Superintendent Alvin L. Crawley celebrated the opening of the new computer lab at the Ruby Tucker Family Center on Thursday by telling the audience that projects like this are about seeing every student succeed.
Dr. Crawley said he was delighted to partner with Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority (ARHA), International Game Technology, PLC (IGT) and the Virginia Lottery to see ten new computers installed at the center in Old Town. The computers will enable ACPS students and families residing in public housing to continue to have access to educational programs and tools during after-school and over the summer.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests were shown around the computer lab by students who will be using it regularly.
This is about ensuring that every student, no matter where they live, has access to the tools they need to learn both in and out of school. The words, ‘Every Student Succeeds’ are simple — but it is not a simple matter to put this into practice. We want to thank our partners for working with us to make this happen here,” Dr. Crawley said.
As part of IGT’s $15,000 donation, the Ruby Tucker Center received ten Dell laptop computers, headphones, mice, a color laser printer, a wireless router, assorted learning software, chairs and decorations for the room. IGT Virginia employees worked with the Ruby Tucker Center to tailor the computer lab to suit the needs of its students and their families.
The event was a celebration of the continued partnership between ACPS, ARHA and the business community. ACPS students in grades K-5 receive after-school homework and tutoring assistance along with a variety of enrichment programming and family engagement services at the ARHA Ruby Tucker Family Center.
The opening is part of a program implemented in 1999 by IGT to serve at-risk youth in communities. IGT provides lottery services to the Virginia Lottery.
The opening was attended by Deborah Tyler, granddaughter of Ruby Tucker, Roy Priest, CEO, Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and State Delegate Mark Levine. Groups of children brought out circle mats and sat on the floor with Dr. Crawley to listen to the speeches before taking part in the ribbon cutting.
Alexandria City Public Schools continually strives to work with ARHA to serve and support our students and families living in disadvantaged communities. We truly welcome the contribution of IGT to help give our families access to services they would not otherwise have,” said Shanna Sampson, ACPS Family and Community Engagement Center Coordinator.