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ABOUT
FAQ
WHO
CONTACT
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Blue Valley Educational Foundation
help students and schools in the district?
- The Foundation has provided more than $1.6 million in grants
and special programs to teachers and schools since 1992.
- We award $2500 grants to the elementary and secondary
Kansas Teachers of the Year to use on projects or programs in their
schools.
- The Foundation provides $1,000 every year for the purchase
of ACT/SAT preparation materials.
- We support non-alcoholic After
Prom and Project Graduation events each spring.
My child’s school has never
received a grant from the Foundation. How has the Foundation helped my
child?
Every teacher in the district can apply for a grant from the Foundation. In an effort to provide benefits to all
students in the district, we have funded several district-wide grants: BVEF District-wide Projects funded thru 07-08
My school’s PTA/PTO/Booster
Club gives more money to my child’s school than the Foundation does.
Why should I give to the Foundation, too?
Parent groups provide a great deal of financial and volunteer support
to each of the schools. BVEF works to support needs of individual schools and to support district-wide programs. You might think of parent
groups as focusing on the needs of students in a particular school, while
the Foundation focuses on the needs of all students in the district - we are the "Booster Club" for the school district.
I pay high taxes because I live in
Blue Valley. I know some of my money goes to the school district. Why
should I give more money to the Foundation?
You’re correct in saying that some of your tax money goes to the
school district. In fact, the Foundation was created in response to changes
in tax-based support for public education. The changes that have been
made mean that our residents’ ability to directly support the Blue
Valley School District is lessened because much of the Blue Valley tax
money goes to other school districts. The Foundation was created to help
supplement the needs of the students in the school district beyond the
tax dollars we receive.
It’s important to understand that the Blue Valley
Educational Foundation is not technically part of the school district.
Although we are great partners with the district, we are actually a not-for-profit
organization. Therefore, your donations don’t become part of the
school district’s funds.
Blue Valley seems to have so many
"extras" compared to other school districts. Why do we need
the Foundation?
The Blue Valley School District and the Blue Valley Educational Foundation
believe that our students should have every educational opportunity possible.
While we are fortunate to have many extras in our district, we believe
that there is always room for improvement in regards to the education
of children. The Foundation is a means to fund special educational programs
that can not be funded through traditional district funds.
What is the Foundation’s involvement
with the Blue Valley Carolyn Ball Blair Wilderness Science Center?
The Blue Valley Educational Foundation has raised more than $400,000 for the Wilderness Science Center (WSC), an outdoor
educational facility created with the primary goal of providing authentic
learning opportunities and environmental education for the students
of Blue Valley Schools. This success has been led by a $200,000 donation
from the Victor and Helen Regnier Charitable Foundation, a $20,000
gift from Patrick and Caroline Davidson, $8,500 from Capitol Federal
Foundation and $5,000 from the William T. Kemper Foundation. Over
$19,000 has been received from Blue Valley's PTAs, PTOs, Parent Clubs
and Booster Clubs. The Blue Valley Educational Foundation matched
parent group donations dollar for dollar.
Located at 163rd Terrace and Nall, the site includes wooded trails and study areas, a 12-acre native prairie area, a large wetland area, butterfly garden and bird feeding station. In 2002, the Victor & Helen Regnier Learning Center, a two-room classroom, opened, allowing two separate classes to learn at the center simultaneously.
In the fall of 2003 a bridge was built that completes the loop of trails around the WSC. Much more of the WSC is now accessible to disabled students, and the bridge also secures students' safety with easier access for emergency vehicles. The Dixon Family Foundation donated $20,000 for the construction of this bridge.
Another addition to the WSC in the fall of 2003 was a Kansas Natural History Wall. The Gould Family Foundation donated $25,000 to the Blue Valley Educational Foundation for this six panel prairie life and geological wall. Students are able to see and learn from this visual display. More than 6,000 students visited the Wilderness Science Center during the 2005-06 school year.
How can I help the Blue Valley Educational Foundation
and students in Blue Valley?
- Contribute through our annual Membership Campaign.
- If you’re a BVSD employee, contribute through our annual Payroll
Deduction Campaign.
- Attend our Community Breakfast.
- Consider membership in our Silver Society or Legacy Society.
- Consider making a donation in honor of or in memory of a loved one or a school staff member.
- Volunteer to join one of our committees.
- Spread the word about the good works of the Foundation!
E-mail Cindy
McAlister for more information.
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