Buffalo Public Schools Foundation Grants $150,000 to the Buffalo Public Schools.
(L) Dr. James Williams, Superintendent, Buffalo Public Schools
(R) Daniel M. Boscarino, Board President, Buffalo Public Schools Foundation

 Buffalo Public Schools Foundation Grants $150,000 to Summer Programs    

City Students Offered New Opportunities in Academics, Arts and Athletics    

Buffalo, New York; June 8, 2010 – The Buffalo Public Schools Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has awarded $150,000 in grants to 9 summer programs providing academic, fine arts and athletic opportunities to the 37,000 students attending Buffalo Public Schools.    

Funding was awarded to programs designed and operated by the Buffalo Public Schools. Twenty educators from the district will lead the projects.  Several summer programs are new, including an innovative academic initiative designed to give city students a better understanding of Chinese language and culture.    

“Public schools play a vital role in the future of our economy and quality of life in the Buffalo area. The Buffalo Public Schools Foundation operates as an independent, not-for-profit organization generating private-sector support to bring innovative programs and creative opportunities to city students. These summer programs offer a number of ways to enhance the lives of city students,” said Elizabeth L. Zulawski, executive director of the foundation.    

Summer programs receiving foundation funding include:    

ACADEMIC PROJECTS
Financial Assistance Scholarships    

Students in our school system often do not pursue higher education due to the associated costs.  However, the current economic climate has created a need for a more skilled and educated workforce.  The foundation will be funding five, two-year scholarships to Erie Community College.  Students will receive funding for all associated costs after financial aid opportunities ate exhausted.  Expenses include but are not limited to full tuition    

BPS Students Study Visit to China     

Fifteen High school students and two teachers will attend a study trip to China with the Confucius Institute at the University at Buffalo.  The purpose is to best prepare our students to compete in the future global market.  Objectives for this journey are:    

• To promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture
• To provide students enrolled in Mandarin Chinese classes the opportunity to develop proficiency with the language
• To encourage motivated students to pursue Asian studies and international coursework at a collegiate level
• To connect students to Buffalo-based businesses that already have established relationships with China

“Experience China” Summer Camp    

This Chinese immersion day camp will be open to 20 middle grade students and will involve the participation of ten Chinese campers from Luo yang foreign Middle school who will be visiting the camp and will be hosted by district families the objectives for the camp are:    

• To promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture
• To provide students the opportunity to develop proficiency with the Chinese  language
• To encourage motivated students to pursue Asian studies and international coursework at a collegiate level
• To connect students to Buffalo-based businesses that already have established relationships with China

FINE ARTS PROJECTS
Middle School Music Camp    

The middle School camp will provide advanced instruction to music students in Grades 5-8. Instruction will include both large and small group instruction specific to each student’s instrument or voice range.  There will also be instruction in music theory and enrichment activities such as art and swimming.    

All-City Marching Band Camp    

The All-City Marching Band Camp will provide advanced instruction to music students already in the All-city marching Band. Instruction will include both large and small group instruction specific to each student’s instrument and marching band drill.     

City Dance Summer Camp    

Children will learn movements and history pertaining to ballet, Modern Dance and Choreography.  Introduction to Ballet, Introduction to modern Dance and Basic Choreography will be the curriculum focus for all grade levels.    

High School College Art Portfolio and Interview Prep    

Students will develop and compile strong artwork that will meet and exceed the portfolio review guidelines put forth by various higher education institutions. Curriculum includes keeping work safe, labeling and effective written artist statements about each piece.  Mock interview and roll play sessions will be held to provide students the opportunity to practice answering questions and develop presentation skills.    

ATHLETICS PROJECTS
Summer Lacrosse Camp     

This will be a primary program to introduce the Buffalo Public School’s Students (boys and girls) to the sport of Lacrosse.  As interest grows the focus will be to incorporate this sport into the Buffalo Public Schools as a club level sport.  The Program will strive to inspire positive growth and development in a child’s character.   Every facet of the game is covered, teaching the fundamentals and skills to become a valuable team player.    

Summer Soccer Camp    

By enriching and elevating the Interscholastic Soccer Program in the buffalo Public Schools, we can increase the opportunities for student –athletes to play competitively at the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels.  With the Assistance of the Delaware Soccer club, the buffalo public Schools aims to increase the number of boys and girls in the Buffalo Public Schools soccer program and give them the essential skills to be competitive.  It is the long term goal to invest funds to support a Junior Varsity team.    

The Buffalo Public Schools Foundation will consider additional grant opportunities for the upcoming 2010-11 academic year. Support is funded through donations from the private sector.    

The independent foundation is run by a 9-member board of directors. Elizabeth Zulawski was hired as the foundation’s first executive director earlier this year. She brings more than 20 years of local experience in development, marketing and corporate events. The foundation operates from office space donated by WNED-TV in downtown Buffalo.    

“We now have a full-time executive director to help the foundation stay organized and focused on its mission of ensuring that all students in the district have access to excellent academic, athletic and arts programs and facilities,” said Foundation Chairman Dan Boscarino. “The foundation’s success will be measured by the amount of additional resources we can generate to provide more programs, better facilities and additional scholarships to city students.”    

For further information visit www.buffaloschoolsfoundation.org    

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