The DPS Foundation raises and manages funds in support of the school district’s ambitious education reform plan – The Denver Plan (released in November 2005) – to improve the academic achievement of Denver students. Working closely with district leadership, the Foundation supports key initiatives and programs aligned with the priorities identified in this plan including:
• New Elementary School Science Program – supports the implementation of a new district-wide science program for elementary school students in grades 1-5. This program is a hands-on, inquiry-based model in which students explore science concepts by engaging in collaborative activities. For the first time, there will be a common curriculum for science education across all DPS elementary schools.
• DPS Success – provides supplemental instruction in math and literacy to students in grades 3 through 10.
• Principal Professional Development – develops the instructional leadership abilities of all DPS principals and assistant principals through comprehensive year-round training and mentorship programs.
• Lights On After School – advances quality after-school programs for DPS elementary and middle school students in partnership with the City and County of Denver and Mile High United Way. Students get to choose from a wide-range of academic and enrichment activities, including music, chess clubs, sports, tutoring, computer, theater, art, and more.
• A to Z Fund – awards grants to individual schools to support programs that further enrich the learning experiences of DPS students. In its first year, the A to Z Fund has supported field trips, educational programs, and academic competitions.
• School Partners Program (sponsored by The Daniels Fund and Qwest) – creates tailor-made partnerships between DPS schools and local businesses. In the program’s pilot year, 20 schools are receiving services from more than 30 businesses in the form of volunteer support, in-kind contributions, and/or financial resources.
• Manual High School Transition & Renewal Projects – provides support for reassigned Manual students to help them transition successfully to their new schools, and supports preparations for re-opening Manual in fall 2007.
By supporting these initiatives, our goal is to help make DPS the best big-city school district in the nation.
How can you help?
We are pleased that we can offer so many different ways to invest and get involved in our schools – whether it is through a company donation, individual gift, corporate advertising package, foundation grant, or volunteer opportunity.
KOOL 105 listeners may be particularly interested in the School Partners Program which provides an easy and convenient way for local businesses and community organizations to support DPS schools with resources that many would not have otherwise.
School requests vary in size and capacity and range anywhere from needing:
• mentors and tutors
• basic school supplies
• technological donations
• sponsoring a special event or activity
• assisting with marketing campaigns
• providing apprenticeships
• and much, much more!
Businesses determine how best to meet these requests based on what resources and capabilities they have available.
No contribution is too big or small to make a positive impact on our schools and our students. Your participation shows our children that their community – from parents and teachers to businesses and organizations – is invested and dedicated in their academic and personal success.
In addition to the 20 schools participating in the program this year, we are adding 20 more schools for the 2007-08 school year. All of them need partners!
Contact
For more extensive information on the School Partners Program including a complete list of participating schools and partners, resources & tool kits for volunteers, and helpful tips on how to create a successful school partnership, visit www.denverspp.org or contact Karla Raines with Corona Research (a local consulting firm who is helping the DPS Foundation manage the program) at 303.894.8246 or karla@coronaresearch.com.
For more information on the DPS Foundation and its other funding initiatives, visit www.dpsfoundation.org or contact Mary Spillane, vice president of development, at 720.423.3897 or mspillane@dpsfoundation.org
KOOL Cause of the Month Partners with the Daniels Fund:
KOOL 105 is proud to partner with the Daniels Fund for Cause of the Month. Philanthropist Bill Daniels loved America and believed each of us has a duty to offer help and hope to others. He established the Daniels Fund in 1997 to support programs that encourage personal responsibility and achievement. When Bill died in the year 2000, the bulk of his estate transferred to Daniels Fund, making it the largest foundation in the Rocky Mountain Region.
In the Fund's articles of incorporation, Bill directed the foundation to concentrate its efforts in two primary areas: College Scholarships and Community Support, including programs designed to help the homeless, physically handicapped and elderly individuals, as well as those suffering from substance abuse and mental handicaps.
For more information on the programs available through the Daniels Fund, just click here!
