Victor Lopez
MOUSE Squad Coordinator, MS 328
"“I am amazed at the eagerness and enthusiasm of my MOUSE Squad. They have dedication and motivation, and are the reason I want to come to school every day.” "
“Who’s the Best? Super Techs!” This is the cheer of the Manhattan Middle School for Scientific Inquiry (MS 328) MOUSE Squad, an outstanding team of 36 students!
Super Techs handle 90% of the tech support at their school, receiving phone calls on tech issues that are digitally translated into problem tickets. A typical day consists of wiring classrooms and handling regular maintenance on the school’s SMART Boards, desktops, laptops, and printers. “The MOUSE Squad keeps our school on track,” stated Ms. Ramirez, MS 328 teacher.
MS 328, consisting of 6th to 8th graders, joined the MOUSE Squad in 2011. Led by their very active Coordinator, Mr. Lopez, the Squad established a procedure for students interested in the MOUSE Squad program. “To join, students submit a resume and letter of recommendation from one of their teachers, must maintain a good grade average and participate in an intervie with members of the MOUSE Squad,” Mr. Lopez shared.
“The world around us is all about technology. MOUSE teaches us about tech to help with future jobs and interact with people throughout the world,” said Luis, 8th grade, MOUSE Squad President. Luis is superb in computer programming, and is tasked with nominating students, interviewing new applicants and leads the tech support group, which handles the tech maintenance. Luis also has an assistant, Jay who works on the printers. “MOUSE teaches us that leaders are not afraid to take risks, achieve success, take authority and help people succeed,” said Jay.
Mr. Lopez sees the positive impact being on the MOUSE Squad has on his students. “I
am amazed at the eagerness and enthusiasm of my MOUSE Squad. They have dedication and motivation, and are the reason I want to come to school every day,” stated Mr. Lopez. He also shared the story of one of his students who transferred to MS 328 and joined the MOUSE Squad. “Last year, he had 86 absences and a grade point average of 55, but this year he has had only two absences and his GPA is a 92.
Including three special education students and transfer students, the MS 328 MOUSE Squad takes leadership into their own hands. Teachers, faculty, even Ms. Quiles, Principal of MS 328, know how inspiring Super Tech students are. Ms. Quiles shared a story during our visit saying, “When Victor Lopez, Coordinator for MS 328’s MOUSE Squad, was out for a week, one of the MOUSE students came into her office and said, ‘While Mr. Lopez is out, I’m your guy.’”
Super Techs not only fix computers and work on the network, they create CAT5 Internet cables and even fix smartphones. “Before joining the MOUSE Squad, I didn’t know much about technology. Now, I can take apart computers and put them back together,” said Galvin, MOUSE Squad student. Nathaniel added, “MOUSE gives us a great advantage when we go to college and look for jobs in the future.”
See more photos of the MS 328 Super Techs!
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TechCrew allows me to start my day working with a group of students that have true passion and dedication…TechCrew teaches our students how to work as part of a group and leaves them... read more ›
– Marcos Alcozer, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
MOUSE has helped me to gain job skills and it has been a great opportunity. The Squad has taught me many valuable lessons, the most important being responsibility and leadership. read more ›
– Khaleel Anderson, MOUSE Student, P256Q
For people around the world, tech is the pathway to a long and successful career, and we look forward to even more MOUSE alumni leading New York City's booming and influential tech sector... read more ›
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City
The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants help ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers. MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training... read more ›
– Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member, Technology Committee Chair
I love finishing school and coming to MOUSE. I love the teamwork and the time to learn new things about computers. read more ›
– Aram Buenaventura, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
MOUSE and SAP apply the same core values – quality, integrity, commitment, and passion – to our organizations. We see MOUSE Corps students as our next generation of employees and customers. MOUSE empowers... read more ›
– Ron Carolan, Chief Financial Officer, SAP Global Marketing
MOUSE Squad has been a life changing experience for many of our students. They feel good about their role with technology, which builds their confidence and makes them more successful in... read more ›
– Kristy De La Cruz, Bea Fuller Rodgers School (IS 528)
When I started the internship, my manager brought me to the trading floor. It was the best thing in the world to see all the traders and to know they were my clients,... read more ›
– Duckens Durosier, MOUSE Squad Alum, George Wingate High School
Being on MOUSE Squad adds to my experience in school by making me confident about myself. read more ›
– Daniela Fernandez, MOUSE Squad Member, Sylvandale Middle School, California
Our MOUSE Squad students stand a little taller. They recognize that they have special skills and are respected for it.
– Dr. Katherine Flori, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, W.C Byrant High School, New York
To me, programs like this don't exactly go to every school around. I enjoy the program and what they teach. My interest in technology has enhanced greatly because of MOUSE Squad. read more ›
– Ally Garcia, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
Participating in the MOUSE Squad gave me a true sense of purpose. I never could have imagined in just 8 years, I would be CEO of my own technology consulting firm and... read more ›
– Juan Garzon, MOUSE Squad Alum, Robert F. Wagner Secondary School for Arts & Technology,
The people at MOUSE are a living, breathing testament to the notion that when an organization is centered around a thoughtful and attainable goal—staffed by competent, bright and passionate individuals—there is very little... read more ›
– Mehran Ghaffarsamar , MOUSE Intern, Baruch College
MOUSE provides a unique opportunity for students to give back to their school, deepening their sense of leadership and responsibility, and improving their relationships with peers and teachers—all the while getting hands-on experience... read more ›
– Maureen Guido, Principal, The Paula Hedbavny School
Our MOUSE Squad students are demonstrating leadership skills, learning about responsibilities and how to communicate with adults. This program is inspiring our students and giving them a glimpse of future career opportunities. read more ›
– Carla Haakma, Principal, Los Arboles Elementary School, California
MOUSE Squad students learn many skills frequently cited by employers as keys to success in the workplace, including leadership, communication, teamwork problem solving and time management. read more ›
– Jan Half, Program Director, MOUSE Squad of California
We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen the TechCrew program have a positive impact in... read more ›
– Victor Herrera, Director of Technology, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Chicago
For our school, MOUSE Squad plays an integral role in supporting our technology, saving us both time and money. But more importantly, students participate in positive experiences that give them a strong... read more ›
– Seth Hubbert, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
The MOUSE program should be in every school in New York City. read more ›
– Robert Jackson, Member, New York City Council
What excites me most about MOUSE Squad is going to fix computers and hanging out with friends. I really think MOUSE Squad pushes you to try and learn new things. read more ›
– Danielle Jacobs, MOUSE Squad Member, Cooper High School, Abilene Texas
I feel like I'm a part of an important team that keeps the school running more efficiently...Being on TechCrew helps improve the leadership qualities that we, as students, are developing for the future. read more ›
– Edwin Le, Northside College Preparatory High School, Chicago
I joined MOUSE to explore my passion for technology and be a part of an organization that values communications and teamwork. read more ›
– Rigel Leonard, MOUSE Corps Member, School of the Future
“I am amazed at the eagerness and enthusiasm of my MOUSE Squad. They have dedication and motivation, and are the reason I want to come to school every day.” read more ›
– Victor Lopez, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, MS 328
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MOUSE has had such a positive impact on my life, including my college and work experiences. MOUSE has exposed me to aspects of this world that I would not otherwise have had the... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alum, School of the Future
MOUSE that trains tech-savvy students in inner-city schools to become tech support leads and ambassadors within their schools and then provides mentorship opportunities to help them take their digital expertise to the next... read more ›
– Caroline McCarthy, Social Media Marketing Manager, Google
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE has been one of the best things in which I have participated in my 21 year career. It continues to be good for both students and teachers at every school where I... read more ›
– Nathan Monroe, Coordinator, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Science, Texas
MOUSE brought me where I stand today and gave me real life work experience. MOUSE taught me about leadership and teamwork, and that there is no such thing as a bad idea. read more ›
– Dhondup Namgyal, MOUSE Corps Member, International High School
Being on the MOUSE Squad motivates and inspires me, and has helped me to learn to aim higher. read more ›
– Zainab Oni, MOUSE Squad Member, Hudson High School of Learning Technologies
MOUSE students are innovators that use technology to change the world. read more ›
– Neimat Orengo, MOUSE Alum, MOUSE Student, James Madison High School
The MOUSE Squad students are very curious and want to learn. Everyone knows about the MOUSE Squad in this school. read more ›
– Emmanuel Ourum, CUNY Intern, PS 43 MOUSE Squad
MOUSE is a revolutionary network that has altered the lives of thousands of students nationwide with one essential goal: to empower those who envision academic and professional success. read more ›
– Ivan Pereda, MOUSE Corps Fellow and MOUSE Squad Alum, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
Leadership, pride, self confidence and a sense of responsibility -- this is the impact of the MOUSE Squad program on our students. read more ›
– Norma Perez, Principal, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
Our MOUSE students realize that this is just the beginning. They can go on to college to study computer technology, and become help desk technicians and repair specialists…and many do. read more ›
– Irwin Queen, School of Cooperative Technical Education
MOUSE Squad has proven time and again that students who graduate after participating are more equipped for the next stage in their lives, especially in today’s vast information technology world. This program... read more ›
– Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
Thanks to Abilene Independent School District (AISD) for incorporating such a program and major kudos to Nathan Monroe, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, ATEMS. He actively leads a group that daily makes the teacher’s lives... read more ›
– Rebecca Rampy, Instruction Technology Specialist, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (ATEMS) in Abilene, Texas
Juniper's community engagement vision is to use the power of the new network to take on the toughest challenges facing our communities and to connect and empower people everywhere. MOUSE exemplifies this vision... read more ›
– Darryl Ramsey, Public Sector - Americas, Business Development and Technical Strategy, Juniper Networks
MOUSE empowers students to lead and support the use of technology in their schools, while also helping them to discover their creative, technological, and learning potential. read more ›
– Linda G. Roberts, National Consultant on Technology and Education
At Best Buy, we believe in the power and potential of youth. We are proud to be long-time investors in MOUSE, an impressive and growing organization that is having a dramatic impact on... read more ›
– Susan Bass Roberts, Senior Director, Community Relations, Best Buy
I thank MOUSE for starting my career. Without MOUSE, I would not be as successful as I am today. read more ›
– Mendy Rodriguez, MOUSE Squad Alum; Junior Analyst, IT Service Desk, Time Inc.
MOUSE has taught me many valuable lessons that will help me in life. read more ›
– Madeline Sariol, MOUSE Student, In-Tech Academy
Thanks to efforts of MOUSE, young people throughout New York City will have the opportunity to better their lives and become productive members of our society.
– Charles E. Schumer, United States Senator for New York
I commend MOUSE for improving the educational opportunities for young people, motivating them to attend college and preparing them for high quality jobs in the future. read more ›
– José E. Serrano, Congressman, 16th District of New York
Watching MOUSE Squad grow from a pilot to an established entity has been a thrilling experience. I’ve seen my students grow from tentative kids, virtually afraid of touching machines, to savvy technicians,... read more ›
– Kiri Soares, Principal, Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women
MOUSE has provided life changing experiences for me that have added tremendously to my passion for technology… regardless of the company or industry, you will always need technology and the skills we learn... read more ›
– Leroy Tindi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy
We try to focus on career readiness, laying the foundation and opening their eyes to careers they might consider in the future. I tell my students that if they want to be... read more ›
– Matthew Valia, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, Berta A. Drefus School
MOUSE is an excellent example of rethinking how to put students at the center of their own learning and reorganizing schools around their motivations and strengths. read more ›
– Arthur VanderVeen, Chief of Innovation Strategy and Policy, NYC Department of Education
Through the CPS TechCrew program, I have learned how to explore computers, how to fix problems that are usually deferred to someone else, and what it's like to work on a team that... read more ›
– Simon Vecchioni, CPS TechCrew Member, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
I believe strongly in public education and the opportunity it can and should provide to all. MOUSE provides a valuable service, closing the gap between heavily resourced schools and those in underserved areas. read more ›
– Peter Vincent, VP Human Resources, National Audubon Society
What excites me most about being part of this program is that I get to interact with other students who share the same goals and who hope to learn more on how to... read more ›
– Monique Williams, Chicago TechCrew Member, Tarkington School of Excellence
MOUSE taught me perspective, a way of working with people and how to think, speak and write in a professional way. read more ›
– Syed Zaidi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
