Educational Foundation of the Chesters

Mission Statement
Our mission is to enhance the quality and breadth of education in the Chester public schools by obtaining funding from a variety of sources to provide students, teachers, and administrators with opportunities to develop and maintain innovative programs that will enrich the learning experiences of all Chester students to encourage them to reach their fullest potential in a rapidly changing world.

The following are programs and examples of recipients as a result of funding:

Thank-a-Teacher

A program that allows families to recognize teachers with a tax-deductible donation in their name. Teachers use their money in anyway they choose to enhance their classrooms or teaching.

Dickerson, Bragg, BRMS:

o General classroom supplies (pencils, markers, crayons, dry easer boards, posters)

o Digital cameras

o Books to supplement/enhance classroom libraries

Angel Grants

Grants sought from interested families with students in that classroom, grade, or school and may be requested at any time.

o Clappers for the 2nd grade clap-off on the last day of school (Dickerson)

o Mosaic tiles for an art project (Bragg)

o “The Art of Ancient Egypt: a Resource for Educators” for social studies class (BRMS)

After School Programs

After school club which the Foundation will fund for the first year to help establish the program.

o Set design and costumes for 6^th grade Drama Club (BRMS)
o Running Club (Bragg)

How is Funding Received:

The Foundation actively participates in increasing and maintaining these or new funds to continue distributions. Through our various funding sources, we raised $44,000 in 2008-2009.

Two grant periods take place during each school year. In the Fall and the Spring, the Educational Foundation evaluates grant requests under $2500 from teachers and administrators. Also in the spring the Foundation considers grant applications requesting amounts in excess of $2500.