Last week, the Lakeland Education Foundation (LEF) awarded a $20,000 grant to several Lakeland School System teachers. Funds to support the foundation were primarily generated through Brick Sales, a regular fundraiser launched earlier this year.

This is the 9th year the LEF has existed and the 8th year since grants have been issued to applicant teachers. 2021 was the first year in which all grants could not be fulfilled due to the volume and total amount requested. To better meet the demands of teachers, LEF has now developed a ‘Wish List’ opportunity to raise funds specifically for grants that LEF has not been able to fulfill. Visit LEF’s social media to learn how you can support these wishes.

2022 LEF Grant Recipients:

Les
Manipulation makes mathematics meaningful – Kimberly Munafo
STEAM Program (MAPS Class) – Karyne Cross

LPS (5-8)
Dig deeper into what you learn with deck toys – Jenny Kilpatrick
Good B-Assist D-eserve F-unding A-always! – Paula Turner

Junior Solar Sprint Competition & Lions Reach New Heights! – Nick Sweeney

LPS (9)

French Literacy Program – Maria Scoggins
Early Investment in High School Robotics – Nick Sweeney
LPS Theater Company Scene Shop Table Saw – Jeff White

Members of the LEF Board of Directors see this school support organization as a bridge between the community and the school system. The items, training, and software provided by the grant will help Lakeland students beyond their budget. LEF is a 501(3)c foundation that can raise support and funds from businesses and individuals who live in Lakeland or own a business in Lakeland but do not necessarily have students in school. I can do it. Her LEF president, Amy Foster, is outspoken about the challenges Lakeland faces as the district grows. “We need to grow our donor base. Lakeland alumni have started to grow, so we want to offer scholarships and need community support to reach our goals.” Amy said in 2019 He has been president of the LEF since 2008, and Bill Kiesel will step forward in January to fill the role of former president. Bill has been on the Board for over a year now, serves as Vice President of the LEF, and also leads the Lions Guard (formerly known as Watchdog Dads) and the local Cub Scout Troop.

The benefits of LEF grants over the years can still be seen in many classrooms. Her LES principal Joretha Lockhart spoke at the award ceremony, thanking the LEF and saying that for many years Lakeland Elementary was the only school in Lakeland, so the only beneficiaries of LEF grants are the teachers there. said. She says she’s still happy it’s included in the distribution and knows teachers appreciate it. , there are mathematics operations that have influenced student learning over time.

2nd grade teacher Kim Munafo is one of the teachers who created the 2022 grant “Making Math Meaningful with Manipulation” for all 2nd graders awarded last week. “We humbly accept this gift and are anxious to receive the materials and use them to develop our understanding of learning. I was thrilled to hear that you really care about the learning that takes place in. Teaching students using operational methods helps them build a strong foundation in mathematics.”

Now, LEF is introducing an all-new “Festival of Lights” fundraiser that encourages community engagement and healthy competition. To participate, individuals and businesses must sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/K41LrUgjz9 Make a $25 donation today to cover the cost of signing. Yard signs with voting QR codes will be distributed to contestants this week. Signs must be posted 5 feet away from curbs or sidewalks and remain visible throughout the contest. Voting will run from 11/20/22 to 12/24/22 and the winner will be announced by 12/26/22. Satisfy your inner Clark Griswold, support LEF and sign up today!

2022 LEF Board of Directors:

Amy Foster – President
Bill Kiesel – Vice President (President-Elect)
Steve Luster – Treasurer
Ursula Roman – Secretary
Joyce Wright – Director
Jackie Livesay – Director
Irene Gatere – Board Member
Michelle Filsinger – LES Representative
Rick Stearns – LPS President
Jeremy Burnett – School Board Liaison

Follow LEF on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/supportlakelandschools
IG: @lakelandeducationfoundation
Visit: www.supportlakelandschools.org
Email: lakelandeducationfoundation@gmail.com
Brick Sales (ongoing): Brick Sales