Piggy-Banking on Donations

Glendora schools, in dealing with the ever-tightening budget crunch, are handling their situation in a number of ways. While some instances force the hand of school or district officials to cut resources, there is another decidedly proactive arm of the strategy to shield students from fiscal realities.

Throughout the school year, students at Stanton Elementary are being encouraged to bring in their spare change to fill up piggy banks in a friendly competition between classrooms. The money they raise goes towards the S.O.S. campaign, set up by The Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools.

“The idea behind the sign they put up in front of the school is really heartwarming,” explained FGUS President Mike Beckman. “The focus for the students is on ‘what the foundation has done for me.’”

And indeed, the banner in front of the administration office at Stanton features not only notes from students thanking the foundation for specific programs or positions saved or restored, but keeps tabs on the in-school competition and the total amount of money raised, which has thus far come to $940.

The FGUS was formed in 2003 by parents and various community representatives as a nonprofit organization with the goal “to provide financial support, facilitate community involvement and enhance student learning for the Glendora Unified School District,” according to its mission statement.

The fundraising drive for the 2010-2011 school year is referred to as S.O.S (Save Our Schools), and is evidenced throughout Glendora with banners and large red thermometer-style contributions updates.

The specific idea for having students at Stanton bring in their loose change, however, was actually thought up by students themselves, the school’s Student Council. The council is available to higher-grade students, giving them the opportunity to take an active role in running their school.

“We discuss new fundraisers or new activities that we can do during the year,” explained fifth grade council member Bryson Banks. “We do school cleanup, help with open house, clean the teachers’ closets.”

According to its faculty advisor, Pam Lotz, the goal of the organization is to promote leadership among the students, first in the classroom, then in the school—important skills at the campus sometimes known as Glendora’s forgotten elementary school.

“Just talking about where that money actually goes was very important,” said Lotz. “We’re helping the students to take ownership of their community.”

At the elementary school level, the FGUS has made a noticeable impact. Among other jobs and services saved, the foundation has restored music teacher and technology technician positions.

For the past three years, it has averaged about $375,000 annually in money raised for schools throughout the Glendora Unified School district. More information about FGUS and the S.O.S. program is available on the foundation’s website, http://www.fgus.net/.