Schools: We'd Spend Prize Money on Technology

Technology and electronic products are on many personal holiday wish lists this year, and it seems that the is no different.

Jefferson Patch is promoting its deck the house contest, which could net the grand prize winner $100,000 to be donated to its school district. So we asked some folks in the district what they would do with a $100,000 windfall.

“Technology is on my wish list,” said superintendent Kathaleen Fuchs. “I'd love to see more laptops, ipads, smartboards and LCD projectors for our students.”

Board of Education president Ron Smith agreed, but added that he'd like to see wireless access throughout the entire district.

Sandra Alfano, president of the Jefferson Consolidated PTA, also agrees that technology is crucial. However, she has additional wishes.

“I'd like to see the teachers have more books in their classrooms. I'd also like to see more playground equipment at our schools and more musical instruments for our program,” Alfano said.

And Donna Costanzo, president of the Milton Tri-School PTA, added a few additional wishes to her list.

“I think anything having to do with the arts is important, and I'd like to see some of that money go toward arts programs that we just don't have the time or money to do during the school day,” Costanzo said. “I'd also like to see more in the way of after-school homework help programs, because I think they would help parents out a lot.

Here's some more details on the contest:

• Patch.com is launching a nationwide contest to find the best-dressed home in  Patch communities, and the winner’s school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached.

• Beginning on Dec. 8 and continuing through Dec. 26, you can nominate your home by uploading a photo to the contest entry form at deckthehouse.patch.com/contest/jefferson.

• During that same time period, you and your neighbors will also be able to vote for your favorite festive home.

• The winning entry will be forwarded to a national Patch judge that will select 24 finalists. Each finalist will receive $500 that they can apply to their December electric bill.