PEEKSKILL, NY. (August 6, 2004) - Elton Brand, the Elton Brand Foundation and LeapFrog SchoolHouse today announced that together they are donating $100,000 worth of LeapTrack™ Assessment & Instruction Systems to the Peekskill School District in Peekskill, New York. The special-purpose education systems will be implemented in an after-school learning program for elementary students throughout the school district. LeapFrog SchoolHouse, along with Elton Brand, a Peekskill native, and officials from the Peekskill City School District, will celebrate the donation at an event to be held Saturday, August 7, at 10:00am in Peekskill, NY.
The donation features LeapFrog SchoolHouse's award-winning LeapTrack™ Assessment & Instruction System, an easy-to-use and innovative instructional program that combines interactive content and multisensory technology to conquer some of the biggest challenges educators face today. The system enables teachers to quickly assess each student's skills in relation to state standards, pinpoint areas for improvement, and create individualized learning paths for students. Used in conjunction with the LeapTrack System, LeapFrog SchoolHouse's personal learning tools (PLTs) will also be included in the donation. PLTs are portable, connectable devices that merge curriculum and technology and will deliver the promise of one-to-one technology to elementary students in Peekskill.
"Our tools actively engage students in the learning process by encouraging them to see, touch and hear the instructional material," said Bob Lally, president of LeapFrog SchoolHouse. "We're proud to partner with Elton Brand to put these products in the hands of students in Peekskill, helping them develop a lifelong love of learning."
Born and raised in Peekskill, New York, Brand graduated from Peekskill High School in 1997. He attended Duke University, where he was named College Player of the Year in 1999 after leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Championship Game. He was the overall #1 pick in the 1999 NBA Draft and was named Co-Rookie of the Year after a stellar first season in the league. Brand made his NBA All-Star Game debut in 2002 and is among the league's perennial leaders in rebounding. Brand is a past winner of the Pro Basketball Writers' Magic Johnson Award, recognizing an NBA player for excellence on the basketball court, cooperation with the media and public and community service.
"For the past four years, I've held my free summer basketball clinic in Peekskill, but I've also wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact on Peekskill's students," said Brand. "When I was growing up, my mother stressed education as the key to my future and I hope to instill that in these kids. I'm pleased that LeapFrog SchoolHouse teamed up with me to help the youth of Peekskill succeed academically."
"As a native of Peekskill, I know Elton Brand is a local hero who continues to be an example for young people and a source of inspiration to all of us," said New York Governor George E. Pataki. "We know that ensuring our children have the tools and resources that allow them to receive a quality education is critically important, and Peekskill students will benefit for years to come from this generous donation."
The Elton Brand Foundation was established by 1999 NBA Rookie of The Year and LA Clippers star Elton Brand to support nonprofit organizations that have a commitment to after-school education programs, fostering and encouraging children's participation in sports, and support of single parents. Grants are distributed to groups in Peekskill, New York; Durham, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California.
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