Powell Butte Charter School to receive 200-plus Chromebooks, iPads

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A $450,000 COVID-19 Relief Grant Facebook announced for the Crook County School District earlier this month is extending beyond the school buildings in Prineville.

Superintendent Dr. Sara Johnson announced Wednesday that $50,000 of that grant is going directly to Powell Butte Community Charter School to buy 162 Chromebooks, 48 iPads and cases for the equipment.

That will ensure that every student attending a public school in Crook County has access to technology both at home and in the classroom, officials said.

“When I first learned of the incredibly generous grant from Facebook, I reached out to PBCCS to find out what they needed, and improving technology was at the top of their list,” said Dr. Johnson.

The school district is also paying for the license to access Imagine Math and Imagine English & Literacy, improving Wi-Fi access, and offering Technology support. Imagine Learning is an online, self-paced curriculum that students in grades K-5 utilize as part of Learning @ Home.

“The Facebook grant is a tremendous gift to the community and students of PBCCS that will provide 1:1 technology devices for all of our students,” explained Powell Butte Principal Jenn Berry-O’Shea. “It will allow us to personalize the educational experience and prepare students for our rapidly changing world.”

PBCCS opened in 2010 and is dedicated to an educational experience focused on community, the land, and its people. It remains a K-8 public charter school that serves over 200 students.