Some of the most popular technology items include digital cameras and new or replacement printer cartridges.
“A digital camera is one of those things that the school isn’t going to provide, but a lot of teachers like to have,” Michaels said. “It’s one of the niceties that falls outside of the budget. We see a lot of digital cameras being ordered.”
The West Boylston school district in Massachusetts first began participating about 10 years ago, and its involvement grew after the district recruited a parent volunteer to spread the word and ask local businesses to recycle printer cartridges and cell phones on behalf of the district, said Steve Pellowe, the district’s technology coordinator.
“When you consider that it costs us nothing to participate, it’s fantastic,” Pellowe said.
To date, the district has just topped the 100,000-point mark, which Pellowe said translates to more than $40,000 in ed-tech items. The district has purchased digital cameras, laptops, printers, and installed six projectors in its elementary school this summer.
Parents and local businesses help, and the district keeps a collection box at the local post office.
“Beyond the fact that we just don’t have the money in the budget to do some of these things, being able to put a projector in the hands of a teacher is huge,” Pellowe said. “Any technology item that directly benefits the students is just one more tool they’ll have in the future.”
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