Number of Teachers Receiving Grants: 20 Amount of Awards: $20,000
Impact on Watauga County Students: Priceless!

Boone, NC—The volunteers of the Watauga Education Foundation are again partnering with innovative teachers in Watauga County to benefit our students.    Through its annual Grant Initiative, 20-plus instructors from Watauga County Public Schools will receive $20,000 to raise the teaching bar.

“We had 29 applications,” said Allocations Chair Emily Greene.  “The winners were chosen based upon a points system that takes into account student need, objectives, number of students receiving the service and of most importance, creativity and innovation.”

The projects this year range from Bring a Veteran to School Day at Parkway Elementary, to a volunteer run Science Club at Valle Crucis Elementary.

“Teaching our children lessons outside preparation for the End of Grade Test is critical,” said Watauga Education Foundation president Jay Fenwick.  “We look for initiatives that either go beyond the basics, or significantly enhance the curriculum.”

Kindergarteners at Mabel will have a new Soft Rug on which to read. At Blowing Rock, 8th grade instructor Wendy Smith will enhance her Chemistry Lessons.  “My hope that as a result of this unit, students will develop an interest in and understand the relationships among the different branches of chemistry,” Smith said.  “Specifically they will learn that their own well being and the well being of our planet depends on their understanding of the properties of matter and how matter interacts,” she added.

At Bethel the 7th and 8th graders will learn Robotics.  And at Green Valley the students will have I-pods and e-books to improve literacy.  “The target group for this project will be students who are struggling readers, said Principal Phillip Griffin.    “They will not be the only students allowed to check out the I-Pods.  All students at all levels can benefit from having exemplary reading modeled to them. “

At Hardin Park, 3rd graders will benefit from Math Story Books, and 1st graders will receive new Plant and Animal Science Kits.  Cove Creek students will incorporate Literature with Art.

“Perhaps the most unusual grant this year is for Leapin’ Lagomorphs!” said Greene.  “We are purchasing show stock for the animal and agri-science classes.  They’ll be breeding pedigreed Mini Rex Rabbits.  Now, that is definitely creative!”

The grants, which must be used during the 2008-2010 school year, also again include funding for Battle of the Books competition at every grade school.

“We are able to make these grants because of local contributions from individuals and businesses.  This year more than ever we need the community to give what they can,” said Fenwick.  “School budgets were cut significantly.  Our schools lost 50 positions and supplies and equipment allocations have been seriously slashed. The Watauga Education Foundation doesn’t fund state and local budgets, but we can, and do create bright spots for students and teachers.” Donations are tax-deductible.

The Watauga Education Foundation has been raising funds for Watauga County Public Schools since 1989.  It has distributed more than $1million to our schools.  The Foundation also accepts donations for the Kate Swift Reese Endowed Scholarship, which will provide an annual college scholarship to a deserving Watauga County student.

Contributions can be made on-line by going to www. wefnc.org. Families can also contribute by attending one of the Watauga Education Foundation’s upcoming fundraisers.  There’s Flapjack Flip, a warm and tasty pancake breakfast and raffle at WHS on December 12, from 7:30AM-11:00AM.  It’s a delicious way to start the day before the Downtown Boone Holiday Parade.  And you don’t want to miss the juried talent program; Shooting Stars will again be held at Farthing Auditorium on April 16, 2010.  To find out how you can get involved and make a difference in a student’s life, please contact Melanie Bullard at 828-268-1273 or executivedirector@wefnc.org.

2009-2010 Grant Winners

20 Teachers Receive 2008-2009 Watauga Education Foundation Grants; Students at Eight Schools Reap the Rewards

Boone, NC – Hundreds of Watauga County students will benefit in the coming months from, the 2008-2009 Watauga Education Foundation Grants.  $22,000 is being distributed to 20 teachers who developed proposals for creative initiatives and submitted applications to the Foundation.

“We are delighted to funnel so much money into the Watauga County Public Schools,” said Dr. Jay Fenwick, Chair of the Foundation Allocations Committee. “We were able to provide grants to every school that made application, and we applaud all the instructors who make it a priority to enhance the learning experience for their students.”

Teachers, administrators and employees of WCS are all eligible to apply for funds from the Foundation throughout the year, with the grant process culminating at the beginning of each school year.

This year’s distributions will support, among other things digital tools to assist disabled and disaffected readers, materials for participation in a national robotics competition, Spanish immersion kits, ping pong tables for physical education and hot wheels cars to facilitate scientific study of motion.  The grants range from $200 to $2,000, the maximum allowed under the program.

“The creativity of these teachers is exemplary,” said Foundation President Becka Saunders.  “I am always impressed with the fresh ideas and thoughtfulness of those who apply.  It reinforces my belief that Watauga County has some of the most caring instructors in the state, and I encourage parents to thank the winners for their initiative and dedication.

Grant distribution is one of the primary ways the Foundation provides support for the students of Watauga County and all of it is possible because of the generous financial contributions from the people and businesses that support our mission to encourage every student to achieve his or her highest potential.

To find out if your teacher received a grant please visit the Watauga Education Foundation website; www.wefnc.org.

Since 1989, the Watauga Education Foundation has been a catalyst for excellence in Watauga County Public Schools.  Through Grant programs and continuing education scholarships and other funding initiatives, the Foundation assists teachers who strive to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.  The Foundation also provides opportunities for the community to get involved with their schools, as well as creative outlets for visual and performing arts.  To date, the Foundation has raised more than $1-million for Watauga County Public Schools.  Everyone is encouraged to attend our upcoming events, Flapjack Flip, December 6, 2008 at WHS and Shooting Stars 2009, April 24, 2009 at Farthing Auditorium.