SAN ANGELO SCHOOLS FOUNDATION AWARDS MORE THAN $76,500 IN GRANTS TO TEACHERS

The San Angelo Schools Foundation awarded over $76,500 in grants to San Angelo ISD educators and campuses as part of their Grants to Teachers program in November 2021, and the Foundation members were formally recognized for their hard work, commitment and generosity at the December SAISD School Board Meeting. The San Angelo Schools Foundation was established in 1989 with the goal to support innovative academic opportunities for children of San Angelo ISD. Each year, the Schools Foundation focuses efforts on their two major projects: Grants to Teachers and Scholarships to Students. 

The Grants to Teachers program works to support SAISD educators by providing classroom grants and all-campus grants with the hope of enriching the education of SAISD students. The Schools Foundation began awarding teacher grants in 1989, and as of this November has now awarded a total of over $723,000 since its inception. This school year, the Schools Foundation awarded 64 grants to 98 teachers as well as 7 All-Campus grants impacting 24 campuses.

For over thirty years, the Schools Foundation has been making special projects and initiatives possible by providing critical funding and support.  Examples of projects and initiatives supported by Grants to Teacher funds include the Central High School Maker Lab complete with a 3D printer, Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) camps, Osmo interactive game systems for iPads, BAM (Books a Month) literacy initiative, and percussion instruments for special needs students and more. This year, SAISD educators  and all-campus grant awardees were awarded funds by the Schools Foundation to bring a number of projects and resources to SAISD campuses including: 

• a Coding Robot Kit for STEM Class,
• Vernier Probes for Chemistry Lab,
• eBooks from Overdrive for readers,
• Music equipment like ukuleles, cajon drums, recorders and contra bass bar,
• Science Manipulatives and books for expanding Science knowledge,
• Sensory Room,
• Camera Lens and Recording Information,
• Texas Bluebonnet Books,
• Materials to create Neon Read Kits,
• Scooters, pins, jump ropes and balls,
• Singer Sewing Machines,
• Ecogrow Greenhouse,
• 3D printer kits,
• Art Supplies,
• Osmo Learning Systems for STEAM Class,
• Electives media bundle and more.

To apply for Schools Foundation grants, SAISD teachers and campuses complete applications detailing interesting, imaginative and innovative ideas to inspire and motivate students and align with the SAISD learner profile attributes. The applications are then reviewed by the Schools Foundation, and awardees determined. With the help of the grant funds from the Schools Foundation, ideas are brought to life on the campuses. San Angelo ISD is greatly appreciative of the Schools Foundation’s decades of commitment to our SAISD students, support of our mission and our educators and many contributions to improving our San Angelo community.

The Schools Foundation extends gratitude to their sponsors and community partners that contributed to Grants for Teachers including: H-E-B, Chris Galban Allstate, Sonora Bank, Marble Slab Creamery, Grigsby’s Boutique, The Teacher Store, The Roost Boutique, Happy Trails Outfitters, Stadium Lanes, Dairy Queen, Next Level SportsWest Texas Sports & Wellness Institute, Shenanigans, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Torque.  

Current Board members for the Schools Foundation are President Liz Albert, Jennifer Biggs, Richele Boyd, Treasurer Olivia Carrasco, Elizabeth Chambers, Davy David, Treasurer-Elect Amy Dougan, Treasurer-Elect Sarah Duncan, Fundraiser Co-ChairJackie Evatt, Javier Flores, Carolee Galban, Marissa Giesecke, Fundraiser Co-Chair Krispin Graves, Secretary Lauren Harper, Colleen Heartsill, Mackenzie Holik, Courtney Mahaffey, Tess Mathews, Cortney Nagel, Renee Orr, Cori Stewart, Teri Thomason, President-Elect Robyn Trainer; and Executive Director Christine Kolls. 

The Schools Foundation is busy planning their 5th annual spring fundraising event “Bid & Boogie” that will be held Saturday, March 25, 2022 with music by the Spazmatics. 

For more information about the San Angelo Schools Foundation, the “Bid & Boogie” fundraiser and how to join in their mission, visit www.saschoolsfoundation.org or like and follow the Schools Foundation Facebook page.