Foundation Presents Gift of $51,000 to LASD
L to R: Green Dragon Foundation Vice-President, Ann Sherpick, President, Brooks Gronlund, Executive Director, Ann Glock presenting $50,000 gift to LASD Superintendent, Dr. Mark DiRocco, and President, Kathy Swope.
Brooks Gronlund, president of the Green Dragon Foundation, presented a check in the amount of $51,000 to Dr. Mark DiRocco, superintendent of the Lewisburg Area School District, at the January 12 school board meeting.
“On behalf of the Green Dragon Foundation Board of Directors, and our 281 donors, I am delighted to make this gift to the Lewisburg Area School District,” Gronlund said. “This gift is the result of year-long fundraising efforts to benefit our students.”
In keeping with its mission to provide and direct funding for the realization of educational, cultural, and athletic programs and capital improvement projects for the enrichment and enhancement of the students of the Lewisburg Area School District, the Foundation presented this check in support of a variety of programs.
“Last year, we gave $118,864 to the district and this year, we are kicking off 2012 by making a gift of $51,000” Gronlund said. “We are committed to enhancing and enriching the academic, cultural and athletic experiences of all of our students. Throughout the coming year, the Foundation will continue its efforts to raise much-needed funding.”
Gronlund commented on the unusual gift amount. “Recently the Foundation’s Board of Directors created a ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’. Part of the award included a $1,000 gift to LASD for a Green Dragon Foundation program to be chosen by the award recipient. Karen Schatten-Lock received the award in December and has chosen the Performing and Visual Arts Program as the recipient of this gift.”
According to DiRocco, Foundation support will enable the district to enhance and enrich programs that would not otherwise be possible.
Kelly Elementary School will be getting an initial gift of $4,325 to implement the Inquiry-Based Science Program. Mr. Dustin Dalton, principal, states “A few year ago, the Pennsylvania Department of Education revised state standards for science and technology. Kelly teachers worked to rewrite the curriculum to meet and exceed the learning requirements of these new standards.” He continues, “The new curriculum incorporates a great deal of inquiry-based hands-on science activities. This funding will enable us to purchase science kits that will allow teachers to provide learning opportunities for our students that explore, hypothesize, question, predict and interpret information in a way that deepens the students understanding of the concepts presented.”
According to DiRocco, “Because of the Green Dragon Foundation, the district will be able to launch the Link Crew Program at the high school this fall.” He continues, “Link Crew is the most studied and researched single transition program in the country. Using juniors and seniors as leaders, Link Crew intentionally and structurally supports all freshmen. It helps to create a deep sense of belonging for freshmen students and develop strong leadership skills in upper classmen. The intended result will be improved school climate with a reduction in incidents of bullying and a decrease in drug and alcohol use.”
Special Needs and Student Support Programs will continue to receive funding from the Green Dragon Foundation. DiRocco states, “All students learn differently, and we must provide specially designed instruction to help children succeed in the classroom through a variety of support programs that meet individual needs,” He continues, “Programs such as At-Risk Counseling Services, Student Assistance Programs and others that support the specific individual circumstances that children face will be greatly enhanced with this support.”
The Foundation is making a big difference for student athletes at the Middle School. According to Ann Glock, Executive Director, “A donor approached us about wanting to outfit every middle school athlete with a new uniform. With reduced school funding, the school district is facing several years of deficits that will require reductions in spending in order to balance the budget. Our donor recognized this and generously stepped forward to purchase much needed uniforms. We are very grateful for their generosity and commitment to our students.” She continues, “Today, the Foundation is providing funding to purchase uniforms for boys’ basketball, boys’/girls’ soccer and field hockey. In the fall, boys’ football and girls’ basketball will be outfitted.”
Glock adds “Major gifts from Lawton Insurance, Swineford National Bank, Northumberland National Bank and Wood-Mode enabled programs to receive funding through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.” She concludes, “The Foundation is so grateful for all of our corporate and individual gifts.”
Individuals or businesses wishing to volunteer or donate can make an online gift on this site or call the Foundation’s office at (570) 522-8433.