Foundation awards $22,000 in grants to district educators
NEWTOWN - Council Rock School Board’s June 6 meet- ing was more than just another evening for a group of district educators, each of whom received a grant from the Coun- cil Rock Education Foundation (CREF).
C5() iV D nRn-SrRfiW RrJDnization whose mission is to raise funds that allow district teachHrV WR HnKDnFH VSHFifiF SrRMHFWV and programs. High School science teacher Renee Devlin was one of 12 recipients last week.
“It is such an honor to receive this grant,” said Devlin, who secured $1,200 to support her, “You Be the Chemist” program. “We are looking forward to using it to inspire more young students to become interested in chemistry.”
Another grant went to Holland Elementary School librarian Kris Sava, who will be receiving new iPads to match the school’s new library.
“We are thrilled to receive these funds to implement a new technology project for our students,” said Holland Elementary Principal Andy Sanko. “The impact of this grant will be felt for years to come.”
This is the sixth year CREF has awarded grants, with the total increasing each year, according to CREF executive director Suzanne Wray. This year, CREF was able to distribute $22,000, and Wray is looking to “double that amount” next year. Wray said that since 2007, CREF has invested $82,000 into the school district in multiple areas ranging from more traditional subjects like math and science to more modern areas such as environmental engagement and youth leadership programs.
The foundation made an impression on Council Rock Superintendent Mark Klein.
“The Education Foundation has become an important resource in supporting the district’s goal to provide the best possible educational opportunities to our students,” Klein said as the presentation was concluding.
Board sice-President Kyle McKessy was equally impressed with CREF’s work.
“The foundation has done some tremendous work over the years, and has not lost any momentum along the way,” McKessy said. “If anything, I have seen a renewed energy and a deeper investment in supporting innovative, educational programs in Council Rock. I anticipate even greater possibilities on the horizon as the group is clearly focused on increasing community participation and fundraising efforts.”