Twenty-three years ago, the Dinosaurs starting roaming the earth once again. This time they were in the form of school children, teachers, parents, friends, and community members. Their purpose was to raise money for the Tustin Public Schools Foundation in order to provide funds for the schools, programs, and supplies in the Tustin Unified School District. The Dinosaur Dash is the flagship fund-raising program for the Foundation held the first Sunday of November. Since its inception in 1991, it has grown from 750 participants to over 7,000 runners and bicyclists, and 500 volunteers. Superintendent Dr. Greg Franklin states, “The Dino Dash is an outstanding community event that does great things for Tustin Unified students and schools!” The mission of the Foundation is to mobilize the community and its resources to further excellence in Tustin public schools. And, it is through the sponsorship of many local large and small businesses and registrations that the Foundation has been able to give back to the schools over $3,000,000. Today the school district has grown from the 15 schools served in 1991 to 28 schools today. The programs and grants have increased each year, and funds are more important than ever in providing a quality education for our 24,000 students. Through its initiatives, the Foundation has focused on the following objectives: Classroom Grants---Once a year grants are awarded to help schools and teachers bring education alive and make it relevant to their students. Banking on Books---Financial support for supplementing all school libraries is provided annually. S.O.S. (Save Our Sports)---After-school sports is funded for all middle schools. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)---College tutors are supplied for middle and high school students in the AVID program. Go Green Grants---Funds are awarded to schools for gardens, recycling and environmental education. Summer Academy---A month-long program in the summer offers STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and a Fast Forward Program provides enrichment courses for incoming K through 5th graders. Equipment---Schools have been outfitted with microscopes, electronic devices, Smart Boards, and solar panels. Young Americans---A fine arts week-long camp provides instruction in singing, dancing, and stage presence with a culminating performance. Enrichment---The Foundation also supports instrumental music, science programs, field trips, assemblies, art contests, professional development, and teacher excellence. The Tustin Public Schools Foundation and the Dinosaur Dash depend on the generosity of businesses and community members to assist us with financial resources and manpower. Working together, we can ensure that every child in a Tustin public school has a quality educational experience. We hope you will join us at the Tustin Marketplace on Sunday, November 3rd! Diane and Gerry Aust (Our 23rd Dinosaur Dash)
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 18:44:06 +0000
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