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Foundation for Excellence in Learning donates nearly $6,000 to Warwick school district

| 29 Apr 2015 | 03:09
    On Monday night, April 20, the Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning donated nearly $6,000 to the Warwick Valley School District. Beginning in the front row, pictured from left to right at the school board meeting are: Eilleen Gagliano, Shannon Hockswender, Erin Maxcy, Lynn Lillian, Vanessa Holland, Denise Ginley, Diane Rowe, Vikki Garby, Mini Grant recipients Linda DeVries and Polly Vanderkruik, and enrichment grant recipient Kim Brady. And in the back row: Robert Howe, School Superintendent Dr. David Leach, Keith Parsons, Sharon Davis, Dory Masefield, Kristine Burrows, Dave Eaton, Dan Davis, Dr. Stephen Grundfast, Pete Bauman, Keely Blaikner and Stacy Wilson.
    On Monday night, April 20, the Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning donated nearly $6,000 to the Warwick Valley School District. Beginning in the front row, pictured from left to right at the school board meeting are: Eilleen Gagliano, Shannon Hockswender, Erin Maxcy, Lynn Lillian, Vanessa Holland, Denise Ginley, Diane Rowe, Vikki Garby, Mini Grant recipients Linda DeVries and Polly Vanderkruik, and enrichment grant recipient Kim Brady. And in the back row: Robert Howe, School Superintendent Dr. David Leach, Keith Parsons, Sharon Davis, Dory Masefield, Kristine Burrows, Dave Eaton, Dan Davis, Dr. Stephen Grundfast, Pete Bauman, Keely Blaikner and Stacy Wilson.

WARWICK — The Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning recently donated nearly $6,000 to the Warwick Valley School District.

The not-for-profit education foundation was established two years ago by parents in response to the budget crisis in order to help supplement the school budget.

How the funds can be usedTeachers and staff from the Warwick Valley Central School District can apply for a mini-grant if they have an innovative idea that will improve the learning of students in the district.

The first WFEL mini-grant recipients were Linda DeVries and Polly Vanderkruik, the media specialists from Sanfordville and Park Avenue Elementary schools. They submitted the application together and combined they received a total of $2,400 to create the "One School, One Book" program in both schools.

The program, which was established this year at Park Ave by Principal Sandra Wood, is designed to create a shared reading experience at the elementary school level. A chapter book is chosen and every student receives a copy so that every family reads the same book over the course of a single month.

Teachers and staff can also apply for an enrichment grant if they need funds to run an after school club or enrichment activity.

The first WFEL Enrichment grant recipient was Kim Brady, who volunteers her time to run the Warwick Valley Middle School Mileage Club, an after school running club that promotes health, teamwork, cooperation and respect.

Under her leadership, the club's membership has increased from 40 to more than 100 students. Brady was awarded $1,385 to offset the cost of uniforms and supplies.

Leadership AcademyIn addition to the grants, WFEL donated $2,000 to the Board of Education for the creation of a Leadership Academy.

The Warwick Valley High School Leadership Academy is a project planned and funded through a joint effort by the school district and the Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning.

A group of almost 40 high school juniors will participate in the first phase of this program to be kicked off in May 2015 with activities continuing during the summer and into the 2015-16 school year.