Dear Alief ISD Key Communicator,

I would like to take this opportunity to share information about an organization in our district that many may not be aware of. We have in our district an organization that provides scholarships for students and innovative classroom grants for teachers. This organization would not be able to survive without your generous support. Let me share with you a few things about our Foundation.

The organization that I’m referring to is the Alief ISD Education Foundation which was formed in 1993. The Education Foundation is governed by a committee of volunteers and is currently being led by Scott Bartholomaus from Tradition Bank. Alief ISD Trustee Dr. John Hansen is the incoming president.

Since the program’s inception, thousands of dollars have been awarded to graduating seniors in the form of scholarships for post-secondary education. The student scholarship awards are designed to aid deserving academically oriented students in furthering their education. These scholarships are open to graduating seniors at all of our schools – Early College High School, Elsik, Hastings, Kerr and Taylor.

There are two memorial scholarships which are also available to a student at any of our five high schools. The Jason Best Memorial Scholarship, named after the former student, and the Joseph Borkey Scholarship, named after the former educator, provides students with necessary funds for college.

The Education Foundation also awards innovative classroom teaching grants every year. These grants are designed to help teachers enhance the educational experience of AISD students. In fact, it’s time to begin looking for deserving teachers to award these grants to. I’m told that almost $40,000 in grants will be awarded to our teachers this spring.

Another way the Foundation directly impacts our students is through the clothing pantry located on High Star Road. This pantry provides school uniforms and school supplies to needy students in elementary school, intermediate school or middle school. The pantry would not exist without donations from local businesses such as Academy, Citgo Petroleum and employees from Cardinal Healthcare. We had a great outpouring of support from the community and our campus employees during a recent Stuff the Bus campaign which brought in much needed clothing to the pantry.

The Foundation would not be able to provide the level of support without assistance from local businesses and the community. Aside from donations, the only major fundraiser is the annual golf tournament. Last year’s event held at Cinco Ranch brought in more than $60,000 for the Foundation.

If you or your business would like to be involved in the Alief ISD Education Foundation please contact Donna Rea at 281-498-8110. I sincerely request that you consider becoming an active member of the Foundation. Again, we couldn’t do this without your help. We appreciate all that you do for our students.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in the Alief Independent School District by serving as a Key Communicator. Please let me know if there are any topics that you would like me to address in future messages.

Sincerely,

HD Chambers

Alief ISD Superintendent