Avance Dallas-
\The Avance program will be provided at two schools to teach Spanish speaking mothers of young children about parenting and child development. The mothers will learn how to be the child’s first teacher. Evaluations have shown that the Avance program helps its participants in the following ways: children perform better in school, parents have a stronger bond with their child, and family well being is increased.
\ \HIPPY-
\The Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a home-based literacy program that academically prepares preschool children ages 3, 4, and 5 and encourages awareness within the parents of their potential to impact the education of their children. The HIPPY Program promotes parental involvement through family literacy activities that provide all children, particularly underprivileged children, a fair and equal opportunity to receive a high quality preschool experience.
\ \Earning by Learning-
\Each elementary school in Vickery Meadow has been provided this reading incentive program. When the child reads a book and passes a computerized comprehensive test, they receive $2.00. The program has been evaluated by Harvard University, where the study showed cash incentives significantly increased the frequency of reading.
\ \Reading is Fundamental-
\Lowe Elementary and McShan Elementary received funding to provide the RIF program. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States. They prepare and motivate children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. RIF provides new, free books for children to choose from and make their own.
\ \Tasby Middle School Incentive Trips-
\Fifty eighth grade students who show the most improvement are awarded with a trip to Memphis and Washington, D.C. Seventh graders enjoy a trip to Austin and San Antonio.
\ \Study Island-
\Tasby Middle School was provided the computer based program Study Island for math and science.
\ \Middle School Science-
\In an effort to boost the interest in science, workbooks were provided to the school and a family night of science was provided for parents.
\ \EAGLE Scholars-
\This program was created and funded by the Foundation and the SMU Annette Simmons School of Education and Human Development to encourage and facilitate first generation college students. Each year, sixth graders are chosen to attend a five-week summer program at SMU and at Tasby Middle School. The students continue to attend the program each summer to receive college preparation academic and enrichment opportunities through the twelfth grade. AMERICORPS provides funding for college students to work in the program as student leaders.
\ \High School Mentors-
\The Foundation recruited mentors for Conrad High School. Professionals visited with students during their lunch hours.
\ \Incentives-
\Target gift cards were given to the Conrad High School to be used as incentives for encouraging attendance on Saturdays to prepare for the TAKS tests. Additionally, gift cards are distributed to the students with the best attendance, the most improved, and the highest grade point averages. Laptops are given to the top two senior students.
\ \Advanced Placement Exams-
\Funds were given to Conrad High School to provide students the opportunity to take Advanced Placement Tests.
\ \Cool Communications-
\Five schools receive training for the students in social skills, conflict management, and character education through this fun and interactive program.
\ \Reasoning Minds-
\McShan Elementary is a pilot site for DISD of the Reasoning Minds program. RA is an engaging online community that develops students’ math knowledge and thinking skills. Funds from the Foundation helped to provide training for the teachers to provide RA.
'; arrfundingmenuContent[1] = 'Lee A. McShan Elementary School-
\McShan students must ride a bus to school. Funds are provided for an after school bus which allows students to stay after school for tutoring and sports. Additionally, funds were also provided for an intramural soccer program.
\ \Fine Arts Chamber Players-
\Lowe Elementary students receive the opportunity to learn to play stringed instruments and to perform in this nine-month program.
\ \Heart House-
\Heart House provides afterschool and summer enrichment programs for children in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood. Funds have been given to support operations during the school year and to provide transportation for field trips during the summer program.
\ \Boys and Girls Club-
\Funds were donated to help bring the Boys and Girls Club program into the Vickery Meadow neighborhood. Scholarships were provided so no child would be left out of the summer program.
\ \Slam Jammers-
\The Dallas Tennis Association provided an 11-week program to teach tennis. A Spring Tournament and celebration was held at the end of the program. A six-week summer program was also provided.
\ \After School for New Refugees-
\Catholic Charities and the Catholic Students of SMU have joined together to provide an afterschool program for newly arrived refugees. The program provides assistance in English and norms and customs of the US.
'; arrfundingmenuContent[2] = 'Dinamo Sports Soccer Camp-
\Professional soccer players provided a two-month camp in the neighborhood for older youth.
\ \Dallas Police Department PALS-
\Midnight basketball was provided each weekend of June and July for older youth.
\ \Send a Kid to Camp-
\In 2009, an extra staff person and two field trips were provided for this summer long City of Dallas day camp at Fair Oaks Park.
\ \Incoming Refugee Summer Camp-
\This program is a collaboration of Catholic Charities, DISD, and International Refugee Committee. The six-week program provided an opportunity for newly arrived refugee children to become acclimated to the school culture and begin to study English.
\ \Science Camps-
\Each summer the children of Lowe Elementary come back to school for science camp. The science teachers provide hands on science experiments which are fun, messy, and informative. Science becomes real to the 50 4th graders who participate.
\ \Summer Reading Program-
\Volunteers have worked together to provide an intensive program for students to practice reading skills in the summer. The Foundation provides funds for books, incentives, and other operating expenses.
'; arrfundingmenuContent[3] = 'Higher Education Scholarships-
\Sixteen students are attending college with scholarship help from the Foundation.
'; arrfundingmenuContent[4] = 'Vickery Meadow Learning Center-
\The Vickery Meadow Learning Center teaches English to adults. Funds are given to provide staff for the child development program which provides school readiness for the children of the adult students.
\ \Avance Dallas-
\The Avance program will be provided at two schools to teach Spanish speaking mothers of young children about parenting and child development. The mothers will learn how to be the child’s first teacher. Evaluations have shown that the Avance program helps its participants in the following ways: children perform better in school, parents have a stronger bond with their child, and family well being is increased.
\ \HIPPY-
\The Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a home-based literacy program that academically prepares preschool children ages 3, 4, and 5 and encourages awareness within the parents of their potential to impact the education of their children. The HIPPY Program promotes parental involvement through family literacy activities that provide all children, particularly underprivileged children, a fair and equal opportunity to receive a high quality preschool experience.
\ \Curtains Up On Literacy-
\This program is a collaboration between Dallas Children’s Theater and Vickery Meadow Learning Center. Literacy instruction is provided to both young children and parents through studying a book and then seeing it performed at the theater.
\ \Teens Teaching Tots-
\Teens receive training to provide early childhood education to children preparing to enter kindergarten. The youth teach the children using stories, games, and crafts. The children learn their numbers, colors, body parts, animals, and shapes in this 5 week summer program.
'; arrfundingmenuContent[5] = 'Mom’s Groups-
\To strengthen families, Mom’s Groups have been started to provide information, education, fellowship, and fun for mothers throughout the neighborhood. Involvement in these groups increases understanding of how to help their children succeed in school and also provides information on resources for children.
';