The Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation has awarded grants to six Prince William County Public Schools and departments.  The Education Foundation was founded in 1989 by members of the business community to support public education.  Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $275,000 to innovative projects and programs within Prince William County Schools. 

Coles Elementary School received $1,200 to start a “Read With ME!” program.  Shirlee Teets, reading specialist, wrote the grant proposal.  This program will provide instruction and materials to help parents and their preschoolers learn about the joys of books and reading.  

Sinclair Elementary School was awarded $5,171.40 for “Help Us Learn, Por Favor,” a reading program for fourth grade students who qualify for remediation in social studies and science.  Elizabeth Delmore, reading specialist, wrote the grant proposal.

Neabsco Elementary School received a $1,119 grant to develop “Bring Families Together to Learn Basic Computer Technology,” a basic technology program for parents who have no experience with computers.  Linda Trexler, Principal, and Anne Gariano, Instructional Support Team Member, submitted the grant.  

Forest Park High School received $2,000 to expand the “iT Connect,” an educational forum connecting students and their families, educators and the information technology world at work program.  Chuck Drake, program coordinator, wrote the proposal.

Parkside Middle School was awarded $500 for “Practice Makes Perfect,” a program that will provide eighth grade students with practice and exposure to tests similar to SOL tests. Catherine Porter, social studies teacher, and Tamara Zimmerman, science teacher, submitted the proposal. 

The Personnel Department received $2,000 in support of the Preferred Candidate’s Program. This program will expand the efforts to recruit and retain quality staff by providing school tours, mini-workshop sessions and interviews with principals.  Darlene Faltz, Supervisor of Recruitment and Retention Programs, submitted the grant proposal.  

For more information about the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation, contact Michelle Wickham at 703-365-9209.