Education Foundation awards GISD teachers $17,840 in grants

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After returning from the Thanksgiving break on Nov. 29, the Gonzales ISD Education Foundation met with staff to award $17,840 in grants to teachers at all five GISD campuses. Ten teachers or teacher teams were recognized for proposing innovative or alternative ways of teaching in early childhood development, classroom digitalization, vocational subjects and other areas.  

GISD Education Foundation president Garen Reese greeted Gonzales Elementary Principal Brandi Bell on Monday morning with a check. Reese was able to present grants at each school in the district. 

“This year’s application process was a rewarding experience from the board’s perspective, awarding grants at every school throughout the district! I am most excited to award grants of resources to vocational programs at the high school level. I believe the early learning of hands-on activities in fields students love as hobbies set them up for successful careers in life,” said Reese, adding, “whether they start by going to college first to enhance those skills or beginning in the workforce immediately following graduation. Knowledge is power and being able to provide additional resources to students from primary through secondary in our district to excel is a wonderful thing.”  

The Education Foundation has partnered with the community to find resources to support educational activities and programs that help enhance and inspire learning for students in Gonzales for the past 11 years. During that time, over $236,000 in grants have been awarded through fundraising efforts and events like “Casino Night.” The foundation’s goal is to improve educational programs in the district without raising taxes by involving community individuals, businesses and civic organizations.  

“The past year has proven difficult for all of us, and the Education Foundation was no exception,” said Education Foundation Vice President of Programs Erin Baker.

“We were unable to host our annual casino night, which is our biggest fundraiser and so we had to rely heavily on grants and local donations from supporters. It’s amazing that we were able to overcome those challenges and still award over $17,000 to ten teachers. Our grants support teacher needs that, in turn, directly support GISD students in all grade levels,” Baker explained. For ticket information for fundraising events, contact education.foundation@gonzalesisd.net. Information about sponsorships and additional ways to contribute can be requested at Gonzales ISD Education Foundation at P.O. Box 157, Gonzales, Texas. 

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