The Dallas.Org Laptop Giveaway!

How about getting the parent/guardian, teacher sponsor, and student to write an essay. Yeah, it's a lot of writing but it would show the student is truly deserving. The parent would have to actually get involved and show how the computer would be educationally beneficial to the student and is something they cannot afford on their own, the student has to write an essay describing how this piece of technology would assist them in reaching their educational goals, and finally finding a teacher sponsor who also would write this essay. I would love to have the teacher part show how they would help the student work with this computer, keep it updated, etc.

I can think of several kids who would qualify at my kid's high school. One graduated last year and is away at college in Ohio on full scholarship. His grandmother raised him and his younger siblings by herself while working full time as a housemaid. The oldest has his Eagle Scout badge and the younger brother is on his way to earning his as well.

These kids can write chapters about never giving up.

you could call a couple of schools and find out who the really poor kids are,,whose parents cant afford christmas let alone a computer.I know there are special needs also but being dirt poor is a need also maybe dividing the computers between both

[Ed Note: I realize there are needy kids. I expect that will be one component of this. But I also want to identify (let's call it) "excellence in spite of challenges." How do we do this?]

Many children drop out of school because they have learning differences that the DISD will not evaluate and identify, and offer them the help and learning tools to graduate and continue to college. In spite of that, there are some children who, against all odds, manage to get the ability to study and learn and will never qualify for magnet schools or scholarships, but will work hard and manage to graduate, and even attend college.

I suggest you contact agencies that DO SERVICE the needs of these children, like Metrocare, Easter Seals, and even the DEFY program, among others to get referrals to kids and families who are working with Dyslexia, ADHD, PDD-NOS, or any other disorder or LD that the DISD will not correctly support. These agencies offer the support to get these kids tutorial or therapy, and in spite of their differences, they DO stay in school and work the best they can to graduate.
One case that comes to mind, is the child who was not given the opportunity to attend class because the elevator was not working, and the principal did not care and the teacher counted him as unexcused absent, and the DISD did not even care in the least, and even WFAA thought that was news! That kid deserves a treat!

I was thinking more on the lines of a "Ben & Jerry's" style essay contest or something. I'd like to hear directly from the kids. I'd also like to hear from the parents. Wouldn't you?

How about having the child's teacher or counselor submit a recommendation, who & why?