Computer labs open after hours

Eloise GrahamStaff WriterTechnology access just got easier for Samo students. The computer labs located at T110 and L202 are now open every day after school from 3:30-4:30 to give students a chance to complete required coursework and prepare for coming exams.“We are looking for ways to support our students. We have students, for example, who don’t have access to computers the way other folks might. We wanted to open up that availability to students so they can come in and use computers and print. You can use the computers to do whatever you need to do,” Samo Principal Dr. Hugo Pedroza said.According to S-House Principal Jason Kurtenbach, the labs were made available to all students but were especially targeted at those who do not have access to technology due to financial constraints.“The original vision was to give students who did not have access to technology computers, research facilities and the ability to type and print papers,” Kurtenbach said. “That ability has also been used to help students access the APEX [Advanced Placement Exam Review, a program designed to help students make up credits needed to graduate] program and it was also used by Revolution Prep to prepare students for the CAHSEE.”According to Pedroza, the funding for the after hours of the computer labs comes out of the Equity fund. Samo is trying to accommodate all students and the Equity fund helps do that, computer labs being open after hours is just one part of the plan.“The purpose of the Equity fund is to make sure that we use it to help close the achievement gap, to help students who need academic support, anything that has to do with improving academics for kids who really need that improvement. So, that expenditure is very much a worthwhile expenditure,” Pedroza said.egraham@thesamohi.com