Fund-raising efforts by the Parent Teacher Organization of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Monmouth County in Marlboro have enabled the school to purchase 21 new computers for its onsite technology lab.

The PTO conducted benefit events throughout 2006-07 school year that brought in $23,000. The funds were used to purchase 21 computers, keyboards, and 19-inch flat-screen monitors, according to PTO president Jenny Cohen of Marlboro.

The new equipment, which was installed during the summer and was ready for use when the students returned to school on Sept. 5, has provided a much-needed upgrade to the school's existing technology lab, Cohen added.

"Due to the strong commitment of our families to the Solomon Schechter Day School and to Jewish education, we were able to accomplish the total outfitting of a state-of-the-art technology lab," said Cohen. "This goal was realized through the hard work of our families, who supported our fund-raising goals through volunteerism and financial support."

The PTO raised the needed funds through the sale of cookbooks, entertainment coupon books, T-shirts, towels, and magazine subscriptions. Proceeds from a holiday boutique, book fairs, and a Purim basket exchange also contributed to the $23,000.

At its recent board meeting the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County promised to cover the cost of software licenses for the new computers if other funding avenues failed.

The day school has a formalized, integrated technology program for students in grades one through eight that enables classroom teachers and technology lab staff to work together on subjects that are part of the school's overall curriculum, said Dr. Paul Drew, technology coordinator and head of the school's language arts department.

"The formal technology education at the day school is provided to all students from first grade through middle school," said Drew. "The new lab equipment provides an environment that is exciting, creative, and fun. It augments all the academics in the school in both Judaic and secular studies."

The new equipment also allows students to conform to the school's academic standards regarding research and report writing, Drew added.

The new computer components will make it easier for the school's faculty members to maintain the facility's Web site, which, in turn, will allow parents to access site links pertaining to teachers and subjects that are part of their children's studies, said Linda Glickstein, the school's director of admissions.

"We are a technology-savvy school," Glickstein said. "We are able to enhance integrated classroom learning through practical use."