2011/2012 Priorities List
STEM Initiative – This will center on Science, Technology, and Math. PASD is instituting a new initiative district wide to focus on these disciplines. This will be achieved through multiple building specific changes and programs.
PA Jr. Scientists Group – Allow students to participate in statewide competitions. Our financial goal for this program is $2,000.
Literacy for All – Connecting School to Community – Will be giving books to Mom’s when they leave the Phoenixville Hospital. In addition, Middle School students will be writing and publishing books that will be donated to CHOP. Hoping to expand program beyond the current K-Center and Middle School and encompass all buildings. Our financial goal is $2000 – $5000.
Activities Access Fund – The ultimate goal of this program is to have a large pool of money set aside to fund coaching and advisors for extra-curricular clubs, sports and activities and provide financial assistance for students in need to cover the pay to participate fees. Tighter school district budgets and less state funding are going to really put a pinch on these things. Annual costs are estimated at $10,000.
Music – Connecting the School to the Community – This ultimately will be raising funds for instruments for our district music programs. Administration envisions renting them out to students so they have a financial interest in keeping them safe. In addition, the rental costs collected would pay for repairs. Initial purchase would be funded through sponsorship or grant. Our financial goal is $5000 – $10,000.
Laptop Purchases – COW – Computers on Wheels – Phoenixville Area High School would have laptops available for daily sign out. The district is in the midst of opening their server so that all students can bring laptops to school every day. All work would be saved on district server, so no need for removable flashdrives. The COW program would house approximately 50 laptops in the library to be signed out by students on a daily basis. The initial purchase of the laptops and operating systems need to be funded. The operating system could be either Windows or Apple, they both will work. Our financial goal is $75,000 – $100,000.
Alumni Relations – This will be a real area of expansion for PASD in the next few years. Possibly Alumni Societies across the state or across the country might have grants to help districts tap into this excellent funding resource.
Expansion of the Arts Programs – This would not only include the band we discussed earlier but also a theater arts and choir program. We are looking for any funding to support the arts. Our financial goal is $1000 – $5000.
A Weekend Food Program – Many of our students are on free or reduced lunch. This program makes a huge difference in the lives of these students. Several church groups in our district are interested in starting a program that gives these same students backpacks full of food for the weekends. We know these kids have access to food Monday through Friday during the school year, but we would like to help on weekends and in the summer.
Senior Tax Relief Program – We need some funding to offset tax revenue loss. PASD is hoping to offer senior citizens in our district the opportunity to volunteer in our buildings in lieu of paying school taxes. However, the lost revenue from such a program will have to be made up elsewhere.
Helping All Students Succeed – This will be an expansion of our current college/career counseling. This program will start with 6th graders and help them navigate the confusing process of choosing a future goal and how best to get there. The biggest dollar need for this program will be professional development of counselors in both Phoenixville Area Middle School and Phoenixville Area High School. Financial Goal to start program: $10,000.
Summer Remediation – This is always a need in our district. The summer program is called Stepping Up. It has three components: K-1, 2-5 and 6-8 grades. Any funding to continue these remediation efforts is always needed. Financial Goal of $40,000.
After School Tutoring Programs – PCEF helps to provide funding for after school tutors at the elementary and middle schools.
Destinations With Direction – Destinations with Direction is a program designed to increase awareness and motivate high potential, economically disadvantaged students to pursue opportunities in higher education. The selected students for DWD annually receive additional supports including extended school day counseling, college mentors, tutors, and college tours. Approximately $25,000.
Pack A Backpack – This is PCEF’s flagship program. We support over 500 backpacks each year in the PASD. These backpacks are grade appropriate and are given out to students in all school buildings that qualify. They are identified either though free and reduced lunch programs, or recommended by building staff or administration. This is under $3,000 per year.
The Youth & Philanthropy Program – Through a generous, annual grant from the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation the Youth & Philanthropy programs at the Phoenixville Area High School and the Phoenixville Area Middle School helps to raise student achievement by empowering students to work in a youth-run “Board of Trustees” setting. Students design their own learning/giving situation within the framework of community health and implement a most ambitious plan to help expose and prevent a problem in our community.
Computer & Technology Fair Sponsorship - During the annual Computer & Technology Fair, student projects are submitted under the following 8 categories: Animation; Computer Fair Logo; Curriculum-Based Web Page Design; Digital Movie; Graphic Design; Information-Based Web Page Design; Multimedia Presentations; and Text-Based Desktop Publishing. PCEF is the proud sponsor of the County-wide competition.
KARE (Kids and Retired Educators) After School - A program where retired school teachers can return to the classroom and volunteer their time to work with students in a meaningful way.
Mini Grants to Teachers – The PCEF allots approximately $7000 annually to support innovative classroom activities from all levels of education that include funding for The Stock Market Game for over 200 students, field trip expenses, iPads and Apple TV’s for math teachers, elementary school drama club, TATU, and RIF books to name just a few.
The Robotics Club - An after school program for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in engineering or the sciences. The team competes throughout the state and was named the State Alliance Champions during the 2009/10 school year and subsequently honored by the House of Representatives. The club is looking to expand into the middle school and elementary school through a mentoring program with the high school club members.
Scholarships to Graduating Seniors – Four Phoenixville college-bound seniors receive a $2,000 scholarship award annually upon graduation from high school.
PASD Special Requests – PCEF also funds requests for School District faculty and administration. Such requests have included Netbooks and a cart at PAMS, remedial software at PAMS, testing software at the elementary level, textbooks for the high school, etc.
Wall of Fame Sponsor – The Wall of Fame is an annual event at the high school where community members are honored for their long-term commitment to the PASD.
Follow Us!