Grant helps McPherson middle schoolers balance screen time with hands-on learning
A local foundation's donation funded charging carts, supporting a new policy that stops students from carrying laptops all day.
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson Middle School students are engaging in more hands-on learning and facing fewer digital distractions after a $4,500 grant transformed how the campus manages technology.
Following a policy shift in January that stopped students from carrying school-issued Chromebooks throughout the entire school day, the McPherson County Community Foundation provided funding to purchase secure storage and charging carts for every core classroom. Instead of having constant access to laptops, students now receive devices only when needed for classroom instruction, creating a more intentional learning environment.
The new carts feature built-in charging ports that eliminate the persistent problem of dead batteries, ensuring computers are ready when teachers need them. Sarah Cochran, the middle school's social studies lead teacher, said the transition has helped educators strike a better balance between digital assignments and traditional learning methods while noticeably increasing student engagement.
Sarah Cochran, the middle school's social studies lead teacher, offered her perspective on the change: "It allows us to step away from technology at times. These devices feel more like a learning tool rather than a distraction."
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