Vote online to help SELF win ‘Future’ grant

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Updated: January 3, 2012 8:53AM

Most of us, whether it is for our kids or ourselves, have dreams of a bright future. Maybe that’s why the Clorox Co. sponsors their “Power a Bright Future” grant program to give schools and teachers extra opportunities to develop programs to help children learn through play, creativity and exploration.

SELF — the Special Education Learning Facility — serves students from ages 3 to 22, students who have a variety of special needs.

In today’s educational setting, it is imperative for computers to be a part of the classroom. It would seem to be even moreso for special needs students who may be limited physically or in verbal skills. Yet, their classrooms have, at most, two computers, and the majority of them are several years old without access to current technology.

Just imagine how great it would be if their teachers had classroom computer equipment that was voice activated, and provided touch screens to encourage academic and necessary life skill learning for their students — equipment that has become the norm in classrooms throughout our schools.

What an asset that would be for these youngsters so that their learning abilities can be enhanced. Through a competitive national nomination period, SELF is eligible for one of the Power a Bright Future grants, and that’s where everyone’s help — your help — is needed every day until Dec. 9 to help SELF win up to $50,000 to make their students’ futures bright.

All we need to do is go to tiny.cc/Help-SELF once a day and cast our vote. The school that receives the most votes will be awarded the grand prize grant of $50,000, and the next top vote-getters will be awarded $25,000.

At most, it will probably take two minutes of our time each day to poser a bright future for years to come for young people whose learning needs can be so much more effective all because we voted every day — and asked our families and friends to vote too.

If you’d rather text, please text Clorox1669 to 4144.

Please vote! Thanks.

While I’m on the subject of computers and technology, it is no secret that there seems to be an over-abundance of time spent on Facebook, Twitter, email, etc. by the majority of teenagers, and it is not always in the best way for the best reasons, and often creates unnecessary hurt.

Would you believe that there are some kids that don’t buy into all that “stuff”? Recently, when I was at the dentist’s (a must!), I commented on a picture of a very good-looking young man, and learned that he was the 17-year old son of one of the dental assistants (a gentle lady on my mouth).

In chatting about him, I learned that he is not just good-looking on the outside, but on the inside as well. This high school junior does not have a Facebook page, doesn’t Twitter, doesn’t text, and doesn’t even email anyone!

He told his parents that he didn’t have time for all that drama and gossip. His Mom said she really felt blessed to have such a teenager.

Boy, she sure is right about that. He and his buddies talk on Skype, but it’s usually about important things, like sports.

Maybe someone like these young men should be teaching classes on the right way to use the gifts of technology.

Mr. X, you are a wonderful example to your peers, and keep me believing in your generation. It’s no doubt you are my pet person of the week.

Just a quick reminder — this weekend is the OE Amazing Market Holiday Open House, and you will be amazed at all the Christmas shopping you’ll be able to do.

On Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., there will be both samples and prize drawings. Then on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will also be a gift extravaganza with nine other businesses represented showing items you need.

And Santa will be there from 10-2 to take your or your children’s pictures with the Old St. Nick. Join the fun, and get some goodies for yourself too. Then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.