"As a teacher in the Bloomington school
district, I get to see first-hand the benefits our students receive from
the Education Foundation. The Innovation Grants allow our teachers the
opportunity to go over-and-above in the classroom and utilize projects
and equipment the district otherwise cannot afford to fund. The Prodigy
Award honors teachers who use enhanced methods in their classrooms that
allow for increased student achievement. The Student Stipends are my
favorite since they afford students many opportunities that they would
not otherwise have. I get to see first-hand the smiles on students'
faces when their musical instrument rental is covered so lessons can
continue, when educational field trip fees are covered, or when they are
afforded the opportunity to attend a leadership conference. With your
help, the Education Foundation will continue to benefit any and all
Bloomington students." – Barb Parrish,
Teacher
Children’s Food for Thought provides free school meals for students whose family income is not low enough to qualify for federally funded free/reduced-price meals. The program also serves as a bridge for kids to have lunch while a family’s application for free or reduced-priced school meals is pending.
Classroom Innovation Grants enable teachers to explore and evaluate creative instructional projects that meet their students’ learning needs. The Foundation’s annual Chip In for Schools Golf Classic provides funding for grants. Successful grant proposals must define expected learning results and the evaluation method to be used in measuring results.
Prodigy Awards that recognize school district staff members who work successfully in teams to achieve their assigned goals.
Senior Scholarships ensure that qualified Bloomington high school graduates can afford their first year of post-high school education. Businesses, families, Foundation Board members, community organizations and school district employee groups contributed $38,650 to provide 39 scholarships for the Class of 2010.
Student Success Stipends help ensure that all students can participate in and learn from educational experiences that require fees. The Foundation’s small donations—ranging from $20 to $50—provide field trips, performances, team projects, music lessons—possible for students whose families can’t afford the related fees. Stipends also cover the $20 cost for adults to take the GED tests for high school completion.