RFES

Tech Trek 2008

What is Tech Trek at Rodgers Forge Elementary School?

For the past twelve years at Rodgers Forge Elementary School (RFES), parents have partnered with the school and the Baltimore community to provide an exceptional, high-tech teaching and learning environment. With technology in the classroom, teachers have increased access to rich, educational resources. In turn, students become enthusiastic, skilled users of technology to learn and discover, create, and collaborate.

Since 1996, Tech Trek, a unique walkathon program conceived and coordinated by RFES parents, administrators, and faculty, has raised more than $175,000 for educational technology at RFES. This remarkable investment in the future of our children has created a school-wide, technologically sophisticated environment, including four computers in each classroom, a 27-workstation computer lab, and a new television studio. Each week, a student crew presents a live Morning Announcement Program, which is broadcasted into every RFES classroom. The studio offers a one-of-a-kind teaching tool for children to write, produce, and perform while gaining critical skills in public speaking, the use of technology, and most importantly, teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence.

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) provide each school with computers, but not enough to support a computer for every child in a lab setting, which is what Tech Trek has given RFES. This world-class technology program rivals any technology magnet school. Also, from 2000-2002, Tech Trek raised funds to replace the original, 1950s RFES playground with an expansive, safe, and fun outdoor play area that is used by the school and the neighboring community.

How does Tech Trek raise money?

RFES and the BCPS Education Foundation (the 501c3 non-profit organization of the County school system) sponsor Tech Trek. Parent volunteers solicit corporate sponsorships in the form of outright gifts from area corporations and organizations and Silent Auction items from more than 180 businesses, organizations, and RFES families. Hundreds of children, families, faculty, staff, and RFES mascot Rodger the Colt attend Tech Trek held at Towson University's Unitas Stadium. RFES students walk laps and are sponsored by their families, friends, and neighbors. In 2006, Tech Trek raised a record $32,000, one third of which was raised by students.




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For More Information on This Year's Event:


Contact: Cathy Forbes or Jen Bolster.