The Vandalia-Butler Foundation will award a record-breaking $31,314 in educational grants this year for innovative classroom initiatives in the Vandalia-Butler City Schools.
The grants support more than a dozen initiatives, including band instruments, advanced computers, communication devices to assist with speech development, books, maps and La Comedia theatre tickets for sparking the imagination and creativity of young people.
The majority of this funding comes from VISIONS: An Eye for the Future Fund, with substantial contributions from the Arts Revitalizing Team (ART) Fund Endowment, Mary Ann Wietzel (“What’s In It For Kids?”) Endowment and the Vandalia-Butler Alumni Association. Local businesses and individuals stepped forward with significant gifts, too.
“These grants are transforming the educational experience for hundreds of children,” said Denise Eder, chair of the Vandalia-Butler Foundation’s education committee. “They are increasing access to technology, enriching the arts and supporting students with special needs. We are deeply thankful to all the families, businesses and individuals who have generously contributed to the VISIONS fund over the past year.”
Here are the awards:
- $14,987 to Butler High School — $6,600 for a laser engraver for the industrial technology program; $4,991 for computers for the art department’s computer lab; $1,800 for cookware for cooking classes; $1,000 for an iPad to allow a teacher’s interactive class notes to be displayed on the classroom’s whiteboard; and $596 for flexible seating, lights and exercise balls for a resource classroom.
- $6,500 to Helke Early Learning Center — $4,500 for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices to support speech and language development and $2,000 for new books for a teacher resource library to support early learning and literacy.
- $3,263 to Smith Intermediate School — $2,540 for maps for third-grade social studies classes and $723 for an ADA-accessible funnel ball playground hoop.
- $3,538 to Morton Middle School — $2,000 for glow-in-the-dark games and activities in physical education classes and $1,538 for band instruments and supplies.
- $3,026 to Demmitt Elementary School — $1,500 for books for a book vending machine to reward students for positive behavior; $1,226 for La Comedia theatre tickets for students; and $300 for children’s books that illustrate differences, inclusion and acceptance.
Since 2002, nearly $300,000 has been granted or committed to support learning opportunities for students in the district.
“An incredible group of community leaders has worked tirelessly to raise both awareness and the necessary funds to support our district’s classroom teachers. I am especially grateful to Greg Toman, the committee’s former chair, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes coordination have been instrumental in driving our fundraising momentum,” Eder said.
For those wishing to make a contribution to the VISIONS Fund, tax-deductible donations can be mailed to VISIONS Fund, c/o The Dayton Foundation, 1401 S. Main St., Suite 100, Dayton, OH 45409-2600. To make an online donation, visit vandalia-butlerfoundation.org/visions.