Foundation’s Grants Go to Schools, District

Grants totaling nearly $15,000 have been awarded to Fountain Valley School District teachers for classroom materials such as computer software, calculators, microscopes and other necessary items.

The grants, ranging from $700 to $2,600, were distributed by the Fountain Valley Educational Foundation to teachers representing seven schools at a recent school board meeting.

Since 1982, the nonprofit group has been raising money to financially support the school district in efforts to maintain, improve and enhance the quality of education. Over the years, the group has contributed more than $225,000 to the district.

Helen Outcault, foundation president and a district secretary, said $5,000 was also presented to the district to buy additional materials for its drug prevention program. The program contains videos, lesson plans and other materials that are rotated to district schools for use in health classes.

Outcault said that Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center donated the money for the program.

Another $5,500 will be given to the district’s library program to buy new history, science and social science books for all schools. Rainbow Disposal Co. donated $5,000 toward that program.

Outcault said the foundation’s Casino Night, held in February, raised $15,000 toward the grant program.

“It was successful far beyond our expectations for a first-time effort,” she said.

Because of a new law prohibiting smoking on school grounds, the foundation last year stopped holding bingo games and decided to hold the Casino Night. The bingo games over the years had been the group’s primary fund-raiser.

Parents, district employees, corporations and local businesses also contribute to the foundation’s efforts.