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By Laura Berend

As the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools (FLS) embarks on its 5th year, it continues to be a powerful source of support to the Lovejoy Independent School District. Record-setting fundraising in 2008 has enabled FLS to award its largest grant total yet—$115,000.

The 2008-2009 FLS board, now up to 23 hard-working members, has set an even higher goal for this year’s fundraising. As always, the grants are funded through a district-wide process we call "Invest in Excellence." The process is designed to make sure that all Lovejoy teachers have the opportunity and assistance to apply for grants, that funding is equitable across campuses and programs, that grant projects can be replicated and sustained, and that funded projects support long-term district goals.

The Invest in Excellence process will determine the teachers’ grants for this year. In addition, FLS has identified two projects to complete this year. One is a donor recognition wall. The wall, which is expected to be installed by July 2009, will recognize donors who make gifts of $10,000 or more. The second major FLS project is to finish planning and begin acquiring grant money for an Outdoor Learning Area at Lovejoy High School. The Outdoor Learning Center has been a dream of many parents and educators in the district for several years, and the high school has the perfect natural area for it, with woods surrounding a small creek. The Foundation committed funds to begin the planning process and PBK Architects is generously donating its design services.

With $115,000 allocated, the list of funded grants this year is long. Here are just a few examples.

My Access! Online Writing Tool (Grades 6-11 - $30,000)—A tool used by secondary students to practice writing and receive immediate feedback, in addition to the instruction provided by teachers.

Literacy Library Books (Grades K-3 - $15,000)—Funding to complete all three elementary libraries of "leveled" books, which assist teachers in guided reading instruction.

Achieve 3000 Reading Program (Grades 5-6 - $11,000)—A web-based program that will be used to help students increase their ability to read and understand non-fiction. It has both a reading and writing component.

Science Lab Enhancements (Grades K-5 - $10,000)—Enhancements to the science labs in all three Lovejoy elementary schools.

None of this year’s projects would be possible without the generosity of our FLS contributors, which include members, parents, residents and local businesses, as well as the proceeds from FLS’ two annual fundraising events—the Annual Appeal in the fall and the Denim & Diamonds Auction and Gala in the spring. FLS President Vicki Deerman said, "I am so proud to serve with such an outstanding group of dedicated board members, parents, community volunteers and businesses. As we continue to strive to reach our goal of raising $500 for every student enrolled in Lovejoy ISD, let me graciously thank all of you committed to our mission."

Gifts to the Annual Appeal can be made at every imaginable level. No gift is too large or too small. Gifts may be given in someone’s honor or memory and additionally may be given "passionately" to a help fund a certain district project or program, such as the "Learning at Lovejoy" summer institute for teachers. The 2008-09 Annual Appeal will officially kick-off in late November.

The annual Denim & Diamonds Auction and Gala will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Plano Centre. FLS is extremely blessed to have Pennie Beauchamp and Kelli Litchenburg co-chair this event for the second year in a row. Kelli Litchenburg said, "After the enormously successful Auction & Gala in 2008, which netted $120,000, we cannot help but be excited about the continued community building and fundraising possibilities for our 2009 Denim & Diamonds, themed ‘Rock ‘n Rodeo’." The FLS is pleased to announce that PBK Architects has already committed to be this year’s Presenting Sponsor. Plans are well underway, and the FLS website will be kept updated with all the latest developments, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. The popular online auction is expected to begin in April.

It’s apparent that the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools continues to be an ever-increasingly strong source of support for all teachers and students within LISD. President Vicki Deerman and all the FLS board members would like to say, "If you have volunteered, contributed, or attended an FLS event at any time in its history, we thank you for your valued support!"

For complete grant information or for more information and details on how to contribute, please visit the Foundation’s website, www. foundationforlovejoyschools.org