Dundee Middle Schoolers thankful for new computer lab

Students at Dundee Middle School in West Dundee have parents, volunteers and a former Chicago Bear to thank for a state-of-the-art mobile computer lab.

The DMS-Parent Association has raised $13,500 toward the purchase of 40 netbook computers for students to use during the current school year. All of the money was raised through the annual DMS Open, a golf outing featuring 18 holes of fun-themed best-ball golf, with various games on the course and unique ways for teams to enhance their scores.

To kick off the festivities Former Chicago Bear Marcus Robinson hosted a Putt-off contest prior to the shotgun start.

“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of the local community in helping to make this event a success,” DMS parent association President Gary Andersen said. “It is gratifying to see the park district, D300, local businesses and parents all pull together to help make a difference in the education of the children.”

Carrie Koenig, vice president of the parent association, said it took more than 30 volunteers and dozens of sponsors to organize and make the golf outing a success.

“We are fortunate to have parent and community members and businesses who care about the students,” Koenig said.

The mobile computer lab, which can be wheeled from classroom to classroom, will include dozens of netbook computers for students to use in all subject areas.

Andrew Reinke, assistant principal at Dundee Middle School, said the mobile computer lab should be ready for student use in early December.

“As Dundee Middle School moves to 21st Century Learning and Common Core State Standards integration, increasing capacity of student access to technology is essential,” said Joe Schumacher, DMS principal. “The hard work of the Parent Association in putting together two successful golf outings the two years will directly impact student learning and engagement on a day-to-day basis.”