More Than $16,000 Will Support Safety Initiatives and Programs in 11 Schools
WATERTOWN — The Safe Schools Endeavor, in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, has awarded $16,237 in grants to 11 schools in Jefferson and Lewis counties for the 2019-2020 school year.
The Safe Schools Endeavor Fund steering committee received and reviewed 15 grant applications for programs that empower and support students, parents and faculty to create the safest schools possible in Jefferson and Lewis counties. This is the second year that grant awards have been made from the fund. Last year, the Safe Schools Endeavor awarded nearly $30,000 to 15 schools in the two counties.
“Each of these very worthy projects are only possible because of the businesses, groups, and individuals who gave generously to the Safe Schools Endeavor, knowing failure can only come from inaction,” said Erika Flint, steering committee chairwoman. “Seeing projects that have student participation and even one that is completely student-led at Thousand Island Central School is particularly satisfying and truly helps carry the mission of the Safe Schools Endeavor forward.”
Steering Committee student representative Anna Spaulding, Copenhagen High School, agreed.
“I love seeing our schools and students think outside the box to help keep our community safe,” said Steering Committee student representative Anna Spaulding, Copenhagen High School. “I enjoyed working with such an wonderful group and I look forward to seeing the end results of the projects.”
The Community Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved the following Safe Schools Endeavor grants:
- Augustinian Academy, Carthage, $1,725 to purchase security cameras and door barricades.
- Beaver River Central School, $1,725 to purchase a school “visitor management system.”
- Copenhagen Central School, $700 to fund the trauma training for school staff.
- General Brown Junior/Senior High School, Dexter, $2,000 to fund an “Emotion into Art” program.
- Lowville Academy and Central School, Lowville, $2,250, to fund the “Stop the Bleed” program.
- Sackets Harbor Central School District, $1,842, to purchase “Halo Units” to detect vaping/smoking.
- South Jefferson Middle School, Up to $650 to provide support for the “Sources of Strength” program.
- Thousand Islands High School, Up to $2,000 to fund creation of a “mindfulness room.”
- Watertown City Schools (Case Middle), $1,850 to fund the “Totally Vocally” program.
- Watertown City Schools (Sherman Street School), $895 to fund a “Leonardo Music” assembly.
- Watertown City Schools (Wiley Elementary School), Up to $600 to fund escape ladders.
“These diverse grants have the ability to make a difference in each school where they are being deployed. The participation from donors and schools remains strong,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “It affirms that this is something we must remain steadfast in our efforts to do what we can as long as we can to promote safe and healthy environments for our community’s most precious resources, our children.”
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Through strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the community. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.