Schools

Education Foundation Doles Out Thousands in Grants

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation recently awarded $6,000 in grants to school district initiatives.

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation at its annual meeting presented $6,000 to the Cherokee County School District and announced plans to award another $10,000 in grants. 

The foundation said that the success it's seen in its first year that funding for its IMPACT Grants, which support "innovative and creative ideas in teaching and learning" in the district, have doubled from $5,000 to $10,000. 

During the meeting, which was held at Woodstock Middle School, the foundation also presented three grants for needs based on suggestions by the district that could use help in the funding arena: 

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  • $3,000 to the Office of School Operations for credit recovery scholarships for high school students who couldn’t otherwise afford the classes;
  • $2,000 to Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy for extra-curricular activity/field trip scholarships for students who couldn’t otherwise afford participation; and
  • $1,000 to Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy to purchase mobile electronic devices that can be loaned during classes to students who otherwise couldn’t afford to participate in the Bring Your Learning Device initiative. 

"It’s a humbling experience to be able to do what we can do as a foundation," said Billy Hasty, president of the foundation’s Board of Directors. "We’re so proud to be part of the educational system in Cherokee County."

The foundation was organized last year at the suggestion of Cherokee County School Board Chair Janet Read, who now serves as an ex-officio member of the board, which is made up of business and community leaders.  

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Its mission is to support students and staff of the school district by promoting teaching and learning and celebrating achievements. It also seeks funding and resources to enrich schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program. 

Cherokee Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzuielo described the foundation's successes as "truly extraordinary."

"It takes unequal resources to meet unequal needs, and these donations are absolutely point-on for that goal… and are so much appreciated," he added.  

Principals representing the Woodstock Innovation Zone during the meeting showed their appreciation for the foundation by presenting Hasty with a check for $1,590 raised by the zone through the sale of spirit shirts.

Hasty said when the board last month learned about this planned donation, it led to the decision to increase the IMPACT Educational Grant funding to $10,000. 

Applications now are being accepted for the foundation’s first round of IMPACT Educational Grants, which may be submitted by district teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; teams of teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; administrators; or district department heads.  

Grants of as much as $2,500 will be awarded per winning proposal, with a total of $10,000 to be awarded. 

A committee made up of foundation board members will review applications, which must meet the following criteria: strengthens academics; demonstrates a creative and innovative approach to education; provides meaningful and engaging instruction for students; is well thought-out with a long-term benefit; incorporates budget details; and, includes the official application completed in its entirety. 

Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 13, 2014, and the grants will be presented to winning applicants on Feb. 14, 2014.  The application and guidelines are posted on the Foundation’s website

For more information on making a donation to support the Foundation, visit its website or call (770) 704-4213.

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