The Lakehurst/Manchester Lions Club donated three Phonic Ear classroom audio systems to the Manchester Township School District, one for each elementary school.

Lions Club representatives Ed Greene and Sal Lucito delivered the systems to Ridgeway Elementary School.  On hand to accept the donation was Superintendent of Schools Dr. William DeFeo, Director of Special Services Ollie Lokerson and Ridgeway School Principal Dr. Janette Lada.

The Phonic Ear system consists of a wireless microphone for the teacher, a transmitter, and speakers that are placed in all four corners of the classroom.  Lokerson said the system has been proven to improve learning for all students by bringing the volume of the teacher’s voice to same level no matter where a student is seated in the room, and no matter where the teacher moves.  This helps students pay more attention and avoid the distraction of other sounds in the classroom.  He added that it is especially beneficial to children with hearing disabilities, attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities.

Through a variety of fundraisers, the Lions Club has been able to donate a total of 16 of these systems to the district over the past seven years.

“The Lions Club continues to make a difference for our students by generously providing these sound systems and we truly appreciate it,” said Dr. DeFeo.