Staff at the East Wake School of Integrated Technology and the Eastern Wake School of Health Science awarded 45 students with refurbished computers in a presentation Dec. 15.

Time saved traveling back and forth to the library to do homework? Three or more hours a week. Students impacted? Likely more than 100, as siblings will have access to the computers, too.

The giveaway was sponsored by the Kramden Institute of Durham, a non-profit that uses volunteers to refurbish computers to give to students in third through 12th grades.

Students – called Kramden Scholars – are nominated by teachers, who note their progress and dedication in school, and their need for a home computer. To be eligible, students must not have a computer in the home.

“Students are nominated so they can continue their hard work in school,” said Cari Del Mariani, director of events and education for the Kramden Institute.

“This year, we’ll give away at least 2,200 computers,” she said.

On Thursday, students and parents gathered in small groups in the school’s media center to receive computers and set-up and operating instructions.

During a brief demonstration, Del Mariani told parents the computers are “high speed Internet ready,” but don’t have to be hooked up to the Internet unless parents choose to pay for that service.

“If you don’t get the Internet, it’s OK,” Del Mariani said, explaining that the computer software installed, called Open Office, is compatible with Microsoft Office and should allow students to start homework at school and complete it at home, or vice versa, if need be.

Del Mariani reviewed each computer’s security system, which works, but “is not foolproof,” she said. “Do not download free music,” she cautioned students, adding that viruses frequently piggyback onto music downloads. “Streaming music,” she said, “is OK.” Each computer also includes a CD player.

Families receiving a refurbished computer are eligible for free tech support from the Kramden Institute.

Irene Law, mother of junior Ashley Law and senior Tawana Collins, estimated the computer will save her family about two hours a week, time that was spent traveling to the public library to type papers or complete research they couldn’t get done at school.

That, of course, was compounded by time limits at public libraries, which require computers users to stop after 30 to 60 minutes, then sign on for another session if they need more time.

Tawana said she looks forward to using their “new” home computer to put out college and job applications as well.

Freshman Marissa Lavrey estimated she’s spent about three hours a week completing homework at the public library this school year.

“Having a computer at home means I can take my time and look over (homework) before turning it in,” she said. Marissa said her three siblings will have use of the computer, too.

“It’s very nice of them to do this,” Marissa’s mother. Jamie said. “It’s definitely going to be helpful.”

The Kramden Institute gives computers to students, but in cases of large donations such as the one awarded to East Wake, asks the school to contribute some funding to offset the cost.

East Wake School of Integrated Technology principal Ritchie Bazzell said the PTSA donated some funds for the project, which he said he hopes will bridge the divide some of the students have by not having accessto a home computer.

He thinks the gifts will not only make it easier for students to complete homework, but will open another avenue of communication between parents and teachers, should families decide to hook their computers upto the Internet.

Parents and students with access to the Web can check the school’s website, look up teacher’s Blackboard pages, and e-mail school staff.