FOCUS
​​Our Focus in 2021
​
The Foundation board members have been working diligently to come up with inventive ways to keep the children connected to their Rhoades community, as well as how to help supplement their virtual as well as in person learning experience. Some of the things we are planning to support include:
-
helping the middle school partner with Historic America to be able to supplement their history classes with live virtual tours of historic places and guest speakers
-
helping to purchase podcast equipment for students to share what they have learned in history and other classes
-
giving the teachers a small stipend to help make virtual learning easier for them and better for the students
The Rhoades students have been asking for a library and we still want to make it happen! We had hoped to make this a reality for the students in 2020, however with distance learning and the rules in place for social distancing, it just isn't feasible right now. When it is safe to do so, we still plan to honor our commitment to funding libraries at both campuses.
​
The Foundation at Work
​
School Enhancements – By providing these school enhancements, the students' educational experiences were enriched and augmented.
-
Funding for the lower school science lab rebuild
-
Reality Kit – Purchased a Google Expedition virtual reality set which included 30 glasses and a storage rack.
-
Audio/Visual Upgrades – Upgraded the AV system in the auditorium.
-
Tents - Designed and purchased two multi-use canopy tents.
Student/Staff/Parent Support – By collaborating together with the school and supporting these activities, we bring the community together and help grow the moral character of all involved.
-
Service Learning - Continued support of service learning projects throughout the year including Feeding America, Toys for Tots, and the “Grow What You Throw” Rhoades Garden and Compost Project.
-
Parent Education Series – Sponsorship of three Parent Education Series speakers for both parents and students.
-
Pizza Friday – Offered pizza, veggies, fruit, drinks, and cookies to students throughout the year.
-
Faculty Appreciation Events – Provided numerous opportunities to show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate what they do for our students, including catered lunches, snacks, and keepsakes.
-
Classrooms, Middle School Clubs - Provided funds for all classrooms and middle school clubs that were used to purchase new materials and equipment as well as club t-shirts.
-
Middle School Dances – Funded a DJ and photo booth at all of the middle school dances.
-
Ping Pong – Purchased new paddles and balls.
This year we are facing some difficult challenges, but the Foundation is committed to doing what we can to make this year feel as normal as possible for the Rhoades Families. We truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for all your past support that has allowed us to do such great things for the Rhoades Community. We look forward to working with you again this year to find innovative ways to build community and enhance the education of our students.