Kalkaska Area Educational Foundation awards over $14,000 to benefit KPS students

February 08, 2010

The Kalkaska Area Educational Foundation has awarded several monetary awards to benefit students of Kalkaska Public Schools.

This is the first time the Foundation has had the resources to dispense discretionary funds since its inception. The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization, with a supervisory board and a set of by-laws and articles of incorporation.

The Foundation sought written applications for funding from district staff members, with applications due on Feb. 1. The Foundation was able to award money for all of the applications, for a total of over $14,000.

The Foundation members recently made awards to:

High school science teacher Mr. Andy Urquhart, for the purchase and installation of a small windmill to be placed above the high school. The windmill will provide a learning tool for students to examine an alternative energy source as it will be an active windmill. Students will measure its data and determine its energy savings for the district. Contribution: $600.
The Blazer Band Boosters, to assist with the purchase of new band uniforms. The cost for just one uniform is approximately $450. The Boosters have raised a portion of the necessary funds, but the Foundation’s award will allow the uniforms to be ordered. Contribution: $5,000.
The Senior Parents Association, to help with the all-night senior party to be held on graduation night. This party provides a safe, fun event for graduating seniors. Contribution: $800.
Middle school teacher Mrs. Rae Anne Slone, for the purchase of Nystrom World Atlases. The seventh grade social studies students use these atlases for geography. Contribution: $559.
Birch Street Elementary School, for the purchase of a Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit bundle. The Wii will be used for physical activities for students, with a concentration in the development of motor skills and hand/eye coordination in young children. The Wii bundle has been shown to improve balance and visual skills in students with disabilities. Contribution: $350.
Birch Street Elementary School, for the purchase of sets of resistance bands for gross and fine motor activities. These are used not only for physical activity and engagement, but for reading and math. Contribution: $493.
Softball coach Mr. Rik Ponstein and Athletics, to assist with improvements to the junior varsity softball field. The softball program has completed several improvements to the field so future tournaments can take place locally. The donation will help fund a fencing project, to begin with construction of a backstop. Contribution: $5,000.
Birch Street Elementary School, for the purchase of a “Brain Pop Jr.” subscription for the 2010-2011 school year. The subscription will be used by the entire staff and student population. It is a multimedia program that is aligned to state curriculum standards in science, social studies, English, reading, math, arts, music, technology, and health. It supplements curriculum with engaging activities. Contribution: $725.
The high school Spanish program, for the purchase of “SpanishYabla.com.” Instructor Mrs. Mary Kuhlman will use the program to help students with listening and writing skills. The students will be able to control the rate of speaking in the program to better understand native speakers and the Spanish language. The clips include tests and games to help the students improve their skills. The program will be used following Spanish I. Contribution: $582.

The Foundation hopes to award grants annually. Voting members of the Foundation board include Mr. David Wolfe, Mr. Antonio Poli, Mr. Michael Babcock, Mrs. Kathy Ryckman, and Mr. Lyle Spalding. Superintendent Mr. Lee Sandy and Board of Education President Mr. Jim Peters are non-voting members of the Foundation.

Since the Foundation has non-profit, tax-exempt status, it is able to accept memorials and donations for student scholarships. For more information, contact any Foundation member or call Mr. Sandy at 231-258-9109.