The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation has launched its bold new campaign, Have You Heard?, with a goal of raising $550,000 to install soundfields in every Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 classroom across the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.
That’s 255 classrooms, impacting more than 5,000 students every single year.
“Imagine a classroom where every child can hear the teacher’s voice clearly, no matter where they sit,” says Geoff Cudmore, HPE Learning Foundation Board Chair.
“That’s the promise of soundfields. And together, we can bring this transformative tool to every primary classroom. While we are best known for our programs like Food for Learning and the Student Emergency Fund, we also function much like a Hospital Foundation to raise funds for things not funded by the government. When HPEDSB leadership identified soundfields and showed how the installation of this technology in all primary classrooms would have a dramatic positive impact on both students and teachers, we were excited to accept the challenge of raising the funds to make it happen.”
Executive Director Kellie Brace says at the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, they must do everything possible to help students learn, grow, and successfully cross the graduation stage in Grade 12.
“That journey begins in the earliest years of school. The ability to clearly hear and understand a teacher’s voice is critical for learning to read, write, and build numeracy skills. Yet in many classrooms, background noise, room acoustics, and the natural movement of teachers and students make it difficult for children, especially those in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 3 to consistently hear instruction. For some students, this can lead to missed information, gaps in understanding, and greater struggles as they move through school,” says Brace.
“Clear sound isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for young learners, especially in the early years while learning to read. Soundfield systems help ensure every child hears every word, every time, giving them the best chance to succeed. We’re proud to partner with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board on this vital initative, and we’re inviting our community to help us reach our goal of having a soundfield system in every JK to Grade 3 classroom. Together, we can make sure no child misses out on learning simply because they couldn’t hear.”
Classrooms are vibrant, but they can also be noisy. Between chatter, outdoor sounds, and humming HVAC systems, children often miss critical pieces of instruction. The child sitting in the back row does not have the same access to the teacher’s voice that students in the front row have – it creates an inequity in education. For the youngest students, learning isn’t always simple, many face added barriers that make it harder to succeed.
1 in 5 children experience temporary hearing loss, on any given day, over 40% of primary children would fail a basic hearing tests, students sitting in the back row may hear just 55% of their teacher’s words, and the average student misses 25% of what the teacher says. For children with hearing difficulties, language barriers, or attention challenges, the stakes are even higher.
Soundfield systems use wireless microphones and speakers to evenly distribute a teacher’s voice throughout the classroom. Not only does it amplify the sound, it also makes it clearer. As a result, students will have improved comprehension and academic performance, stronger classroom focus and fewer disruptions, and greater equity for all students, regardless of hearing ability or seating position.
Research shows that students in classrooms with soundfields score higher on literacy and comprehension tests, while teachers report fewer disruptions and greater ease in managing their classrooms.
Glenda McComb, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board says soundfield systems are a game-changer for students with hearing loss.
“This technology ensures that every single student, whether they are hard of hearing, learning a new language, or simply struggle to focus, can access instruction more easily,” she said.
“It’s a fundamental shift that promotes a more universally designed learning environment, benefiting both students and staff.”
Community members, businesses, and organizations can help the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board reach this goal by donating, hosting a fundraiser, and spreading the word.
Every donation matters – a gift of $2,200 fully funds one classroom. Visit HaveYouHeardHPE.ca to donate online.
Gather your friends and family and raise money to ensure local students have what they need to succeed. A BBQ, dance, carwash, marathon, you are only limited by your imagination.
Spread the word – share the campaign and encourage others to join.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
