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Denver Public Schools Foundation Awards Nearly $60,000 in Grants to Schools

DENVER, Feb. 26, 2010 – The Denver Public Schools Foundation recently awarded $58,975 in grants to 48 schools in the district through the DPS Foundation’s “A to Z Fund.”

The A to Z Fund is a grant program for individual DPS schools that supports programs and activities that go beyond the schools’ limited budgets. The fund ensures that DPS students have equal opportunity to participate in enriching learning experiences. The DPS Foundation distributes A to Z Fund grants ranging in value from $250 to $2,000 twice per school year – in the fall and spring.

“The A to Z Fund gives DPS classrooms additional resources to ensure their students have access to enriching activities and learning opportunities,” said Kristin Heath Colon, president and CEO of the DPS Foundation. “With school budgets under more pressure than ever, these grants are especially helpful to schools as they seek funding for field trips, software, books, competition fees and much more. We are grateful that many generous donors contribute to our A to Z Fund to support our teachers and students.”

Some of the grants awarded will fund the following:

Percussion instruments for the Lincoln High School marching band
Field trips to the Children’s Museum, Denver Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion for students at Colfax Elementary
Books for a 4th-5th grade girls book club at Bryant-Webster Dual Language ECE-8 School
A field trip to the Keystone Science Center for homeless and low-income students at Lowry Elementary
Stoles, honor cords and achievement pins for the first graduating class at Martin Luther King Jr. Early College
Shin guards, jerseys and balls for an after-school soccer program at Maxwell Elementary
Reading and math nights for parents at Palmer Elementary, giving them strategies to help their children in these subjects
Trips to college campuses for students at Rishel Middle School
Materials for the community garden at Smith Renaissance School of the Arts
Materials for hands-on science activities at Swansea Elementary
Registration fees for DECA students at West High to participate in the state and national competitions

Additional funding is needed to respond to fall grant requests. Donations can be made to the A to Z Fund at www.dpsfoundation.org or by calling 720-423-3553.

About the Denver Public Schools Foundation
The DPS Foundation raises and manages funds in support of various programs that drive student achievement, including principal leadership development, resources for teachers and classrooms, and after-school tutoring and enrichment programs. Through strategic program investments and community leadership, we support Denver Public Schools in creating a district where outstanding educational achievements are the norm and all children have hope of a great future. For more information, visit www.dpsfoundation.org.

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Contact:

Denver Public Schools Foundation

Natalie Wilkins

Communications Director

nwilkins@dpsfoundation.org

720-423-3877