Students Gather Spare Change to Help Bridge Budget Gaps

While schools across the state deal with multi-million dollar budget cuts, students from gathered nickels, pennies, quarters and dimes to put toward Glendora schools.

For the second year, the Stanton Student Council, with the help of their advisors Pamela Lotz and Arti Patel, organized a school-wide competition that inspired students to raise money for schools in the Glendora Unified School District.

Stanton Students were encouraged to bring in their spare change to fill up banks in a friendly competition between all grade levels during the 2011-2012 school year. All the money raised from this competition went toward the Support Our Students Campaign, run by the Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools (FGUS).

This year, the entire third grade level donated the most change and received a popsicle party as their winning prize.

At the end of the competition, the Student Council awarded a check for just over $1,300 to Mike Beckman, the FGUS President. 

“The coin collection is amazing!  The teachers have shared with us stories about students that are bringing in their own change from their piggy banks at home,” said Council Advisor Pamela Lotz said. “It isn't only coming from the adults. Arti and I both enjoy working with the Student Council, teaching them how to become leaders in their homes, school, community, state, country and world.”

With the help of the Stanton Students and the entire Glendora Community, FGUS has helped to raise over $1.6 million since its beginning in 2003. Funds raised have helped to restore teaching positions to maintain class sizes at all school levels, continue music education at the elementary level, and even fund technology.

The main FGUS goal is “to provide financial support, facilitate community involvement and enhance student learning for the Glendora Unified School District,” according to its mission statement.

Progress for the 2011-2012 fundraising drive can be seen throughout Glendora on large, red thermometer-style contribution banners. For more information or to make a contribution to FGUS, visit http://www.fgus.net/.

- Provided by Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools