VCS has many needs during this time of growth. Please take a moment to look through some of the items listed below and contact Business Manager Jeff Stockett (jstockett@vcs-austria.org) with any questions.

Our list of needs:

Mobile Computer Lab
Master Lock and Key System
Audio Visual Classroom Stations
Student Desk and Chairs
Sound System
Logos Bible Software

MOBILE COMPUTER LAB:

Cost: $19,233

Rationale: One thing holding back use of technology in VCS classes is the availability of computers. There is no classroom space available for another computer lab, so classes are only able to use computers when the lab is not in use for a computer class. A mobile computer lab using wireless networking and laptops could solve this problem. With a mobile lab, any classroom or open space instantly becomes a fully functional computer lab. Just imagine what a boon to teaching science, history, or any other subject having easy access to a computer lab would be. Classroom space is one of the most expensive elements of running a school, so by purchasing a mobile computer lab, we effectively utilize the space we have, meet the computing needs, and demonstrate good stewardship with the funds God has given us.

Description of Specific Need:

Mobile Computer Lab:
Base cabinet, printer, and supplies: $769
Each Laptop computer: $1154
Total cost for full classroom of 16: $19,233

MASTER LOCK AND KEY SYSTEM:

Cost: $11,000

Rationale: As an “American” and “Christian” school in an internationally diverse city we are at higher risk than some schools and must maintain a higher level of security. We need to be able to control access to our school more efficiently. This system would enhance security for our building, our students and staff. Currently we have over 30 different keys to doors in the school, and because some of our locks come from proprietary systems, keys cannot be cut at your neighborhood store, and thus are very expensive to duplicate (7 – 20 Euros each). So we spend several hundred euros a year making copies and replacing lost keys. Some staff members also need several keys each to access their work areas.

Benefits of New Lock System:

Heightened security
Reduction of annual expenditure
Increased access control
Controlled duplicate keys

AUDIO VISUAL CLASSROOM STATIONS:

Cost: $10,870

Rationale: Audio Visual learning is a key component of the modern education system. Having the ability to use power point presentations or show DVDs/videos and web-based content to augment regular classroom lectures enhances student learning tremendously. Putting this capability into each classroom would give our teachers the tools they need to integrate visual resources into their instruction. It is also much less expensive than using costly projectors and provides more versatility n their use.

Description of Specific Need:

Audio Visual Stations for 16 classrooms:
TV: Toshiba 55cm (5 year warranty)    $256
DVD: Toshiba Code Free (5 year warranty) $154
VCR: Daewoo PAL/NTSC LP $103
Mount: $128
Cables: $38

Total per room: $680 each
Total for existing classrooms: 16x $680 = $10,870

STUDENT DESK AND CHAIRS:

Cost: $4,160

Rationale: The desks in the first and third grade classes are not wide enough to accommodate ergonomically designed chairs. Some are either too high or too low for the desks, so the children cannot work comfortably. The storage shelf is so small that the students cannot keep their supplies at their desks and must put their things on classroom shelves. This takes up valuable classroom space and also wastes valuable classroom time. Buying new desks and chairs would allow our students to sit and work comfortably in class, would save space and time, and help our students to be more organized.

Description of Specific Need:

Student Desks
Open front adjustable height student desks. $89.00 x 34 = $3,026
Student Chairs
13.5 inch student chairs $31.88 x 17 = $541.96
15.5 inch student chairs $34.88 x 17 = $592.96
Total Cost of desks and chairs $4,160

SOUND SYSTEM:

Cost: $3000

Rationale: There are several ministries at VCS, which require the use of quality sound equipment. We currently have a very limited sound system that can at times be an obstacle to the quality of the presentations. The student praise bands are a very important ministry to the student body. Music is a very effective way to involve teens in worship and a medium that reaches into their hearts at our weekly student chapel services. We have drama, musical performances and other events that are a major part of our outreach to parents and community, and which are attended by uests from different schools as well as Austrian school officials. The quality of these performances is an important in-road to reaching our neighbors for Christ.

Benefits of Improving the Sound System:

Enhance the effectiveness of public address
Provide improved communication to youth in our community
Encouragement to students in Performing Arts

Description of Specific Need:

Speaker management system $700
Speakers $1600
Microphones $700

Cost: $1200

Rationale: Computers are vital to students as a research tool, especially in an overseas school. Through the library subscriptions to online news and research tools, the students are able to access vast amounts of information, including newspapers, encyclopedias, and other resources. They are also invaluable for the students as stations where they can write papers and create class presentations. Right now the school has four computers available in the library but we need two more. More computers enable more students to use these invaluable resources.

LOGOS BIBLE SOFTWARE:

Cost: $880

Rationale: Last year the Bible Department purchased one copy of the Logos Bible software for a library computer. It has been a great benefit to the classes and the department but it would be so much better if all 4 of the library computers could be licensed. What a boon to teaching the Bible to our students, having excellent Bible study software like this available!

Logos Bible Study Library: $220 each