Cape teachers will get classroom bonuses through foundation

Sometime in the next two months, representatives of the Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation will begin traveling to classrooms throughout the district and handing out checks to teachers.

Though the foundation hasn't officially kicked off its new funding drive, already $30,000 has been donated to the revamped program.

According to foundation director Angie Bender, the official foundation drive will begin Thursday with an invitation luncheon for those who have already donated or are interested in donating.

A lead gift drive will run through Feb. 15, and the founder's drive itself takes place until April 15.

The money raised will be used to fund grants written by teachers for classroom materials and projects as part of recent changes made to the foundation.

The changes began last summer when the organization hired its first full-time director. With the help of a consultant, the foundation has expanded to include 27 board members and now hopes to raise $100,000 between now and April.

"It's been a lot of hard work in the last seven months, but I'm really surprised at how well it's taken off," Bender said. "I really believe the word is starting to get out."

The grants will be distributed to teachers in March and April on an unannounced date.

"They'll have no idea we're coming. We'll go in with all the bells and whistles and surprise them," Bender said.

The $100,000 is more than the foundation has attempted to raise in past years. Bender said she's pleased with the amount that has already been donated, but there's still a long way to go to reach their goal.

"I think people are waiting to see if we're going to put our money where our mouth is," said Bender. "People are beginning to understand that the foundation represents teachers and students of the district, not the school board."

For information regarding the upcoming fund drive, contact Bender at 651-0555.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128