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Thanks to your support of United Way, 11 community schools each received $2,318 which funded initiatives in the Spring 2022 academic semester. Community funded projects provide a valuable source of revenue so Community School Directors have a little extra discretionary income to add to their revenue pool for sustaining and adding additional enrichment and incentive programs as well as appreciation activities for both students and teachers. Here are just a few examples of your impact in action.

At Elk Valley, all students entering kindergarten through fifth grade received a grade-level readiness kit which contained a grade-level book, information on summer learning loss, pencil, crayons, glue stick, scissors, manipulatives as well as a grade level packet of work to complete over the summer.  Students who return their packet to the school office during the first week of school will receive an incentive. 650 students received packets. 

Perry utilized community funding to uplift and organize the community room space. The goal is to make the community room an inviting space for students and staff. Perry administration made note that the CS room had been relegated to a makeshift storage area during the CSD vacancy. Recently, the room has been rehabilitated and offers a welcoming atmosphere. The CS room has become a hub for the whole building to use during stressful times, as a hangout for students during the day and after school, a meeting place for families and as the #1 spot to get a good cup of coffee, tea or water!

Strong Vincent utilized funding to support a variety of school wide incentives and community projects. One project funded by community support is the new mural in the SV garden. In collaboration with Erie Arts & Culture and five students, a beautiful mural was painted on the wall in the SV Student Community Garden. To celebrate the completion of the project, a dinner in the garden was held to celebrate and acknowledge the student’s hard work. 

Diehl restarted what used to be the “Diehl Scholars” and transformed it to “Diehl Leaders.” This program gives nine fifth graders an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. They act as ambassadors, tutors and leaders. This funding allowed the school to purchase polo shirts and sweatshirts identifying the students as Diehl Leaders. This program provides students with a valuable opportunity to shine. In addition to this program, all 5th grade students received Move Up bags and welcome bags with incentives were given to families transferring into Diehl.