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Schools

Education Foundation Funds Programs For Dexter Students

Saturday's auction will continue to fund grants for teachers.

With state shared revenue continuing to decline, local schools are increasingly leaning on alternative funding sources for new programs. One source is the Education Foundation of Dexter (EFD).

The EFD distributes grants to teachers in both the fall and spring via an application process. The grants are funded by the EFD's annual auction and strolling supper, which this year will be held on Saturday at the Ann Arbor Country Club, 4699 E. Loch Alpine Dr. in Ann Arbor.

"Teachers come up with innovative or creative programs in the classroom, and they can apply for a grant through the foundation," EFD President Linda Brewer said in a previous interview. "Grants have gone toward $50 software purchases to more expensive requests, like bringing in members of the Ann Arbor Orchestra to perform."

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In the fall, the EFD pledged to support 25 Dexter school enrichment programs totaling nearly $29,000.  Those grants went to art projects, concerts, the Dexter High School Food Science program, and the DHS Student Produced Artistic Collaborative Events (SPACE) club.

"The Education Foundation has been very good to my students and to SPACE," Ethan Konette, DHS history and English teacher said.  

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A grant from the EFD helped to finance a concert by the Echoes of Pink Floyd in October at the high school's Center for the Performing Arts, which raised money for SPACE.

"The preparation for the show gave students the opportunity to do something real and authentic with the promotion of the arts," Konette said. "The money from the foundation has helped to turn a fledgling club into a viable option for students who really need it."

Foundation board member Lynnette Brice said that she understands first hand the importance of the foundation's support.

"I have children in Dexter schools who have experienced a number of programs that the EFD funded," she said. "The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, the use of educational software, and artists in residence are just a few of the enrichment programs that my children have taken part in this year."  

The EFD is hoping to raise $40,000 at Saturday's event.

"All the Dexter schools have received grants from the foundation," said Jennifer Sortor,  trustee and auction co-chairwoman.

Events kick-off at 6 p.m. with a strolling supper of hors d'oeuvres and the silent auction, followed by the live auction at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $75 each and may be purchased online via PayPal at http://www.efdexter.org

For more information visit www.efdexter.org.

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