The Lakeland Education Foundation was created, and it is our mission, to put money directly into the hands of the teachers so that they may provide a challenging, quality, and enriched education to all of the children who reside in Lakeland. The teachers are providing an education, and teaching the children skills, that will provide them opportunities and ensure their future success in school and in a career. It is their dedication and passion for teaching that will make a difference in the lives of Lakeland children for years to come.
Lakeland School System has been recognized as an Exemplary School District. Lakeland Elementary has been ranked number one in the state for TCAP achievement scores for grades 3-5 in Math and Reading / Language Arts for two years in a row. Lakeland’s amazing teachers are responsible for this achievement.
LEF is honored to be able to provide grants to teachers that they feel will enable them to do their job better, increase student engagement, and improve the educational experience and quality of education for the children in our community.
So, who received a grant and what did we fund this year?
This was the first year for LMPS teachers to submit grant requests, and we received a number of great requests for items for the library, music, STEM, and more. The LMPS grant request details are as follows:
- Tonya Miller requested a set of drums for music class. While she requested 1 set, LEF decided to fund two sets given the number of students.
- Stephen Stearnes received funds for a 3D printer and printing material. LEF provided additional funds to purchase excess printing material.
- Melissa Richarde, along with fellow 6th grade language arts teachers, submitted two grants for the purchase of novel sets for all 6th grade students.
- Erin Wallace tendered a request for a Q-ball to be used in her class.
- Danielle Walton, for all 5th grade LA teachers, for the purchase of Storyworks reading supplement.
- Alison Garland was given a grant for materials for Drama Club.
- Bethany Christy, LMPS librarian, was given funds for media for an audio book club.
Lakeland Elementary also submitted a few grant requests which were quite innovative.
- Lee Ann Kelly requested felt boards and storytelling material.
- Lorna Miller, along with all kindergarten teachers, made a request for Chromebooks so that their students can get acclimated to the technology initiative and they can use apps that reinforce math and reading skills.
- Kristen Nichols was thinking of the social aspect of the development of children when she requested funds for Buddy Benches.
LEF is proud to say that we were able to fund all the requests received for the 2017-2018 school year. We funded $16,569, which is in addition to the $8,621 that was provided to LMPS at the start of the school year for items for the athletic department.
LEF could not do this without the support of teachers, local businesses, and the entire community of Lakeland. We would like to thank all of those who have supported us, whether through a direct donation or through any of our fundraising initiatives. You have contributed to the success noted here; so, thank you!
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to LEF, perhaps for year-end tax planning purposes, please visit us at https://supportlakelandschools.org/donate-now/ . You can also check out our other fundraising initiatives at https://supportlakelandschools.org/fundraising/.
Congratulations again to all the 2017 Grant Recipients and thank you to all of our supporters for making this possible!