Ed Smith PTO

Our Challenge 

The Syracuse City School District (SCSD) has shifted to online instruction for the foreseeable future. Approximately 30% of Ed Smith Pre-K-8 School students—an average of 20-25 students per grade—do not have access to the technology necessary to continue their education. While SCSD has begun to provide laptops to high school students and eighth graders who need them, it’s unlikely the District will be able to cover the elementary grades. In these challenging and unprecedented times, all students deserve the opportunity to engage in online learning with their teachers and classmates. 


Our Solution

The Ed Smith PTO will purchase laptops with donations from the community and, in partnership with Ed Smith Pre-K-8 School leadership, lend them to students who need them. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ed Smith PTO has allocated $10,000 from the organization’s own funds to launch this effort. 


Our Request

We request a donation to support the purchase of laptops for Ed Smith students. In a time of uncertainty and isolation, this is a concrete step you can take to make a difference for our Ed Smith community, which includes students from every ZIP code in Syracuse. Your tax-deductible donation will strengthen ongoing efforts to provide a quality and equitable education for our children. 

Thank you for your consideration. Stay safe, and be well.

Ed Smith School in the Syracuse City School District is providing our children with a wonderful education. At the same time a substantial portion of our student body live in poverty. Last year the PTO was able to give every child at Ed Smith School a brand new book from the Scholastic Book Fair, making sure that no child left empty handed. With this giveaway each student is able to pick and keep a brand new book that fits their interests. The previous giveaway was such a success that we plan on giving a free book to each student during each Book Fair. We can't do it with your help and generosity. Please contribute to our fundraiser so we can continue to provide new books to children who truly will benefit from them. Thank you!