The Hercules Education Foundation: Stepping Up for Hercules Students The Hercules Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) community organization whose purpose is to improve the educational experience of students by raising funds for classroom projects and special programs at Hercules public schools. Hercules parents direct all the activities of the Foundation. We care about our schools and know that our student success is based on parent involvement. The District can only do so much. It is up to the parents to step up and provide additional opportunities for their students. Created in 2008 during a period of recession and education budget cuts, HEF has provided an alternate source of funding for teachers to supplement their classroom needs and enhance our children’s learning experience. For example, HEF has funded classroom computers, calculators, tablets, document cameras, white boards, media players, books and materials, science equipment, garden projects, class trips, and career programs for Middle and High School students. For 2013-15, HEF issued 19 grants totaling over $8,000. Teachers apply for grants with a simple, one-page application. Chante Maxey and Jason Brumfield at Hanna Ranch requested intervention reading materials for their first grade classes. “We have seen how beneficial these materials are in assisting students in learning to read through our after school Reading Club. We currently use the Wilson Language Reading Program in our after school intervention and now we are fortunate enough to have the materials to use in our own classrooms.” Principal Aaronian at Lupine Hills requested funding 22 MARKETPLACEcontracosta.com march 2016 By Don Kuehne anD BoB ReDlo, DiRectoRs of hef to purchase academic planners for all 4th and 5th grade students. HEF awarded a matching grant for this important project. The planners help prepare young students with their organizational skills and prepare them for future responsibilities. HEF also encourages teachers to post projects on DonorsChoose.org, an online education charity, which enables them to reach more individual donors and corporate sponsors. HEF has contributed to selected Hercules projects on DonorsChoose to help them achieve their funding goals. For example, HEF supported two Ohlone Elementary School projects that benefited special needs students entitled “Help Students with Autism Learn Math Concepts” and “Sensor Breaks for Students with Autism.” Mr. Myers, teacher at Hercules High School, requested a vacuum pump and accessories to demonstrate scientific principles in his Physics classes. HEF made a generous donation which put this project over the top on DonorsChoose. Mr. Myers wrote, “My students were amazed by the three dramatic demonstrations your money made possible. There was lots of oohing and aahing, even from my more cynical students.” “The first demonstration involves removing air from a bell jar with a vacuum pump. When the air is gone, the bell stops ringing!” “The second demonstration involves removing air from a long transparent tube. Inside the tube are a coin and a feather. When the tube is inverted, the objects fall at the same time!” “The third, and best, demonstration involves placing a
Contra Costa Marketplace - March 2016
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