On Friday, November 16, Dell provided notebook computers to the student body at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, to enhance their educational experience in the classroom.  Excited students were chanting as Ron Clark, co-founder of RCA, and other teachers appeared with 60 Dell notebooks.  When each student was formally presented with his or her computer, there were smiles all around the room with some students so overwhelmed they could hardly speak. 
 
You might be familiar with Ron Clark, who was recently profiled in the TNT Network’s made-for-TV movie The Ron Clark Story.  Ron started his career teaching disadvantaged students in rural North Carolina and Harlem, New York.  He developed and became known for a unique teaching method that incorporated innovation, creativity and his 55 classroom rules that have improved test scores for his students. 

In September of this year, Ron fulfilled a personal dream and, along with co-founder Kim Bearden, opened the doors of RCA to educate fifth- through eighth-grade students in fundamental core subjects, in addition to studying music production, dancing, design, drama and business leadership.
 
Recently, Dell and Intel worked with the academy to provide intelligent classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, allowing these students to expand their education beyond the four walls of their school.  With their new Dell notebooks, students have access to the tools they need to create a fun, successful learning environment.
 
Words like “Dream big” appear on the walls of the academy, and while many of us take notebook computers for granted, these students view these computers as something to help them achieve those dreams.  
 
By Wanda Burgamy