As the holiday season rapidly approaches, the end of the first semester of the schoolyear is also in sight.  How do you plan to recognize your child’s favorite school employee?

This year, give a gift that will continue to give.  Consider a donation to the Rush County Community Foundation’s “Thank-A-Teacher” program.  The Thank-A-Teacher project directly supports the Rush County Education Fund, which 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.

Contributions to the Rush County Education Fund and/or Thank-A-Teacher can be made 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.

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.

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.