Amador County – Ione Elementary School grades 1-5 have installed a technology package that includes Apple iPad2, as a result of the fifth community fundraiser sponsored by the Rancho Arroyo Seco and held in October at the Big Red Barn on the Ranch property.

With a goal to raise $20,000, more than 350 people attended the dinner with kids activities, silent auction and raffle, said the Ranch’s Sharon Long. When it was all over, the community contributed $10,000 and Rancho Arroyo Seco matched $10,000.

Rancho Arroyo Seco Managing Partner Bill Bunce said the “Ione community is amazing when it comes to supporting education and public safety. Our focus over the past five years has been to partner with the community to fund various specific needs that serve the residents in the greater Ione area. Technology is key to the future for students of all ages, and we are proud to be a part of providing it for the students at Ione Elementary School.”

The School District partnered on this project by providing smart boards and projectors. Equipment for compatibility with the smart boards for all grade levels is part of the iPad2 package offered by Apple Computer. In February, equipment was placed in each classroom and training began with the fourth grade teachers receiving hands on instruction from Plymouth Elementary teachers who have been using the equipment in their classrooms.

Ione fourth grade teacher Lisa Howe said technology in the classroom benefits both the instructor and the student. She said “although we are all on a learning curve, we have already seen a difference in comprehension for our students. They are excited about their lessons and learning.”

Howe said: “Lesson planning and teaching for the instructor is so much more creative and engaging.”

Ione Elementary School also has a 32-workstation computer lab that was opened in 2010. This was made possible through a fundraiser and matching funds sponsored by Rancho Arroyo Seco. They have also managed fundraisers to replace wild land and structural fire fighting gear for the Ione Volunteer Fire Department, funded a K-9 program, volunteer patrol and special gang prevention training for the Ione Police Department.

Long said Rancho Arroyo Seco is proud to be a part of Ione, and looks forward to supporting future activities to benefit the community.

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