Vacca, P.S. 10 principal cut technology ribbon

Vacca, P.S. 10 principal cut technology ribbon

Bringing P10 into the 21st century, a new technology lab has been created to help monitor students work and increase the quality of their education.

On Friday, October 22, Councilman Jimmy Vacca join faculty, staff and students of P10, located 2750 Lafayette Avenue, to cut the ribbon for the state-of-the-art technology center.

The new computer lab features 14 Mac desktop computers, two new laser printers and a wall-mounted SMART board, as well as new tables and chairs, made possible through a $100,000 grant secured by Vacca.

“Part of my vision for P10 was to bring it into the 21st century. This room has been a thorn in my side because I have been wanting to make it into something great,” said ;rincipal Barbara Hanson. “Thanks to this grant we had the ability to do that.”

Administrators can monitor and control 12 of the computers though two main computers, giving them the ability to assist students with programs and assignments.

“They can work on literacy programs, history programs, work on science projects and use digital cameras or microscopes,” said Computer and Technology Coordinator and Liaison Mike Seltzer. “And we can remotely control everything from the other computers.”

P10X services 150 children diagnosed with autism or a mental disability within the regular school year. The school remains open during summer months as well.

According to Seltzer, through the grant they were also able to purchase computers for each of the 20 classrooms, which all connect through a network to the printers in the computer lab.

“This population uses a lot of symbols so therefore we need to print a lot and it became costly,” said Seltzer. “Now we have the ability to print over the network.”

The momentous occasion was marked through a dedication to Vacca, unveiling a plaque in his honor outside the new lab.

“This was an opportunity to make a difference for special needs youngsters,” said Vacca. “I have been very impressed for a long time with the work P10 put forth, and this grant will help take the students further.”