Grants received during school year 2008-2009 help our students on their path to success. We thank the following generous supporting organizations whose recent grants are enhancing the lives of our students:
Chrysalis Foundation provided $8,000 to fund Chrysalis after School for about 25 lucky Holy Family 6th-8th grade girls. The program emphasizes financial literacy, career options, leadership and interpersonal relations. Rose Moore, school counselor, and Allison Kupka of Employee & Family Resources facilitate.
Freas Foundation of Julian, PA, granted $3,566 for the purchase of maps and globes for the 3RD through 8th grade classrooms. They are used in social studies, geography, science, language arts and math classes. Word from teachers is that they are “spiffy, and so very learner friendly.”
Greater Des Moines Community Foundation contributed $25,000 to support the Holy Family School Blueprint for 21st Century Technology. United Way contributed $4,677 towards that same fund along with many donations from individual supporters of Holy Family Foundation. With that funding we were able to provide each teacher with a new computer, 50 laptops for our students, two mobile carts and wireless internet service throughout the building.
Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant Program granted $10,000 to fund the 2009-2010 Offering a Helping Hand after-school program for English-Language-Learners and students most at risk of failing in grades 3-8. Emphasis is on homework assignments and tutoring skills. Prairie Meadows also funded the 2008-2009 program.
Raskob Foundation of Wilmington, DE, granted $7,680 for the purchase of books for guided reading in Pre-K through 8th grade. Guided reading assesses each student’s skill level, then uses books at that level. This is particularly important since exposure to books and reading is non-existent or minimal in most of our student’s homes.
St. Catherine of Siena Foundation supported our school’s annual Reading Night and Math Night, each featuring family activities demonstrating strategies to help parents assist their child with reading and math at home. A gift of $3,400 purchased learning materials for both evenings, as well as books the children could take home. Drake University students who attend St. Catherine of Siena participated as teacher-helpers, working with students and parents.
Theresa Swalwell Miracle of Music Fund granted $3,180 for the purchase of musical instruments — tone chimes, xylophones, recorders, and rhythm instruments. They provide an excellent way for students to learn how to read music and develop discipline and listening skills. These versitile instruments lend themselves to individual as well as group activities.