Much like the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees, the first round of fall grants have landed to support our schools and nonprofits. Read on to discover how your support is making our community a better place to live, work, and play!

Rush County Education Fund: $4,442.66

• Benjamin Rush Middle School administrators received $1,470.40 for their Positive Referrals program. When a teacher or staff member recognizes positive behavior in a student, they share their observation through a written “positive referral.” Each month two girls and two boys from each of the 7^th and 8^th grade classes are chosen as “Students of the Month.” They receive recognition for their positivity, including candy and small objects along with a pizza party. The grant will also fund a special year-end celebration.
• Benjamin Rush Middle School was able to more than double the number of cameras for students working on the yearbook with their $1,200 grant. They now have three additional cameras to encourage more students to get involved, contribute photos, and take pride in creating memories for their classmates.
• You’ve likely heard of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) education. Milroy Elementary is taking it a step further by incorporating STEAM into their classrooms, with the addition of the Arts into traditional STEM programming. Using hands-on tools and techniques makes learning feel like play and sparks curiosity. MES received $1,772.26 to purchase math manipulatives – physical tools like special blocks, coins, puzzles, etc. – that will be used by all 161 students this year and for years to come.

The Rush County Education Fund supports education-related projects not provided for in the Rush County School’s budget, Grants are available to teachers, students, administrators, and volunteer parents. Looking for a unique and meaningful gift for a teacher? Make a gift in their honor to the Rush County Education Fund.

Rita Yager Memorial Ag Grant Fund: $1,700

• Rushville Parks & Recreation offers a program called “Nature School”, which is a nature focused education program targeting homeschooled students ages 4 and older. It’s a time for students to learn and explore in nature. A $1,200 grant will purchase supplies such as binoculars, field guides, and books to enhance their experience and also be used in other programming.
• Benjamin Rush Middle School will hold a Career & Ag Day for all 8^th grade students in October. Students will tour businesses throughout the county and explore career opportunities. They will enjoy a farm-to-table lunch with locally produced and prepared food. Their $500 grant will cover the cost of transportation.

Music for Rush County Fund: $2,425.32

• All 3^rd and 4^th grade students at Rushville Elementary School will learn to play the recorder and get their own instrument because of a $750 grant. Students will learn familiar songs to perform them at winter and spring concerts. They will also learn many musical concepts and gain a greater appreciation of music. “I want my students and the community to appreciate music as much as I do,” shared Luke Milner, RES music teacher.
• The Rush County Chorale performs two concerts each year.  Their 30-60 members rehearse weekly for three months before each show. A grant of $1,675.32 will help cover expenses such as fees for guest soloists/instrumentalists and performance venues, sheet music, printing, and publicity.

Faith Davis Ellison started the Music for Rush County Fund in memory of her husband E. Floyd Ellison in 1995. This fund provides support to encourage music participation and enjoyment for the community as a whole, especially encouraging adult appreciation of music.

We Believe in FFA Fund: $1,195 to the Rushville FFA Chapter 

• The Rushville FFA Chapter used $195 to help with FFA jacket purchases and $1,000 for assistance with State FFA SOAR Camp, a leadership experience led by Indiana FFA State Officers. An anonymous donor started the We Believe in FFA Fund to support our local chapter.

Robert N. Veatch and Mary Lou Veatch and Family Fund: $4,252.52 to Arlington Elementary School

• Arlington Elementary created their new outdoor learning area with help from their grant of $4,252.52 and some hard work by the kiddos. The Veatchs started this fund to support AES.