GISD Education Foundation rewards staff, recognizes partners
The Garland ISD Education Foundation started the giving season early, surprising dozens of staff members with grants and scholarships Dec. 2-3. The Prize Posse delivered more than $30,000 in grants and $4,500 in scholarships to teachers and paraprofessionals during its third event this year.
“I am so excited,” said Keeley Elementary School teacher and $1,600 grant recipient Carrie Clayton. “We are going to be using this on a program called Flocabulary. It is an internet-based learning site and it has hip hop and dance music. We use it mostly for multiplication facts, but it also offers nouns, verbs, adjectives and social studies [lessons].”
Like Clayton, several other teachers also received surprise cash for innovative programs and tools. Longtime GISD Education Foundation partner, Ecolab, awarded $50,000 to more than 30 staff members earlier this fall.
“We are so appreciative of Ecolab’s support, which is 29 years strong,” said Education Foundation President Lisa Cox. “We would not be able to sponsor our educators without strong community partners like them.”
Cox had another chance to thank Ecolab and other community partners at the Salute to Business and Education Luncheon event. Celebrating the vital collaboration between GISD and its the tri-cities, the affair honored outstanding businesses and teachers. Randal Reed’s Prestige Ford, the Texas Instruments Foundation, Ecolab and Baylor Medical Center at Garland each received awards and recognitions. In addition, GISD’s 2014-15 District Teachers of the Year, Samantha Patten and Marie Walker-Peterson, each received a $1,000 check for their commitment to students.
“All children in GISD deserve a quality education—that is the belief that drives everything the Education Foundation does,” Cox said. “Contributions made to the Foundation go directly back into the classroom.
We truly enjoy awarding funds and recognizing partners—these are the best parts of my job.”
For more information about the Garland ISD Education Foundation, visit its website.
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.