Plano ISD Mobile Classroom Beneficiary of $16,550 Gift from Ericsson to Education Foundation

September 3, 2011

The Plano ISD Education Foundation is pleased to welcome Ericsson’s investment in Plano ISD’s mobile learning lab. Unveiled in April 2010, the specialty vehicle offers parent courses in computer literacy, finance, career exploration, English and more. It also helps parents connect to community resources and provides an opportunity for parents to utilize the district’s Parent Portal and other online tools.

Pictured with the mobile learning lab are Monica Shortino, Plano ISD Education Foundation executive director; Plano ISD Student & Family Services staff members Robin Garcia, director of campus support services; Mark Allen, executive director of student and family services; Devyn Gober, community outreach specialist; and Ericsson's Jennifer McClain and Bruce Gustafson.

Services that are currently available to families through central office, the Bird Special Programs Center and at school campuses are being taken into neighborhoods through the mobile learning lab to allow families even greater access to these much needed resources.

This week, Plano ISD unveiled Ericsson’s logo on the mobile learning lab at Meadows Elementary School and offered the mobile lab services to families participating in the district’s free summer lunch program housed at the school.

“Today, we’re celebrating teamwork at its best,” said Mark Allen, executive director for student and family services. “From the student and family services department, to technology, curriculum and transportation services, and now with the help of our first corporate partner, this project has been a true collaboration throughout the district and community.”

Monica Shortino, Plano ISD Education Foundation executive director, announced that, “Ericsson is the first private donor for this successful school district program. The company’s $16,550 donation will help provide much needed services for more community members. The learning lab gives parents the skills they need to better help their children with homework, plus it has fostered stronger bonds between parents and the schools.”

Monica Shortino, Plano ISD Education Foundation executive director, thanked Bruce Gustafson of Ericsson.

Ericsson's Bruce Gustafson, head of brand and internal communications, said that the company implements a comprehensive local sponsorship program focused on fostering communication between people.

"Ericsson strongly believes in supporting initiatives that positively impact the communities where our employees live and work.  With 4,500 employees in Plano and Richardson, we are proud to partner with the Plano ISD on an innovative program like the mobile learning lab," said Mr. Gustafson. "Ericsson’s vision is to utilize technology to make communication affordable and accessible for all. As we move toward a future where everyone and everything is connected, programs such as the mobile learning lab are a critical tool for communities across the country."

Plano ISD's Mark Allen explained that, "The motto, 'When we look at a student … we see a family.'’ appears on the exterior artwork design of the mobile classroom and is taken to heart every day by the student and family services department staff members. With the addition of this mobile computer lab program last school year, the district has increased its efforts to educate the whole child, which includes the student and family.”

The bus is outfitted with 13 computer stations for parent use. Campus faculty and staff accompany the bus into neighborhoods to establish relationships with parents. "These relationships serve as pathways to bring parents into the school building to become involved partners in their child’s education," said Mr. Allen. "Our ultimate objective is to positively impact student achievement through community outreach to families."

The district has established the program and partnerships at Hickey, Jackson, McCall, Dooley and Sigler Elementary Schools. Initial target communities included Spring Creek, Cottonwood and Parker mobile home communities, along with The Oaks of Collin Creek Apartments and McCallum Apartments.

“The whole idea behind this program is to reach out to our elementary school families and provide services that are needed and useful, while building a relationship with our families," said Devyn Gober, community outreach specialist. “Because, at the end of the day, the schools and parents both want the same thing … success for our children."

About The Plano ISD Education Foundation

The Plano ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with the mission to help all students in Plano public schools achieve their full potential by providing financial support to educators and academic programs. The Plano ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors comprises business and community leaders who work to maintain excellence in Plano schools. The Foundation provides grants to educators, programs that support academic enrichment to Plano ISD students, emergency assistance for teachers and staff members in crisis, as well as programs aimed at recruiting and retaining quality teachers. To learn more about the Plano ISD Education Foundation, contact Executive Director Monica Shortino at (469) 752-8091 or visit the Plano ISD Education Foundation website.

About Ericsson

Ericsson is a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators globally. Over 1,000 networks in more than 180 countries utilize the Ericsson network equipment, and 40 percent of all mobile calls are made through its systems. Ericsson is one of the few companies worldwide that can offer end-to-end solutions for all major mobile communication standards. To learn more, visit www.ericsson.com.