NEWS -- For Immediate Release

COMCAST AND WEF AID IN DEVELOPMENT OF NEW
FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMPUTER LAB AT WESTFORD'S BLANCHARD SCHOOL

News Highlights...


WESTFORD, MA -- January 7, 2005 -- The Westford Education Foundation (WEF) and Comcast Cable Communications. Inc. are pleased to announce the donation and installation of 20 computers and keyboards to the Blanchard school for use in the school's new Foreign Language Computer Lab. The lab, which began operation December 20th, is now actively aiding the school's 500+ students (6th through 8th grade) in studying Latin, French , Spanish and German at the school. The lab has been a special project of Blanchard's Instructional Technology Specialist Ken Bogacz and Technology Trouble-shooter Kathy Vacco, whom were able to coordinate and assemble the equivalent of a $30,000 lab for less than $2,000.

Blanchard School Quote...

"The project has come together rather quickly thanks to the wonderful contributions of WEF and Comcast and the inspiring support of our administrators and talented staff," said Ken Bogacz. "Not only is it aiding our own students in their studies, it will the support the efforts of the Foreign Language class at Westford Academy."

Comcast Quote...

"Comcast is proud of this local effort to serve our community, and especially its future leaders," notes Steve Hackley, Area Vice President, Comcast. "Our Westford office employs over 100 dedicated family men and women, many of whom live right here in town. Giving back to the community in this way not only serves our corporate philanthropic vision, it is also meant as a "thanks for your business" gesture to our customers in town. It is very satisfying to be able to respond to this opportunity. The WEF organization did a nice job of networking here."

Note: Comcast's past generosity is also exemplified by their donation and installation of high-speed cable modems in every school in Westford.

More About the Lab...

The lab currently consists of 32 computer terminals with "Latin Vocabulary Drill" software which allow students to search and find various words and convert them back into Latin. In addition, students can seek a word's derivative. As a side note, the software can also be used to study Greek and Roman mythology or scientific elements and math tables. Teachers are aided by the software's testing and quizzing capabilities that enables fast and easy on-computer testing of the student's comprehension. The lab is currently searching for similar software programs for French, Spanish and German classes.

"We're very excited about the new lab and the impact it seems to be having on our students," said French and Latin Teacher Diana Albu. "The kids seem to really enjoy the lab and have so far adapted very quickly to this computerized form of learning." Added 7th grade student Eileen Liu, "The lab really makes it easier for me to learn Latin. In fact it makes it fun."

In addition to French and Latin Teacher Diana Albu, the lab is destined to be used by Spanish and French teachers Karen Sacco and Lynn Davis, as well as Spanish and German teacher Sandra Rasmussen.


French and Latin Teacher Diana Albu instructs her students on the finer
aspects of Latin using the new Foreign Language Computer Lab at Blanchard School in
Westford.

Blanchard’s Instructional Technology Specialist Ken Bogacz (left) and Comcast
Vice President Steve Hackley (right) have made the lab a reality for teachers
like Diana Albu (middle).


About WEF...

The Westford Education Foundation, Inc. is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes innovative educational initiatives and champions life-long learning. They do this by building a wide community of support, fostering ideas, channeling resources, and funding exceptional learning programs. To learn more, please visit our website (www. westfordeducationfoundation.org).

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© 2005 WEF. All company and brand, product and service names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Press Contacts...

Jeannette Wilkinson
Board of Directors
Westford Education Foundation
T: 978-418-9179
E: jwilkinson@westfordeducationfoundation.org

Craig Kevghas
Board of Directors
Westford Education Foundation
T: 978-392-9945
E: kevghas@aol.com


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