Incoming sixth graders at Upton Middle School in St. Joseph will all have new Chromebook computers on which to do their classwork, as school begins this week. The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation has once again stepped up to purchase more than 300 new Chromebooks to give students a head start and a level playing field as they begin the next chapter of their educational journey: Middle School.
In a statement, the Foundation said SJPS Foundation President Sam Abdelnour met with Chad Mandario, Upton Middle School Principal, and Pete Poggione, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Upton last week to discuss the positive impact of the Foundation’s commitment to 1:1 computing for St. Joseph Public Schools.
Abdelnour commented, “This summer, 300 new Chromebooks for Upton’s entire 6th grade, totalling $99,817.28, were purchased due to the Foundation’s continued commitment to this program. This would not be possible without our generous donors.”
Poggione added, “Support like this makes a measurable difference. With more than 3,000 student Chromebooks in use across the district and an annual attrition rate above 10%, the Foundation’s investment helps us maintain equitable and consistent access to learning tools for all students. Put simply: the funding helps us stay ahead of the curve. Instead of falling behind due to damaged or aging devices, schools like Upton are able to start the year strong with working, up-to-date tech in students’ hands. That’s a huge win for both staff and students.”
Upton Principal Chad Mandarino said it all contributes to a better education for kids.
“Thanks to the generous support of our Foundation, our middle school students now have the tools to explore, create, and grow in many ways. We are deeply fortunate in SJPS to be part of a community that champions opportunity and invests in the future of our kids.”
