The Rockbridge County Public Schools Foundation has announced a major fundraising effort specifically dedicated to funding modernization of and significant enhancements to the Science Department at Rockbridge County High School. 

Spear-headed by Business Sub-Committee Chair, Dick Emrey of BB&T Insurance, the effort is dedicated to enriching the opportunities available for all students at the school in biology, chemistry, earth science, anatomy, and physics.  The total tab for the enhancements exceeds $47,000.  Other member of the committe are Randy Shomo of Wachovia Bank, Russ Orrison of Perkins & Orrison and Charlie Kostelni of Bontex.

“The Foundation has been challenged to provide state-of-the art equipment, technology, and software updates,” said Emrey.  “The list compiled by the department is comprehensive, but is in no way excessive.  Items requested in the grant application use technology our students will encounter after high school, whether they are in the workplace or in a college classroom. We applaud the efforts of the department in prioritizing and defining these important teaching and learning needs.” 

Science Department Chair Lee McLaughlin explained, “The department has turned to the Foundation for important improvements.  Among the items we have set as highest priority are ‘SMART boards,’ large whiteboards that use touch technology and a projector to display computer images.  These tools maximize content presentation to large groups and provide excellent hands-on opportunities for our students.”

“Digital balances, which our students will most certainly encounter when they leave RCHS, are another important upgrade; also, ‘Probeware’, a marvelous exploratory technology, will expand learning opportunities through comprehensive exploration in thirty-six labs covering mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity.  Students in chemistry, physics, and math classes will benefit from the use of this tool in our department.”

From Digital Microscopes and software to Virtual Dissection Software to Molecular Model Kits to Anatomical Models, the grant request addresses multiple upgrades to the department.  Each request is vital to providing county students the most up-to-date teaching and learning equipment used in science classes today and at the same time gives students the opportunity for success in future education or in the workplace.

Emrey continued, “Because of the nature of the grant request, the Foundation has appointed a group of local business leaders to lead the fundraising endeavor. Our committee intends to reach out to members of the business community, asking them to provide funds for specific requests on the list.  It is most certainly a tall order, but one which I think local businesses will embrace as crucial to preparing students for the workforce or additional education.”

“We are excited by the enthusiasm of the Science Faculty at RCHS and know their tremendous dedication and commitment to their students will ignite our community behind this effort.  We look forward to reaching out to our business partners.”

To read the full grant request, click here. 

Anyone interested in additional information or providing a gift to this special effort is asked to contact the Rockbridge County Public Schools Foundation at P. O. Box 1042, Lexington, or by email through this website.