The purpose of the Denver schools’ foundation is to raise and manage funds in support of the district’s ambitious plan to improve student achievement. The Denver schools leadership develops the funding areas, and the foundation drives community investment and builds partnerships with local businesses. The price tag for improving student academic achievement is much higher than the available monies provided through annual city, state and federal funding.

     During the 2005-2006 school year, the foundation’s accomplishments show it to be a vital arm of the Denver schools’ scholastic achievement initiative. Here are the major highlights:

     • The foundation raised $750,000 to implement the first Principals’ Institute that was held in June 2006. Leadership training, designed to improve student achievement, was provided to 130 Denver schools’ principals, and new strategies were developed by the principals to transform their schools into effective learning organizations. The Denver schools principals will continue to be supported in their objectives in 2006-2007 by attending monthly professional development sessions that began in August.

     • The foundation raised $250,000 to implement DPS Success, which provides supplemental instruction in math and literacy to students in grades three through ten. During the 2005-2006 school year, 558 teachers provided extra tutoring instruction to approximately 8,400 students in 82 schools.

     • The School Partners Program was launched with $250,000 raised by the foundation. The program will create tailor-made partnerships between the Denver schools and Denver area businesses, raising even more support for the Denver schools initiatives in the future.

     • The A to Z Fund was developed to provide funding support for individual school programs and projects, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to access the same types of activities and further enrich the learning experience of Denver schools students. The goal is to raise $100,000 by December 2006, with the first funding cycle beginning in February 2007. Read the rest of this entry »