School District Foundation Surprises Teachers with Grants
The Foundation for the School District of the City of St. Charles surprised teachers recently with news that they were selected to receive grant checks.
Fifteen teachers in the following schools won grants: Blackhurst, Hardin, Harris, Benton, Jefferson, Lincoln, SCHS, Lewis & Clark
The teachers were selected from among those who applied for the grants in November of 2005. Teachers will use their checks from the Foundation to purchase items for their classrooms to enable them to implement innovative ideas for teaching and learning.
Grants include $1,200 to Martin Hanley at Lewis & Clark Tech Center for Robotics teaching tools for 11th and 12th graders; $350 to Kathy Barnett to start an online Literary magazine at Benton Elementary; $325 to teacher Elizabeth Creer at Monroe Elementary for a math and science butterfly garden project. “We have approved grants for virtually every subject area,” said Tom Williams, Foundation President.
The Foundation solicits donations from local businesses, individuals, and national charitable organizations, and also holds an annual fundraiser to provide these special grants to District teachers for projects not covered by the District budget.
The Foundation, which was established in 1992, has given out almost $90,000 in grant money to teachers within the St. Charles district since the first grant was provided in 1996. Any classroom teacher or counselor within the district may apply for a grant. “Teachers have great, creative ideas to improve learning,” said Williams. “Our goal is to help teachers implement their ideas to help students.” Because the Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, it provides a tax-effective way for individuals and organizations to contribute money to local schools. “We try to serve all disciplines,” says board member Grace Harmon. “We have helped teachers purchase everything from first grade reading materials to sophisticated computer programs for high school students, and we are eager to do more.”
Dr. Jim Cale, St. Charles Schools District superintendent praises the Foundation’s efforts. “These grants mean a lot to our teachers, and ultimately to our students. They are another example for the students of what a caring and supportive community we enjoy.”
Information about the Foundation for the School District of the City of St. Charles may be obtained by calling Lee Phillion at 636-946-0470, Jeff Comotto at 636-940-1369 or Tom Williams at 636-925-3975, or the School District Administrative Office 636-433-4000.
