I just love a heartwarming holiday story – especially when teachers and students are the beneficiaries.

Kindergarten teacher Heidi Solivan got an early Christmas present when the classroom technology she was fundraising to buy was donated instead. Solivan had four Redcat audio systems from Lightspeed Technologies at the top of her classroom wishlist and was surprised with the fully-donated systems on an episode of The Rachael Ray Show that aired on November 24.

Producers from the show contacted Lightspeed Technologies, a leading provider of classroom audio solutions, after they found Solivan’s GoFundMe page that had about $775 raised so far in donations. Solivan teaches a full-day, full-inclusion class with special education students, English language learners, and students who struggle with attention or hearing difficulties. The speech pathologist at Solivan’s school purchased one Redcat system last year and Solivan had access to it for one week. That was enough to sell the Kindergarten teacher on the system, which includes a microphone on a lanyard so students throughout the classroom can hear the instructor without vocal or hearing strain.

The producers told Solivan that she would be doing a Skype session with them about the need for the Redcat systems but then surprised her twice: Rachael Ray was waiting on the other end of the Skype chat, and the postal worker delivered the systems right to Solivan’s door during the session.

Solivan has already put the systems to use, and says that they are “going to allow the students to hear every sound that we’re making, and it will allow us to slow down and be clear. We won’t have to raise our voices to get their attention, because we’ll already have it.”

Solivan added her thankfulness to Lightspeed Technologies and encouraged other classrooms to work towards incorporating the Redcat systems.

“Every classroom teacher should have this,” Solivan said.

You can check out the entire segment on The Rachael Ray show here:

A little more about Lightspeed Technologies

Lightspeed classroom audio systems allow teachers to speak in normal conversational tones while being assured that every child has an equal opportunity to hear all of the instruction. The no-installation Redcat provides clear, low-volume, highly intelligible sound that is evenly distributed throughout the classroom so every child hears every word. The company’s audio system for small group instruction, Redcat, gives teachers the ability to gain insights into small group interactions and learning. The Topcat has become the premier solution for new construction and renovations due to its ease of installation, wireless connectivity, and remarkable audio quality. For more information about Lightspeed classroom audio products, visit www.lightspeed-tek.com.

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