A foundation for learning

Progress 2013

Related Photos

Glenwood Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Kitty Herbel reacts after receiving a grant from Enid Public School Foundation representative Jason Turnbow. Enid, Chisholm and Pioneer-Pleasant Vale public schools all are beneficiaries of school foundation funds. (Staff File Photo by BILLY HEFTON)

Discussion

March 2, 2013

A foundation for learning

Groups supplement funding to meet needs in classrooms

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Sat Mar 02, 2013, 05:30 PM CST

Public school foundations exist to assist schools with extra funding in the classroom.

Enid

Enid Public School Foundation has been financially assisting Enid’s public schools since the 1980s.

“Our mission is to provide support for public education,” said Jennifer Fields, executive director of Enid Public School Foundation. “What we mainly do is fundraise to fund our Grants for Teachers program and to fund teacher scholarships for those who want to further their endeavors.”

Twice each year, Enid Public Schools’ teachers have the opportunity to apply for grants to fund projects or educational materials that will benefit students. An anonymous grant committee reviews the requests without knowledge of the names of the teachers who applied. The committee chooses which grants to fund based on project or materials requested.

“Last semester we considered 97 grants and we selected 32 for funding, totaling over $12,000,” said Fields.

“The grants are important to the teachers because they fund innovative and creative projects for the classrooms. It’s additional materials that the teachers get to incorporate into their classrooms.”

While the grants aim to enhance the classroom experience, Enid Public School Foundation’s teacher scholarships enhance the knowledge and ability of the educators by helping them further their own education.

“I think the scholarships are important for the teachers to help them financially. More education for the teachers can always benefit the students of Enid Public Schools,” Fields said

Enid Public School Foundation hosts two fundraising events each year.

“In the fall we have the Hall of Fame Banquet where we induct two people from the Enid community or Enid alumni who have given back to Enid Public Schools.”

Each spring, Enid Public School Foundation hosts The E’Vent, a fundraiser at Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center.

“It showcases Enid school musical talents,” said Fields.

Enid Public Schools’ musicians and groups such as choruses or jazz bands perform while patrons of the event pay $5 for entertainment and a box dinner.

“Last year it was a huge success,” said Fields.

Enid Public School Foundation also hosts a sponsorship drive each fall.

“The community has always been so good to support and help us. We couldn’t do it without the community support,” said Fields.

Chisholm

Chisholm Public Schools also has its own education foundation, the Chisholm Foundation.

“We were formed to support Chisholm Public Schools,” said Ashley Ewbank, president of the foundation.

Chisholm Foundation hosts one big fundraiser each year to raise funds for teacher grants and technology.

The Big Night Out is a fundraiser that treats supporters to a silent auction, live auction and dinner. The fundraiser has proved successful.

“In the fall we give about $5,000 to each school for technology needs,” said Ewbank. “In the spring we do teacher grants. We also work with the school on special projects that come up.”

Chisholm Foundation’s endowment has grown to more than $25,000, ensuring the foundations continual funding endeavors.

“We’re continuing to grow that (endowment) every year,” said Ewbank.

Pioneer-Pleasant Vale

Pioneer-Pleasant Vale Academic Foundation hosts several fundraisers each year to fund teacher grants.

The foundation’s fundraisers include a duck derby, honor banquet, pumpkin selling, paper airplane contest, local game contest and donor-seeking efforts.

Funds raised by the foundation are used to fund teacher grants for Pioneer-Pleasant Vale Public School teachers.

Text Only

Progress 2013

2013 OUR HERITAGE, OUR FUTURE
The News & Eagle puts out an annual Progress edition. This year's 2013 Our Heritage, Our Future focuses the Enid area's rich heritage and its current and future endeavors.

Read individual stories on the enidnews.com site HERE

Links to Full Edition pdf format: Economic Development | Health & Wellness | Education | Northwest Oklahoma | Faith | Family | Agriculture & Energy | Community Service

Our Progress edition also is available as part of our digital newspaper. Learn more about the ENE e-edition HERE.

February 16, 2013 1 Photo 1 Link
A time to give
Bob Farrell volunteers for a number of organizations throughout Enid, a labor of love that began during his 25-year active duty Air Force career, at which time he rose to the rank of chief master sergeant.

April 13, 2013 2 Photos 1 Link
Growth spurt
The market normally opens the second Saturday of May, the week after Tri-State Music Festival. June 22 is the annual GreEnid promotion. Hours are 8-11 a.m. each Saturday during the season.

April 13, 2013 3 Photos 1 Link
A way to fund progress
Cherokee Strip Community Foundation was started in 1999 and began receiving funds in 2000. The initial funds were raised because of a challenge match from Sisters of Mercy, former owners of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, which started the match program as a way to help the community.

April 13, 2013 2 Photos 1 Link
'I love you Grandma warms my heart'
“I can tell Grandma one time, and she knows what the children need, grabs her stuff and goes and does it. It’s like having another teacher.” — Hoover Elementary teacher Nicole Moneypenny

April 13, 2013 1 Photo 1 Link
AMBUCS pride
“Enid is known as the AMBUCS capital of the world because there’s more AMBUCS in Enid per capita than any other city in the country." — Kent Clingenpeel, National AMBUCS president and Enid AM AMBUCS member

April 13, 2013 2 Photos 1 Link
'A beautiful thing'
“When we talk about developing professional airmen, our community involvement is a big part of it.” — Col. Darren James, commander of 71st Flying Training Wing

April 13, 2013 4 Photos 1 Link
Helping people overcome
Stepping Stones and Van’s House are housed at the same facility and are there to provide help for those who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.

April 13, 2013 1 Photo 1 Link
People making a difference
From vocational rehabilitation and homeless shelter services to community arts programs, a significant portion of Enid’s non-profit causes benefit directly when people shop at or donate to local thrift stores.

April 13, 2013 1 Photo 1 Link
Care to share
Junior Welfare League bought adjoining buildings downtown and has been operating Return Engagement from one of the buildings but hopes to expand the store throughout both buildings.

April 13, 2013 3 Photos 1 Link
More Progress 2013 Headlines

Progress 2013

Search Results

Related Photos

Related Links

Discussion

A foundation for learning

Groups supplement funding to meet needs in classrooms

Site Map

Contact Us