that higher test scores tend
to be associated with stronger school library programs.9
Dissemination
Our Library Coordinator, Kristen McKeown, will oversee all areas of dissemination.
Budget

ITEM

COST

QTY

COST

HP 15.6" Laptop
PC
Microsoft Officeii

$358.00

10

$3,580.00

$ 35.00

10

$ 350.00

Total

$393.00

20

$3,930.00

Source for Laptop PC: http://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-15.6-Laptop-PC-with-Intel-PentiumN3520-Processor-4GB-Memory-500GB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-8.1-Available-in-Flyer-Redand-Black-Licorice/36561199

Source for Microsoft Office: Estimation based on school licensure pricing
Qualifications of Staf
Our library has two full-time teacher librarians, one full-time library assistant and one
part-time library assistant. As librarians, we stay abreast of new learning technologies,
current literature, and best practice teaching methods. We stay true to our professional roots
and responsibilities by promoting privacy and modeling ethical behavior. We empower their
students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers and skillful researchers. 10 Most
importantly, we recognize and respect the diverse learning needs of individual students and
then collaborate with classroom teachers to assist in differentiating instruction and
designing developmentally appropriate curricula.
Our library coordinator, Kristin McKeown, is a
successful teacher librarian with over 19 years of
experience as a secondary educator, the past 9 of which
has centered on literacy and research in a high school
library setting. She is especially focused about igniting
and nurturing a passion for reading, as well as keeping
libraries relevant for 21st century learners.

8 (Whitehouse.gov, 2014)
9 (Hofschire & Lance, 2011)
10
7

References
Administrators, E. H. (2014, August). Computer Ethics. Eaglecrest HIgh School 20142015 Student Handbook. Centennial, Colorado, USA: Eaglecrest High School.
American Association of School Librarians. (2009). Empowering learners: Guidelines
for school library media programs. Retrieved from American Association of
School Librarians.
American Association of School Librarians. (2009). Empowering learners: Guidelines
for school library media programs. Retrieved from American Association of
School Librarians.
Cherry Creek School District. (2012). Vision 2025 Instructional Technology Plan.
Retrieved from Technology in Cherry Creek :
http://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Planning/2012LRFPCBondRecommendatio
nPresentation/InstructionalTechnology.pdf
Cherry Creek School District. (2013, July). Planning Success. Retrieved from Getting
to Know Us:
http://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Communications/Documents/Getting
%20to%20Know%20Us.pdf
Habley, J. (2014, 04 22). Eaglecrest high school named national school library
program of the year. Retrieved from ALA.org: http://www.ala.org/news/pressreleases/2014/04/eaglecrest-high-school-named-national-school-libraryprogram-year
Hofschire, L., & Lance, K. C. (2011). Something to Shout About: New research shows
that more librarians means higher reading scores. School Library Journal.
Whitehouse.gov. (2014). Education for K-12 Students. Retrieved from The
Whitehouse : http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/k-12/connected

i Partnership with Microsoft is pending

ii Depends on pending Partnership with Microsoft