DEARBORN, Michigan – At the start of the 2012-13 school year Dearborn Education Foundation Executive Director, Eddie N. Fakhoury secured a $10,000 grant from PNC Bank’s Foundation. The money was dedicated to support pre-K programs in the Dearborn Public Schools.
Over the course of this school year several areas of the pre-K program have received support, for example the purchase of i-Pads and Alpha Friend Kits. Another important area that benefits from the grant is Professional Development for instructors.
In January, Dearborn was home to a state-wide pre-K development conference. Without this funding it would have been nearly impossible for instructors to attend and benefit from the information provided, even with the event being held right in their own backyard. However, the funding provided by PNC ensured that Dearborn’s pre-K teachers would be at the forefront of this Professional Development experience.
Here are just a few of the testimonials from those in the district who attended:
“Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated going to the Early Childhood Conference. It is always such an energizing experience to sit at the feet of professionals in our field and discover new ways to implement learning. In particular I enjoyed “Guiding Your Program Back To Play” and “Creating Opening Statements with A Focus On Curriculum Content”! Please be sure to express my thanks to PNC.” ~ Debbie Scott
“… we learned some new and interesting facts and ways to make our program more interesting and educational. It is always a pleasure to be a part of a group who have the same interest and passion for young children as we do. The session on “Teacher, he took my truck!” was excellent… Thank you again.” ~ Nancy McDonald
“The Friday morning ‘Back to Play’ seminar, put on by the Kent County ISD, was fabulous with lots of great ideas, research, and was such an affirmation of the teaching practices that I hold to be best for my young students. It is also so great to be able to network with other early childhood professionals. The MCECC provides an opportunity for us to recharge and renew our commitment to students and families. Thanks to you and PNC Bank for making it possible for all of us to attend the MCECC.” ~ Kathy Harrison
“Two very important things that I learned at the conference, and am already implementing, are the six steps in resolving conflicts and the four key ideas that lay the groundwork for a successful language-rich interactive classroom. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this conference and collaborate with my peers!” ~ Andrea McMahon
The Dearborn Education Foundation would like to take this opportunity to extend their gratitude to Minnie LaGrande, Vice President & Branch Manager of the Michigan/Outer Drive PNC Bank location who was instrumental in making this partnership happen.
Mrs. LaGrande is an active member of the community who believes in the teachers and students of Dearborn Public Schools, and is also a strong supporter of the Dearborn Education Foundation.
The Dearborn Education Foundation is a licensed 501c3 non-profit that provides grants to fund technology, equipment, and innovative programs for Dearborn Public Schools.