The Demopolis City Schools Foundation has launched its 2017 membership campaign, giving individuals and businesses the opportunity to play a role in classroom grants that provide important and unique learning experiences for students.

There are various levels of membership based on the amount donated. Those funds make a direct impact in local classrooms through grants.

“The classroom grants program of the Demopolis City Schools Foundation supports innovative ideas from teachers to transform our student’s classroom experiences – making Demopolis an exceptional school system,” said DCSF Director Amanda Barnes.

According to the DCSF, because of the grants awarded by the foundation in 2016:

• Every child at US Jones learned computer programming;

• 72 speech students had access to iPads that enhanced therapy sessions;

• Every school library received new books;

• 181 students learned to play chess;

• Every second grade classroom is part of the Lego Education program for reading and science;

• 75 students joined math teams;

• Almost $5,000 was invested in the arts programs at Westside and US Jones.

“Every year, educators in our system can count on the classroom grants program to help make their ideas a reality,” Barnes said. “In the past five years alone, the foundation has invested over $100,000 in classroom technology — iPads, Chromebooks, and other tablets. This past school year, the foundation invested $60,000 in grants supporting science and math, libraries, communication, and enrichment opportunities. Classroom grants made by the Demopolis City Schools Foundation are clear proof that private charitable support makes the difference between an adequate education and an excellent one. Working together, Demopolis can continue to have a successful community school system that prepares all our children for the 21st Century.”

The grants are only possible through the support of those who become members of the foundation. Currently, there are over 100 individuals and businesses that are confirmed members.

“For as little as $30 you really can make a difference in the classrooms of Demopolis,” said Kim Townsend, chairman of the DCSF membership committee. 

This year, the foundation’s goal is to raise $60,000 in memberships to continue to fund innovative ideas from teachers and support their efforts to give our children a world-class education.

To give to the DCSF and become a member, a gift can be given on-line at the foundation’s updated website, www.demopolis.org, or mail your membership to PO Box 1338, Demopolis, AL 36732.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, July 19, print edition of the Demopolis Times.)