NEWS RELEASE

After the COVID-19 pandemic limited what the Danville Schools Education Foundation and Alumni Association could do, the organization is finding its footing again, continuing to offer grants for teachers and looking to expand its board and opportunities for students.

Secretary Gail Wright explained that the purpose of the organization is to support and enhance student opportunities in three main areas: the arts, STEM and technology, and enrichment opportunities for field trips and other activities. The organization also provides a scholarship to a Danville High School senior each year.

Robertson said a few events the organization has worked on in the past include an annual Dancing with the Danville Stars event, which consisted of pairs dancing together, representing each school. Money raised went to the schools and the organization, and in turn to the DSEFAA scholarship fund and other projects.

A few other projects the DSEFAA has contributed to in the past include the Heritage Area Strings Program, sponsoring swimming lessons for second graders at McDowell Wellness Center, and several field trips and enrichment programs for different grade levels.

Wright and Treasurer Loudetta Robertson outlined a few things the organization is working on now and that the community can help with:

Grants for educators

Yearly, the DSEFAA offers grant opportunities to educators within the Danville Independent School District. 2022-2023 grant applications are now open, with the deadline of Monday, Jan. 16 at noon. Information about how to apply is available at givedanville.org/grant-opportunities.

Wright said a project that sticks out to her that came from one of these grants is that one year, a special education teacher at John W. Bate Middle School received a grant for small kitchen appliances so her students could learn life skills. She said a lot of Edna L. Toliver Intermediate School’s technology, like cameras and other equipment, was also provided through grants.

Donations

The DSEFAA is always accepting donations. Visit givedanville.org/give to learn how to donate.

Robertson said it’s important for the community to support students so they can go on field trips and have other opportunities.

“If we don’t provide, or somebody doesn’t provide those trips, some of these kids would probably never be able to leave Danville,” she said.

Wright said, “It is a way for people to donate money for very carefully-vetted, carefully-considered opportunities for children.”

Becoming a board member

The DSEFAA is currently looking to expand its board. Anyone with an interest in the Danville Schools and making the district more successful and enriching to students is encouraged to apply. One exception is that current DISD staff can be board members but cannot act as voting members. Retired staff, however, can act as voting members.

Expanding the DSEFAA Alumni database

The DSEFAA is working on rejuvenating its alumni database. If you are a graduate of the DISD, you can update your information at givedanville.org/alumni-update.