Have You Heard? Campaign launches to bring soundfield systems to every primary classroom
The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation in partnership with HPEDSB has launched its bold new campaign, Have You Heard?, with a goal of raising $555,000 to install soundfields in every Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 classroom across 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,” said 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.”
“At the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, we believe that to build bright futures, we must do everything possible to help students learn, grow, and successfully cross the graduation stage in grade 12,” said Executive Director Kellie Brace.
Clear sound has a direct impact on student learning. “Clear communication is foundational to learning, especially in the early years," emphasized HPEDSB Director of Education, Katherine MacIver. "Students need to clearly hear the educators and other students in a dynamic classroom environment. Equipping our JK–3 classrooms with soundfield systems will allow educators to focus on what they do best and set these young students on the path to bright futures.”
The need
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 doesn’t have the same access to the teacher's voice that students in the front row have – it creates an inequity in education. For our 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 test.
- Students sitting in the back row may hear just 55% of their teacher’s words.
- 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.
The solution
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. The result:
- Improved comprehension and academic performance
- Stronger classroom focus and fewer disruptions
- Greater equity for all students, regardless of hearing ability or seating position
The impact
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.
“In a typical classroom, a child sitting just 12 feet from their teacher may hear only 55% of the words. Soundfields change that—and you can help make it happen,” says Jenn Barrett, Resource Development and Communications Coordinator.
The goal
The Have You Heard? campaign seeks to raise $555,000 to fund soundfield systems in 255 classrooms, directly benefiting over 5,000 students annually.
How to help
Community members, businesses, and organizations can:
- Donate – Every donation matters! A gift of $2,200 fully funds one classroom. Visit HaveYouHeardHPE.ca to donate online.
- Host a fundraiser – 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.
Together, we can create classrooms where every voice is heard.
To learn more about the Have You Heard? campaign or to donate, visit HaveYouHeardHPE.ca.