Free Laptops For Good Students

A local principal is keeping true to a promise he made to his students. He told the entire freshman class if they got good grades, he’d give them a new computer.

“I’m very excited,” said Edgar Garcia, freshman at Coachella Valley High School.

Hundreds of Coachella Valley High School students are getting new green laptops. The color represents the school, and the computer represents their hard work.

“I’m very proud,” said Manuel Arredondo, principal of Coachella Valley High School.

At the start of the school year, Arredondo made a deal with the freshman students. Those who get good grades, get involved and get to class will get a new computer.

“You’re targeting attendance and academics, which are the keys to success,” said Arredondo.

Arredondo made the promise in hopes of increasing test scores and decreasing the drop-out rate.

“The first year when they go to high school, that’s when we lose them.They fall behind and lose interest,” said Arredondo.

He tried to catch them early by making an offer few could refuse.

“It made me want to come to school more, do all my homework and do better,” said Garcia.

Out of about 600 freshman students, nearly half kept their end of the bargain and met all the criteria set by Arredondo, and now the hard work is paying off.

“I’m pretty glad. It will help with my education,” said Garcia.

Arredondo says the incentive plan worked.

“Teachers are telling us that students are more focused and motivated,” said Arredondo.

Now with increased knowledge at their fingertips, the students can continue excelling and improve themselves, their school and the community.

Money for the computers came from private community and business donations. The school plans to continue the incentive program next year.