FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            Contacts:

December 3, 2004                                                                   Dennis Smeage, Executive Director,

                                                                                                Education Foundation, 541-322-5493

                                                                                                Laurie Gould, PIO

                                                                                                Bend-La Pine School District, 383-6002

Education Foundation Gives Grants to Schools

 To initiate its second full year of operation, the Education Foundation for the Bend-La Pine School District has announced funding for grants to classrooms and educational programs within the Bend-La Pine School District.  For the current round of grants, the Foundation has awarded more than $26,000 for educational programs that directly benefit students throughout the district. 

 In choosing programs to receive grant support, the Foundation reviewed more than 80 applications from teachers and district staff.  "There were many more worthy applications than we were able to fund," said Lane Lyons, President of the Education Foundation, "but increasing support from the community has allowed us to provide financial support for more projects than at this time last year."  In December of  2003, the Foundation rewarded $17,000 in grant funds, but was able to fund additional programs in the spring of 2004. 

 "We will continuing to seek community and business support for these valuable educational programs, and we hope to announce funding for more programs in the spring," Mr Lyons added.  Descriptions of other programs in need of support can be found at the Education Foundation's website: www.educationfoundation.us

 The current round of grants included 24 awards to 21 different schools and 1 award to the school district, which will provide support for an author-in-residence at 6 elementary schools.  Examples of other funded projects include science kits for second-grade students, fiction and nonfiction books for middle school and high school libraries, a program connecting literature and mathematics, artist-in-residence programs, musical instruments, and technology enhancements for use in teaching.  Descriptions of all funded projects can be found at the Foundation's website.   

 The Foundation will also host its second annual Spelling Bee Challenge, February 19, 2005. The just-for-fun contest pits adult teams of spellers against one another for the privilege of being inscribed on the roving event trophy. Last year's event was a rousing success that raised more than $40,000 for the Foundation's educational programs.  As with last year's event, funds raised by the Spelling Bee Challenge will support the Foundation's grant program, as well as a new initiative to improve teacher-student ratios at local schools.

 The Education Foundation for the Bend-La Pine School District is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded by parents, concerned citizens, civic and business leaders, and educators.  The Foundation strives to enrich the education of students in the Bend-La Pine Public Schools by providing support for innovative programs and outstanding teaching, and by eliminating barriers to educational opportunities. 

###

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ About Us ] [ Board of Directors ] [ Get Involved ] [ Be A Donor ] [ Contact Us ]

The Education Foundation for the Bend-La Pine School District collects personal information only with your permission.  We use personal information for internal purposes only.  We will not give your personal information to any third parties.

Copyright © 2004-2007 The Education Foundation For The Bend-La Pine School District
This site last updated July 11, 2007