Ed. Foundation donates $200K for PISD distance learning
When the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation saw that the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth extraordinary needs for the school district, it was compelled to help in extraordinary ways to assist students and teachers during this time of crisis.
The Education Foundation recently voted unanimously to donate $200,000 to support the district’s distance learning program during the coronavirus pandemic.
From virtual classrooms to online learning tools, Pasadena ISD started its distance learning instruction a week after a district-wide stay-at-home order was put in place, March 23.
Anticipating a growing need for access to digital learning resources during the pandemic -- the Foundation’s new Board President Cheri Hutcherson, president of Pasadena ISD community partner Ameraflex -- called on Pasadena ISD foundation directors to provide funding to aid in the distance learning initiative.
“Pasadena ISD has 53,000-plus students to consider during this crisis and it is imperative that students be supplied with the tools they need to complete on-line teaching and learning assignments,” Hutcherson said.
The foundation met via Zoom to discuss the needs of the district as it pertains to distance learning. Based on recommendations from district leaders, the foundation decided that the funding will be used for additional laptops, internet access, and any other helpful items for continued education during these unprecedented times.
“Many of our students do not have internet access, so hotspots are needed to get them ‘connected,’” said Hutcherson.
The foundation decided to cancel its December Prize Parade event this year, which provides thousands of dollars in mini-grants to classrooms annually, to focus its funding efforts on the current needs of the district in the wake of this devastating pandemic.
As the district continues to transition to distance learning, Hutcherson said the Education Foundation will also continue to support the district any way that it can.
“The Education Foundation, with the support of our community, has always worked hard to raise funds, to enhance student learning,” Hutcherson said. “I am proud to serve with a group of people, who, with servant’s hearts, are able to react to the needs of those throughout our educational community.”
The PISD Education Foundation continues to collect donations to help fund the district’s extraordinary needs. Anyone interested in making a donation can do so using this link: https://www1.pasadenaisd.org/community/education_foundation/make_a_donation.