Record $100,000 Awarded This Year by Foundation

Thursday, November 3, was a special day for many Plano ISD teachers who received surprise visits by district and community leaders and monetary awards for use in their classrooms or schools. Plano ISD Education Foundation board members, program sponsors, district staff and parent leaders personally delivered nearly $100,000 in monetary awards to fund 81 innovative instructional programs.

2011 Grant Winners & Summaries

Students of Kathy Tripp at Gulledge Elementary School celebrated her winning grant.

The Park Place Lexus Grant Patrol traveled throughout the 100-square-mile district in nine cars courtesy of Park Place Lexus. The Plano ISD Education Foundation Grants to Educators program is intended to help Plano ISD educators enhance instruction in schools and classrooms across the district. Earlier in the school year, teachers had the opportunity to complete applications for grants for programs for their classes, schools or joint programs at multiple schools.

Dooley Elementary School students and staff with grant patrol.

Grant Committee Chairman Mark Johnson adds, "This year was an exceptionally difficult year for the school district with major budget cuts and resources becoming more and more limited, teachers frequently dip into their own pockets to enhance instruction in their schools and classrooms. The Plano ISD Education Foundation helps to bridge this funding gap. We are proud to offer this competitive grant program to Plano ISD educators each year and excited to offer more funding than ever before. Plano ISD educators make our classrooms innovative and conducive for students to learn."

Forman Elementary School grant winners received a visit from the grant patrol, including "Deuce" of the Frisco RoughRiders.

The Foundation awarded a record $100,000 in grants this year. Since the Foundation's inception, more than $695,000 has been awarded to Plano ISD teachers through the Grants to Educators program. Funding for the grants program comes from the following generous sponsors: Huawei, Park Place Lexus, Plano ISD Council of PTAs, the Andrea-Mennen Foundation, The Flextronics Foundation, Alliance Data, InTouch Credit Union and the Murphy Chamber of Commerce.

Gabriela Hernandez, Daffron Elementary, was surprised by members of the grant patrol on Thursday.

Plano ISD Education Foundation Board President Lisa Raskin said, "The Education Foundation is honored to assist our teachers by providing resources for innovative programs that enhance student learning in their classrooms. The Grants to Educators program is one of the best ways that private donors can assist outstanding classroom programs by supporting educators across Plano ISD."

Thomas Elementary School grant recipients.

The Plano ISD Education Foundation celebrates its seventeenth year of operation, having raised almost $7 million to benefit Plano schools. The Plano ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that funds priority programs identified by the school district for which tax dollars are not available. Programs funded by the Foundation enhance student learning; recruit, retain and recognize the very best teachers; or address critical needs of students and families so that all students can be successful. View a complete list of grants awarded.

Grant Patrol Donor Park Place Lexus provided cars and drivers.

Pictured Top:
Schimelpfenig Middle School grant recipient