The Lake Orion Education Foundation recently awarded nearly $6,600 in mini-grants for projects in Lake Orion Schools, and plans to award the next round in May.
LOEF president Michael Palmer said the foundation received 13 grant applications, awarding 11.
These are the first grant awards since the LOEF was ‘reinvigorated? last spring.
The grants were awarded on Jan. 9.
‘These were based on our fundraising efforts from last fall,? Palmer said. ‘We are hoping to do two rounds every year, and the deadline to apply for the next round is April 3.?
Any teachers or administrators from Lake Orion Schools are welcome to apply. Applications are available on the school district’s website.
This first round of grants provided funding for programs in eight schools, and the Community Education Resource Center.
Included are: Science Olympiad and Robot Ramble at Lake Orion High School, art exhibit display system at Oakview Middle School, intentional guidance for at-risk students at Scripps Middle School, and Waldon Pond at Waldon Middle School.
Also receiving funds were: Cooking with special needs students at Blanche Sims Elementary, ‘Walk in Success? Career Focus Education at Pine Tree Elementary, electric guitars for after school club and music program at Pine Tree, and ‘Read with Me? send home book bags at Pine Tree.
Also receiving grant awards: Improving reading and processing skills at Stadium Drive Elementary, daily cumulative review math materials at Webber Elementary, and ‘Around the World Celebration? ESL project at the CERC.
‘This is a great first start,? Palmer said. ‘Our next fundraiser will be March 25, we are hoping to do 2-3 fundraisers a year.?
The March 25 event will be held at Palazzo di Bocce on Lapeer Road, 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $50.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact LOEF trustee Matt Phillips at (248) 505-8862.
The LOEF’s goal is to raise funds to support opportunities for encouraging students to achieve, and to promote educational excellence.
Although the group has been around for 15 years, they were dormant for 4-5 years, according to Palmer.
‘Trustees were elected in December, and everyone will serve two-year terms,? he said.
On the LOEF board are, besides Palmer and Phillips, vice president Steve Appledorn, treasurer Norm McKee, secretary D’Arcy Gonzales, and trustee Diane Dunaskiss.
Anyone wishing to volunteer with the LOEF is invited to attend their meetings, held the first Monday of every month (except July), at the CERC at 7 p.m.