Press Release: WSVEF Announces Recipients of First Grants
Published in White Salmon Enterprise , January 2007
The White Salmon Valley Education Foundation (WSVEF) today unveiled the school programs which will receive nearly $25,000 in supplemental funding.
WSVEF Board President Ronda Crumpacker said, "We are so excited to be announcing the successful applicants for our very first round of grants. They are all strong programs that will be very beneficial to our students and community."
The group provides bi-annual grants to help enrich and supplement local schools' curriculum and staffing needs .
The largest grant, $5,800, will go to expanding Columbia High School's industrial and mechanical robotics program. Kids who take part will design and build their own machines and robots, document the scientific process, and ultimately compete with their creations.
Henkle Middle School receives $2,100 to craft a Talented and Gifted (TAG) program for 5 th and 6 th graders. The two-year curriculum will include projects like building a school website, construction of dynamic models using K"NEX building pieces (physics), horticulture exploration with native plants and gardens, and a science fair.
A $5,287 grant will fund the "Instruments for Everyone" program at Henkle M iddle School to purchase a classroom set of 23 musical wind instruments. Children will utilize digital technology to record CD's and compare their work over time. They will write and edit music for themselves and will incorporate public performances. They will also be mentored by the White Salmon Jazz Band.
CHS's Music Appreciation and Technology Class scored received a $4,943 grant . The class will allow students to digitally compose, record, edit and publish original music compositions.
A grant of $4,058 goes to the creation of Henkle 's 's Golden Ratio course. This interdisciplinary program explores the concept of ratios in math, art and music . Students build vital math concepts by constructing number sequences, examining patterns in nature, and building hands-on models.
And last, but not least, is $2,000 for Henkle Middle School's "Dessert Theatre" which will present "Narnia" along with a dessert fundraiser in our community with the goal of expanding the performing arts program .
A review committee comprised of two teachers, two community members, and one board member had the challenging task of awarding the grants from a field of 14 applications requesting a total of $ 85,000 . They used an objective, school board approved scoring criteria concept suggested by a principal to choose the six successful programs.
"We wish we could have funded each and every request," Crumpacker said. "They were all very good programs. Unfortunately, we just don't have the resources to finance them all. We hope, with the community's help, we'll be able to increase the number of beneficiaries in the future."
All applicants who did not receive first round funding will receive scoring and feedback from the review committee for future use, and are encouraged to re-apply in future rounds . .
WSVEF's second funding cycle is about to begin. Applications are available on-line at www.wsvef.org/grants January 19th, 2007 . All local school educators and community members may apply. The application period runs from January 19 through February 20th. Funding will occur in late May.
Schools Superintendent Dale Palmer, who is also a WSVEF Advisory Board Member, said, "I encourage all teachers and faculty to become familiar with the WSVEF, and the wide variety of programs they're trying to assist. The WSVEF's supplemental funds are an invaluable resource in helping us meet our goals in these times of tightening budgets."
The WSVEF works with the school district to support and complement existing, district-led initiatives in all the local schools. Programs funded are those that will enrich school curriculum and elective offerings; support staff development; and create education, business and community partnerships.
The 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization incorporated in April 2006. A Founders Drive is currently underway, and runs through April 10. Everybody who makes a donation during the drive will be recognized as a WSVEF Founding Member. At least 25% of each donation goes to an endowment fund which will extend the group's work to future generations.
WSVEF has received a generous gift of $50,000 from Wallace and Priscilla Stevenson already. The gift will be renewed annually for two years if matching funds can be raised. By meeting this challenge, the community's schools can gain $250,000 in supplemental funding by spring of 2008.
According to Crumpacker, "This is a tremendous opportunity for our kids and our community. With the people's help, we can reach every child enrolled in every school in our district. We can inspire them to embrace lifelong learning. We can strengthen a community network of mentors and volunteers. And we can help build stronger, better futures for our families."
To make a donation or get more information learn more about the group, or make a funding application, go to the WSVEF website at www.wsvef.org or call the foundation at 493-1175.