Friday, December 2nd, was an exciting day for many local teachers. The Claremore Public Schools Foundation was at it again, awarding over $30,000 to teachers to help equip them in educating Claremore’s future. A team of board members visited every school site -including the Robson Performing Arts Center, to deliver the great news. The Foundation received requests for 79 Kindle Fire tablets. Knowing those requests would not be fully funded, a request for donations of Kindle Fire tablets was made via Facebook. The community came together and 20 Kindle Fire Tablets were donated and were distributed during Grant Patrol.
Since its 1988 beginning, CPSF has given over $1.5 million to teachers and works vigorously to fulfill their mission, “to enrich the quality of education in the Claremore Public Schools.” Ruiel Doonkeen is one such teacher who was awarded a grant for his Digital Music and Technology class to purchase equipment. This class allows students to develop, create, record and present their own compositions. His class is one of five in the nation, most of which are at fine arts academies. After moving to Will Rogers Junior High, Michelle Rahn’s science classroom did not have the science equipment needed for hands on learning. She was awarded a grant to purchase science tables for her classroom.
“Education is crucial to the future of our community and the foundation proudly stands behind our schools,” said Crystal Campbell, CPSF Board member. As with every foundation, funding is what makes all of the incredible contributions possible. On February 4, CPSF will host its largest fundraiser, the annual Brainiac Brawl and Auction, a quiz-bowl event for adults. CPSF Partners sponsoring this event include BancFirst, CF Industries, Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center, Hillcrest Hospital – Claremore, Leadership Rogers County, Nees Realty, Pelco Structural LLC, The Print Shop, RCB Bank, Robson Properties, Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold, Bill & Phyllis Snyder, Taylor Foster Law Firm and Whataburger. Registration forms for Brainiac Brawl are now available on the Foundation’s website www.claremorepublicschoolsfoundation.org.
During these difficult economic times, the foundation is able to provide in many ways that the school budget doesn’t allow. Working together the Foundation and the community can insure a bright future for our youngest citizens and be a leader in education for the state of Oklahoma. For more information about the Foundation, contact Amy Evans at 918-923-4308 or email foundation@claremore.k12.ok.us.
