Funds help to enhance student learning experience
MANKATO, Minn., March 26, 2008 — The HickoryTech Foundation announced today a donation of $3,000 to Mankato Area Public Schools' Monroe Elementary School to fund an interactive SMART Board.
The Mankato Area Public Schools technology initiatives include a plan to place a SMART Board in every classroom in the school district by 2012. The interactive SMART Board combines the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer to engage students and enhance the learning experience. SMART Boards, where available, are utilized at all grade levels in the district as an interactive hands-on, minds-on technology tool to support and enhance learning.
“This donation aligns nicely with the community's vote of support toward technology in our public schools,” commented Ed Waltman, Mankato Area Public Schools superintendent. “HickoryTech's donation enables students in another classroom to receive technology tools that increase learning”
“The SMART Board is used to engage students in the learning process. It provides a highly interactive experience that I believe enhances classroom instruction,” said Al Lawrence, principal at Monroe Elementary School.
“We are delighted to give back to the communities we serve and provide funding to the Mankato Area Schools to help with technology upgrades that will enhance student learning,” said Lyle Jacobson, HickoryTech Foundation chairman.
The HickoryTech Foundation is committed to helping the communities served by the company. HickoryTech provides high-speed Internet, Digital TV, local voice, and long distance services. In addition, HickoryTech provides integrated business communication solutions including voice, IP, transport and network integration services.
About Mankato Area Public Schools:
Mankato Area Public Schools serve Mankato, North Mankato, Eagle Lake and Madison Lake. Greater Mankato and Mankato Area Public Schools benefits from strong private investment support. The schools rank in the top one-third nationally as an excellent education choice. The quality of our schools is often one of the first considerations of a business when looking to invest or reinvest in our community. www.isd77.org
About HickoryTech Foundation:
Built on a tradition of community leadership and corporate responsibility, the HickoryTech Foundation has donated millions of dollars to local organizations and focuses its outreach charitable giving to supporting the communities served by the company. The HickoryTech Foundation, originated in 1963, contributes to numerous non-profit organizations in the areas of education, community and culture.
About HickoryTech:
HickoryTech Corporation (NASDAQ: HTCO), headquartered in Mankato, Minn., offers integrated communication services to business and residential customers over a regional fiber network. The company is in its 111th year of operation and has approximately 410 employees. The Telecom Sector, with facilities-based operations in Minnesota and Iowa, offers local voice, long distance, high-speed Internet, Digital TV, and IP networking services to residential and business customers. In addition, the Telecom Sector develops telecom and carrier access billing solutions and customer management systems. The Enventis Sector provides IP-based voice, data and network solutions to businesses across a five-state region. For more information, visit www.hickorytech.com.