Facebook Donates Laptops to Bellehaven Elementary, Menlo Park Patch
School's “Mouse Squad” stoked about being the school's tech support team.
As they entered Robert Pronovost’s second grade classroom, the children all turned to look over their left shoulders at these visitors who were carrying blue tote bags filled with laptops.
“You guys are from Facebook!” one child exclaimed.
In the back of the room, Mouse Squad members awaited, clipboards and pencils in hand; they had given up their lunch hour to be there when they arrived.
Facebook employees hand-delivered 50 laptops to Bellehaven Elementary Monday afternoon, which will be used in an after school program called the Mouse Squad that utilizes technology to teach lessons about leadership.
“It was amazing to me that they were donating this many laptops,” said second grade teacher Robert Pronovost, who is a Stanford alum.
“I was thinking, okay, maybe we’ll get 15 or 20; I hadn’t counted on this!” he said.
Four years ago, Pronovost co founded the Mouse Squad program at Bellehaven Elementary with the goal of giving children from East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto the chance to obtain the computer maintenance skills that are par for the course in other districts such as the Menlo Park City School District down the road.
“We don’t even have a computer teacher at our school,” he said. The school is one of 12 within the Ravenswood district, all of which serve historically underprivileged communities of color. The enrolled population is 79 percent Hispanic, 11 percent African-American, and 9 percent Pacific Islander.
When the Mouse Squad began, it was comprised of about 10 students between 6th and eighth grade. It has since grown to about 20 students who are interested in careers in the technology sector. This group is one of 419 squads around the country that are focused on creating student tech support teams at schools where having a dedicated technician for teachers is not a financially viable option.
“The program, modeled on industry-standard help desks in business and industry, prepares and supports participants in the cultivation of technical and leadership skills needed for success in all work environments,” according to mousesquad.org.
Pronovost models his lesson plans from the ones that are available for download on the site to teaches these students how to solve problems such as installing printer drivers onto a computer, and handling the “difficult” interactions that they will face helping teachers.
“Sometimes by the time a teacher asks for help, they’re really frustrated and that can be hard for students to manage,” he said.
After completing that stage in the training, each student will be assigned an apprentice, a process that converts student into teacher. This hands-on experience in peer leadership has helped some middle schoolers who were “socially awkward” become more responsible and mature, says Pronovost. Other former Mouse Squaders are using the foundation of knowledge gained from the program to build a career path for themselves that may not have otherwise been available to them.
One of the original Mouse Squaders, who now attends East Side Preparatory School, has expounded upon the wisdom he gained in the program, and recently sent Pronovost a draft proposal for a novel approach to building a computer monitor that uses less energy than a conventional one.
“By the time Jesus Garnica was finished with the program, he was teaching me things about Linux that I didn’t know,” Pronovost said, exuding confidence about his students' capabilities.
He plans to place four laptops in each classroom at the school, each of which will be serviced by the students.
And although it is not clear who added who on Facebook, the offline friendship between Lauren Swezey, Facebook's Community Relations Manager, and the Ravenswood Elementary School District is off to a good start.
“We hope to continue to partnering with them on initiatives that are going to make the students more successful,” Swezey said. “We want to be a good neighbor,” she added.
The social media company is ramping up its corporate social responsibility department's initiatives in Menlo Park since it moved its headquarters into town.
The company donated computers to the Mt. Olive Church in East Menlo Park and the Onetta Harris Communty Center earlier this year, and plans to continue making a positive impact in the community.
The following Facebook employees brought the laptops to the classroom that day: Bruce Turner, Patrick Cotter, Kathy McDonell, Steve Tsuruoka, Isaac Salinas, Gerardo Silva, Sherman Avila, Julian Delgadillo, Lauren Swezey, Benito Bellot and John Tenanes.
See the original article here.
The list of what I have learned from the MOUSE Squad program can go on forever. The training has helped me to be confident about what I do and has taught me... read more ›
– Jessica Alberto, MOUSE Squad Member, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
.jpg)
TechCrew allows me to start my day working with a group of students that have true passion and dedication…TechCrew teaches our students how to work as part of a group and leaves them... read more ›
– Marcos Alcozer, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
MOUSE Squad has provided invaluable assistance to our school and made technology easy for our entire staff. Those on MOUSE Squad are surrounded by students who are successful inside and outside the classroom. read more ›
– Anthony Barbetta, Principal, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
I recognize MOUSE for its dedication to providing our city’s schools with the technological tools and support to keep our children competitive in the information age. read more ›
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City
The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants help ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers. MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training... read more ›
– Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member, Technology Committee Chair
I love finishing school and coming to MOUSE. I love the teamwork and the time to learn new things about computers. read more ›
– Aram Buenaventura, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
MOUSE and SAP apply the same core values – quality, integrity, commitment, and passion – to our organizations. We see MOUSE Corps students as our next generation of employees and customers. MOUSE empowers... read more ›
– Ron Carolan, Chief Financial Officer, SAP Global Marketing
We must leverage technology to provide engaging, powerful learning experiences for all students, giving them authentic tools to solve real-world problems and opportunities to become better prepared for our globally competitive workforce. read more ›
– Karen Cator, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education
When I started the internship, my manager brought me to the trading floor. It was the best thing in the world to see all the traders and to know they were my clients,... read more ›
– Duckens Durosier, MOUSE Squad Alum, George Wingate High School
Being on MOUSE Squad adds to my experience in school by making me confident about myself. read more ›
– Daniela Fernandez, MOUSE Squad Member, Sylvandale Middle School, California
Our MOUSE Squad students stand a little taller. They recognize that they have special skills and are respected for it.
– Dr. Katherine Flori, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, W.C Byrant High School, New York
To me, programs like this don't exactly go to every school around. I enjoy the program and what they teach. My interest in technology has enhanced greatly because of MOUSE Squad. read more ›
– Ally Garcia, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
Participating in the MOUSE Squad gave me a true sense of purpose. I never could have imagined in just 8 years, I would be CEO of my own technology consulting firm and... read more ›
– Juan Garzon, MOUSE Squad Alum, Robert F. Wagner Secondary School for Arts & Technology,
The people at MOUSE are a living, breathing testament to the notion that when an organization is centered around a thoughtful and attainable goal—staffed by competent, bright and passionate individuals—there is very little... read more ›
– Mehran Ghaffarsamar , MOUSE Intern, Baruch College
Our MOUSE Squad students are demonstrating leadership skills, learning about responsibilities and how to communicate with adults. This program is inspiring our students and giving them a glimpse of future career opportunities. read more ›
– Carla Haakma, Principal, Los Arboles Elementary School, California
MOUSE Squad students learn many skills frequently cited by employers as keys to success in the workplace, including leadership, communication, teamwork problem solving and time management. read more ›
– Jan Half, Executive Director, MOUSE Squad of California
We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen the TechCrew program have a positive impact in... read more ›
– Victor Herrera, Director of Technology, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Chicago
For our school, MOUSE Squad plays an integral role in supporting our technology, saving us both time and money. But more importantly, students participate in positive experiences that give them a strong... read more ›
– Seth Hubbert, Faculty Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
The MOUSE program should be in every school in New York City. read more ›
– Robert Jackson, Member, New York City Council
What excites me most about MOUSE Squad is going to fix computers and hanging out with friends. I really think MOUSE Squad pushes you to try and learn new things. read more ›
– Danielle Jacobs, MOUSE Squad Member, Cooper High School, Abilene Texas
I feel like I'm a part of an important team that keeps the school running more efficiently...Being on TechCrew helps improve the leadership qualities that we, as students, are developing for the future. read more ›
– Edwin Le, Northside College Preparatory High School, Chicago
MOUSE has been able to light my path of maturity. Being shown everything I can do, and looking back at everything I’ve been a part of, I now realize what I want... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alum, School of the Future
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE brought me where I stand today and gave me real life work experience. MOUSE taught me about leadership and teamwork, and that there is no such thing as a bad idea. read more ›
– Dhondup Namgyal, MOUSE Corps Member, International High School
The MOUSE Squad students are very curious and want to learn. Everyone knows about the MOUSE Squad in this school. read more ›
– Emmanuel Ourum, CUNY Intern, PS 43 MOUSE Squad
My internship with Sullivan & Cromwell would not have been possible without the help of MOUSE, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help students integrate technology into their everyday lives and ultimately... read more ›
– Ivan Pereda, MOUSE Squad Member, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
Leadership, pride, self confidence and a sense of responsibility -- this is the impact of the MOUSE Squad program on our students. read more ›
– Norma Perez, Principal, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE Squad has proven time and again that students who graduate after participating are more equipped for the next stage in their lives, especially in today’s vast information technology world. This program... read more ›
– Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
Thanks to Abilene Independent School District (AISD) for incorporating such a program and major kudos to Nathan Monroe, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, ATEMS. He actively leads a group that daily makes the teacher’s lives... read more ›
– Rebecca Rampy, Instruction Technology Specialist, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (ATEMS) in Abilene, Texas
Juniper's community engagement vision is to use the power of the new network to take on the toughest challenges facing our communities and to connect and empower people everywhere. MOUSE exemplifies this vision... read more ›
– Darryl Ramsey, Public Sector - Americas, Business Development and Technical Strategy, Juniper Networks
MOUSE empowers students to lead and support the use of technology in their schools, while also helping them to discover their creative, technological, and learning potential. read more ›
– Linda G. Roberts, National Consultant on Technology and Education
I thank MOUSE for starting my career. Without MOUSE, I would not be as successful as I am today. read more ›
– Mendy Rodriguez, MOUSE Squad Alum; Junior Analyst, IT Service Desk, Time Inc.
Thanks to efforts of MOUSE, young people throughout New York City will have the opportunity to better their lives and become productive members of our society.
– Charles E. Schumer, United States Senator for New York
I commend MOUSE for improving the educational opportunities for young people, motivating them to attend college and preparing them for high quality jobs in the future. read more ›
– José E. Serrano, Congressman, 16th District of New York
Watching MOUSE Squad grow from a pilot to an established entity has been a thrilling experience. I’ve seen my students grow from tentative kids, virtually afraid of touching machines, to savvy technicians,... read more ›
– Kiri Soares, Principal, Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women
MOUSE has provided life changing experiences for me that have added tremendously to my passion for technology… regardless of the company or industry, you will always need technology and the skills we learn... read more ›
– Leroy Tindi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy
We try to focus on career readiness, laying the foundation and opening their eyes to careers they might consider in the future. I tell my students that if they want to be... read more ›
– Matthew Valia, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, Berta A. Drefus School
MOUSE is an excellent example of rethinking how to put students at the center of their own learning and reorganizing schools around their motivations and strengths. read more ›
– Arthur VanderVeen, Chief of Innovation Strategy and Policy, NYC Department of Education
Through the CPS TechCrew program, I have learned how to explore computers, how to fix problems that are usually deferred to someone else, and what it's like to work on a team that... read more ›
– Simon Vecchioni, CPS TechCrew Member, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
I believe strongly in public education and the opportunity it can and should provide to all. MOUSE provides a valuable service, closing the gap between heavily resourced schools and those in underserved areas. read more ›
– Peter Vincent, Head of Human Resources, Time Inc.
What excites me most about being part of this program is that I get to interact with other students who share the same goals and who hope to learn more on how to... read more ›
– Monique Williams, Chicago TechCrew Member, Tarkington School of Excellence
MOUSE taught me perspective, a way of working with people and how to think, speak and write in a professional way. read more ›
– Syed Zaidi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
