Cyndi Loza

The future of some Reno middle-school students might come down to a game of poker.

Pine Middle School will hold the fourth annual “Western Round-Up” at the Peppermill Resort Casino on April 19. The school aims to raise money for new technology through the event’s poker tournament, auctions and general admission.

About 150 are expected to attend the event at 2707 S. Virginia St.

“Everything they’re doing is going to be technology based, increasingly so, and this school is old and behind the times,” said Laurel Casazza, 41, a parent of a Pine eighth-grader. “So, anything we can do to help give these kids (technological) improvements is just allowing them to be more marketable in the future.”

Principal Brad Boudreau said he hopes to raise $87,000 to finish new technology purchases and upgrades in the school. Last year’s event raised $37,000, which he said was used for LCD projections and document cameras in 30 classrooms.

The money raised this year will provide the same technology in 15 additional classrooms and new computers throughout the 33-year-old school.

“What we want to do is not take the place of what the district is supposed to do, but we want to add to what we have,” Boudreau said.

With current budgets cuts to K-12 education in the state, Boudreau said he understands the Washoe County School District might not have enough money for technology.

In December, Gov. Jim Gibbons ordered 4.5 percent in cutbacks to offset falling revenues.

“I’m not trying to point fingers,” Brad Boudreau said “I’m just saying that if there’s a way to access resources for our teachers and students, and this is one way to do that, I’m going to continue to do it.”

It’s difficult to raise money for middle schools, Casazza said. Since middle schools are generally for grades sixth through eighth, she said people are more likely to help elementary schools and high schools.

“The needs are as great and getting the support and the help is harder,” Casazza said.

General admission for the event is $30 and includes two bingo cards, food and open viewing of live and silent auction items.

Silent auctions begin at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:15 p.m. Poker starts at 7 p.m.

Prizes for the tournaments include International Game Technology poker and slot machines.