By Brigette Rambadt E.D.

Austin Public Education Foundation

The Austin Public Education Foundation is pleased to release their list of approved grants for the 2014-2015 school year.

Every March 1, Austin Public School teachers submit grant requests to enrich their students educational experience by introducing them to new technology, programs, artists and field trips, as well as updating educational supplies, musical instruments and sports equipment.

This year, Austin High School students will benefit from the $4,012.99 in awarded grants written by teachers Bradley Mariska, Jer Osgood, Kathy Sforza and Jake and Jens Levisens for band instruments, a wrestling mat, touch board tablet, camcorder and a mini sound system.

Banfield students benefit from the $2,339.93 in awarded grants written by teachers Sue Conway, Mandy Leopold, Devin Winter, Kim Zerke and Angela Schuster for a school garden, sound system, leveled reading and books on C.D.

Ellis students benefit from the $6,151.99 in awarded grants written by teachers Rod Pesch, Tim Davis and Josh McRae for a shoot-a-way basketball system, artist in residence and a computer for the boys’ basketball program.

I.J. Holton students benefit from the $4,680.39 in awarded grants written by teachers Jen Lloyd, David Wolff and Julie Clinefelter for Take Home Books, Lego League and HEAT Reading.

Neveln students benefit from the $6,528.73 in awarded grants written by teachers Marilyn Oswald, Tracy Garry, Pam Schwarz, Shelly Weinmann, Brad Reeser, Gina Swift, Wendy Kuisick, Gerilyn Vesel, Janene Lunning, Maria Mickelson, Erik Larock, Julie Nelson and Carissa Gabrielson for books and bags, Rubik’s Cubes, science program enhancement, reading and math improvement, reading books and SRA Reading Labs.

Southgate students will benefit from the $2,667.95 in awarded grants written by teachers Krystal Lennie, Cassie Larock, Ryan Timm, Lisa Deyo, Jer Osgood, Erin Shoen and Sherri Pike for an artist mural, math center materials and USB mice.

Sumner students will benefit from the $850 in awarded grants written by teacher Krystal Lennie for an artist mural.

Woodson students will benefit from the $2,000 in awarded grants written by teachers Alisha Galle and Jason Denzer for a greenhouse.

CLC and ECFE students will benefit from the $3,943.44 in awarded grants written by teachers Laura Beckel, Amy Goette, Dawn Hepler, Nancy Dolphin, Erin Haag, Amy Baskin and Brian Koser for Take Home Books, eight Kindle Fires, Readers Café-Summer Reading and an Intervention Reading Program.

The total amount awarded in grants this 2014-2015 school year by the Austin Public Education Foundation is $33,175.42.

Since its inception in 1990 the Foundation has graciously awarded well over $400,000 in grants to enhance the education provided by the Austin Public Schools.

Make a difference in the Austin Public Schools with a gift to the Austin Public Education Foundation by eating at the Austin Perkins Restaurant from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, for the “Austin Public Education Foundation Share Night” and 15 percent over the average will be donated to the foundation. Also by purchasing a “Floor on the Wall” plaque at Austin High School, sponsoring or participating in the Packer Classic Fundraiser this July 19-20, 2015, as an employee of Independent School District No. 492 through an employee deduction contribution, with a memorial donation, and through annual or planned giving.

Your donation is tax-deductible. Please contact the Austin Public Education Foundation by mail at P.O. Box 878, website link @austink12.mn.us or phone at 507-460-1938.