The school year is now in full swing!  Fall sports are already mid-season, special classroom projects are underway, and the first 9 weeks have quickly come and gone.  As we look ahead to the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year, we can look forward to more fun and creative programs and projects.

Special project and programs are often a memorable learning experience for students.  Unfortunately, those programs and projects can come at a cost to teachers directly.  The Rush County Community Foundation’s Rush County Education Fund has proven to be a valuable resource for educators desiring to conduct projects or purchase unique equipment that otherwise falls outside of the school budget.

The Rush County Education Fund was established in 1994 by the schools in Rush County.  The annual proceeds from this fund provide financial support for education-related projects not provided for in the schools’ budgets.  As of 2015, the Rush County Education Fund has provided more than $36,000 worth of funding to support special projects and equipment for schools in our community.

Projects supported by the Rush County Education Fund include RES West’s recent “Reading Safari”, Arlington Elementary School’s recent purchase of lego robotics for their design and building club, yoga balls for a classroom at Milroy Elementary, supplies for health and wellness instruction at RCHS, art materials to advance learning, achievement, and success at BRMS, St. Mary Catholic School’s recent purchase of walkie-talkies for staff and student safety, and materials to allow staff the ability to accommodate specific student and family needs at RES East.  Each of these schools have received multiple grants, all enabling a productive learning environment that otherwise may not have been accommodated.

Contributions to the Rush County Education Fund can be made generally or via “Thank A Teacher” in honor of any Rush County school employee.  The individual honored will receive a specially-designed card recognizing their contributions and noting the name of the donor.  These cards can be sent directly to the recipients or picked up at the Foundation office for the student to present in person.  All contributions directly benefit our Rush County educators and students.

Educators interested in receiving funding from the Rush County Education Fund can submit an application for their request by October 17.

To make a donation to Thank-A-Teacher in honor of a teacher or school employee, select the “Rush County Education Fund” when you donate online or send your donation to the Foundation office at 117 N. Main St., Rushville, IN 46173.  Be sure to include the name of the person you are honoring and the student name.  Please note if you would prefer to pick up the card from us directly, otherwise we will directly mail the card to the staff member recognized.

To learn more about the Rush County Education Fund or one of our other 185 funds, visit our website at www.rushcountyfoundation.org, or stop by our office at 117 N. Main St.