But to see Teachers Warehouse for the first time only validated her company’s efforts to participate in the second Team Up OKC school supply drive, spearheaded by Michael Morrison, who serves as a board member for The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools and owns Comtech. Boone works for Ideal Homes, which placed school supply donation boxes at several of its model homes in Oklahoma City, Edmond and Norman.

“Ideal wants to solidly contribute to the health and vitality of the schools in all of the communities we serve and make sure all students have their needs met,” said Boone, who visited Teachers Warehouse to celebrate the final delivery of school supplies donated during the November drive.

Lori Dickinson, Michael Morrison, and Joe Penhall pose in front of the unloaded supplies delivered to the Teachers Warehouse by Comtech Direct Mail Solutions

The estimated value of supplies collected during the drive exceeds $80,000 – an impressive amount for only the second such drive. All of the donations are sent to Teachers Warehouse, a program of The Foundation that seeks to bridge the gap between what schools have and what teachers and students need to be successful. Morrison launched the first Team Up drive in 2009 and collected about $3,000 in supplies.

The recent drive featured more corporate partners and more than two dozen drop-off locations. Sponsors of the Team Up OKC drive include Comtech, Panera Bread, Farmers Insurance Group, Oklahoma City Barons, Oklahoma Employees Credit Union, Bank of Oklahoma, FAA Credit Union, T&S Web Design, American Cleaners, Ideal Homes, Oklahoma Gazette, OKC Biz, Clear Channel Communications, Feed the Children, SportClips, Hertz, Red Bud Financial Group, The Journal Record, Social-ism.biz and Jason’s Deli.

“More students will have the supplies they need to help them succeed,” said Lori Dickinson, executive director of The Foundation. “We are grateful for Michael and all of the corporate partners that want the children of Oklahoma City to have the same access to supplies and opportunities as other children.”

The Foundation’s Competitive Edge program is creating critical opportunities for our students, who otherwise might not be exposed to exploring their talents, college potential and career plans.  Already this school year, more than 3,000 students have attended artistic or academic competitions.  Hundreds are on the waiting list for Spring.

Attending academic and artistic competitions is an essential ingredient of a well-rounded education. While this support may be readily available from schools and parent organizations in other, more affluent school districts, students in the Oklahoma City Public School District sorely need financial support.

COMPETITIVE EDGE grants cover expenses, such as meals, lodging, transportation, and entry fees, up to $2,500 per contest to help fill this need.

COMPETITIVE EDGE PLUS grants provide additional funding for students who win competitions and have earned additional opportunities or for students who have achieved the opportunity to participate in Regional and National competitions where the cost to participate may be prohibitive without additional grant support.

Click here for more information on Competitive Edge Grants.

The Jean G. Gumerson Endowment for the Pursuit of Teacher Excellence was created to support certified teachers of the Oklahoma City Public Schools in pursuing National Board Certification.

National Board Certification is a voluntary system developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to assess and certify teachers who meet high and rigorous standards. It is a symbol of commitment to excellence in teaching.

Candidate requirements for certification include creation of a four-part written portfolio and completion of six, 30-minute written assessments demonstrating content knowledge and pedagogy.

Click here for more information and eligibility requirements.

The online catalog automatically opens at 8:15 a.m. on the first day of ordering and remains open 24 hours a day thereafter during order days.

Click here for the full ordering schedule.

Each year up to six volunteers are honored as part of the Stars of Education celebration.  Any one can nominate a volunteer who is dedicated to our schools and our school children.  All nominations must be received by 4:30pm, Thursday, January 5, 2012.

Click here to learn more or to nominate a volunteer.

How much are Great Idea Grants?

Grant amounts are up to $1,000 for individual applications and up to $5,000 for collaborative applications (two or more teachers).

What is a “Great Idea?”

Anything that leads to active student learning and participation in the classroom. A sink for an art class is a great idea. Supplies and teaching tools for a robotics program is a great idea. Science activity tubs are a great idea. If your grant proposal has a high likelihood of impacting student learning with measurable outcomes, it’s a great idea.

Can I reuse a previous Great Idea Application?

YES! Our online grant application system saves your past grant applications. You can either write a new application or restart an old application. Either way, finishing an application is easy. You can start, stop, print, review and return any time prior to submitting the application.

When is the Grant Application due?
January 4, 2012 by 4:30 p.m.

Can someone review my grant application before I submit it?

YES! The Foundation’s Chief Program Officer Robyn Hilger is volunteering her Christmas vacation to make time to review your grant application. Simply eMail Robyn at robyn@okckids.com and let her know what school your application is from and ask if she can let you know of ways to strengthen your application. The earlier you ask Robyn to review your application the more time she’ll have to provide constructive feedback.

When are grants awarded?

Applicants will receive notification as to whether their grant is being awarded by the end of January. The Foundation sends out grant checks in February 2012!

Take 15 minutes this Winter Break to nominate one or more of your site’s Support Staff members for the 2012 Stars of Education Celebration.  Up to five Support Staff members are honored each year.  In addition to an on-site award presentation, each honoree receives $500 as a thank you for all their hard work.  Be sure to fill out a nomination form soon.  All nominations are due by 4:30pm, Thursday, January 5, 2012.

Click here to learn more or to submit a nomination.

NOVEMBER 2011 order days:

Monday, Nov. 14, 8:15 a.m.

through

Thursday, Nov. 17, 11:59 p.m.

Elementary Pick-up:

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 a. am. – 5:00 p.m. & Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

MS/HS pick-up:

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7:30 – 5:00 p.m. & Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Also, please note the new Teachers Warehouse website address: www.okcteachers.com/tw

For more details or to schedule a pickup, contact

“The Foundation’s assistance and counsel are invaluable to us,” said Wendi Schuur, Devon’s public and community affairs director. “We bring Foundation staff in at the planning stages. They’re able to tell us how an idea will look in the schools and how to modify the original inspiration to get the greatest impact. Often just a question sets the stage for a wonderful partnership that helps Oklahoma City Public Schools.”

ArtReach

One of those questions, “Why don’t students go to the art museum?” led to a District-wide initiative to give every sixth grade teacher the opportunity to take students on an educational field trip to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

In 2009, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art hosted the Roman Art from the Louvre exhibit. Devon and American Fidelity approached The Foundation independently to ask if there was a way for Oklahoma City Public School students to attend the historic exhibit. With two engaged community partners, Foundation staff facilitated a mutual discussion about opportunities that might be available.
The most significant obstacles to the educational trip were the cost of transportation, scheduling and admission fees.

American Fidelity volunteered to cover the cost of transportation. Devon covered admission fees, not only to the museum and the special Roman Art exhibit, but also the additional costs for students to complete an art project while they were at the museum. The Foundation coordinated scheduling with the museum and OKCPS along with marketing the program to District teachers and managing communications for the ArtReach program between teachers, the District, the museum and the businesses.
“When donors look at their return on investment when giving to The Foundation, what isn’t always reflected is the dollars that directly benefit schools because Foundation staff helped a business, like Devon, implement a transformative program for Oklahoma City school children and teachers,” explained Lori Dickinson, executive director for The Foundation.

Science Giants

A recent example of the value of partnering with The Foundation is the Devon Science Giants Award program. “We started the Science Giants program in Houston several years ago and have experienced a great deal of success,” said Schuur. “When we began talking about bringing the program to Oklahoma City, we immediately turned to The Foundation for guidance.”
The Science Giants program annually provides one school a $25,000 grant to recognize innovation and excellence in science education. Application for the grant is open to all Oklahoma City Public Schools, including charter schools. Devon selects recipients based on the applicant’s innovative approach to cultivating student interest in science along with the school’s vision for improving student achievement in science.

“The Foundation has been involved from day one giving us guidance on the application process and promoting the program throughout the District,” added Schuur. “The Foundation is a true program partner and has been essential to the successful launch of Science Giants in Oklahoma City.”
The first Devon Science Giants $25,000 award was presented to Kaiser Elementary science teacher Jeremy Malwick for his team’s request to build a state-of the-art outdoor science classroom complete with a soil testing facility and worm farm.

“I want to give our kids the opportunity to work through more challenging activities that use hands-on tools. Our kids are ready to tackle projects that stretch their problem solving skills and creativity,” shared Malwick, who applied for the grant at the urging of his principal Pam Mustain. “Working with hands-on projects makes it easier to understand an idea. Because of Devon’s grant our students will have a chance to touch, hear, see, taste and smell science.”

Construction Art

Expanding hands-on opportunities for students is truly an ongoing theme of Devon’s educational support. As Devon neared the beginning of construction for their new downtown headquarters another opportunity emerged to engage school students’ creativity. “We planned to place construction panels around the perimeter of the site,” explained Schuur. “Rather than using plain construction panels, we thought it would be wonderful to showcase student artwork.”

Devon enlisted The Foundation’s assistance in the planning stages to ensure the successful implementation of its vision. “There is very little free time during a school day. The stress of increased testing leaves little time for flexibility,” explained Robyn Hilger, chief programs officer for The Foundation and 2006 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. “It’s paramount when approaching a school with an idea to anticipate some of the concerns and obstacles that may need to be addressed up front. In doing so, it is easier for a school to participate and provides for an overall positive experience for the school and the community partner.”

Following The Foundation’s advice, Devon also included a $50 gift card to participating schools for art supplies in addition to planning to deliver and pick-up panels. Students and Oklahoma City citizens have been able to enjoy the artwork around the construction zone as a welcomed addition to the growing display of artwork around the city.

Visionary Partner

Signs of Devon’s investment in the future of our city and its citizens are evident. The most recent example of Devon’s investment is its recent donation of $200,000 in unrestricted funds as part of The Foundation Partner program. The company has been supporting all The Foundation efforts as a visionary partner.

“Students overcome incredible challenges on their path to graduation. We want to help The Foundation inspire our state’s future leaders to make learning an every day part of their lives and embrace the belief that they can attend and graduate from college,” said Larry Nichols, Devon’s executive chairman. “The Foundation plays a critical role in our city and provides opportunities for corporations to maximize the return on investment for their corporate giving initiatives. We admire the organization’s commitment to produce programs that have a long-term impact on the success of this generation’s students and tomorrow’s work force.”
The increased support has allowed The Foundation to impact more students and teachers during this school year than any in its history. “We are continually overwhelmed by the generosity of Devon, not only to The Foundation, but to the schools, teachers, students and community we serve,” said Dickinson. “Time and again, Devon comes to us ready and willing to step up on behalf of our kids in Oklahoma and we are grateful for their support at all levels.”