NEF purchases 20 computers, software for Johnson School

NAHANT – The Nahant Education Foundation, which is a non-profit charitable organization, raises money from private sources for Johnson Elementary School. According to its mission statement, its purpose is to raise funds from private sources to improve and enrich the Nahant School System. NEF is currently focused on enrichment programs including music, drama, poetry, dance, art and technology for Johnson Elementary School students.Principal Diane Mulcahy said given the fiscal constraints districts are facing today, the work the NEF is doing is invaluable.”We’re just very, very grateful to have such a dedicated team of parents working for the benefit of Johnson School,” she said. “They are working so very hard and we’re so appreciative. It’s a great resource to supplement funds for the Johnson School.”According to NEF President Ann Schiffenhaus, the group has raised $30,000 to date, which includes a significant donation from the recent Labor Day Mitchell’s Cahnah Block Party.”The need for technology and innovative teaching programs has increased significantly over the years with no increase in state funding,” she said. “And we feel that we can make a huge difference with private funding. This is just the beginning of what we hope to raise in continuing to supplement our school’s curriculum.”Schiffenhaus said the group recently purchased 20 new computers for Johnson Elementary School along with SmartBoards and computer software.Mulcahy said the gift would enhance technology in the classrooms and in the new media center.”The gift of 20 computers gives us the capability of putting one new computer in each classroom and some new computers in the computer lab,” she said. “It is wonderful, really wonderful. Our students will have access to more current technology. I think the SmartBoard is going in the new library media center.”Mulcahy said the purchase order for the computers, software and SmartBoard have already been submitted and she expects the new equipment to arrive within the next month.