The Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) awarded all 15 Carmel Clay schools a monetary grant this fall. Each school will receive a grant to be used for needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. Funding will be relative to the size of the school population and was made available to each school starting Oct. 1.
“The Foundation Board recognizes that needs across the district have changed as a result of new procedures related to social distancing, virtual learning and individual materials,” said Tara Ascioti, Immediate Past President of the CEF Board and Grant Chair. “Likewise, as a district we are continually seeking ways to ensure our environments are inclusive and safe for all students and staff. Our hope is that these grants will have a positive impact on each school, thus a community-wide impact for all students, staff, and families.”
The Foundation has previously awarded Great Idea! Grants to teachers, departments or schools to foster innovation and inspire creativity in teaching and learning. CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix said, “Our mission is to support Carmel Clay students in academic achievement and lifelong learning and these grants are an integral part of their experience. When a teacher is excited about a new idea, the students are able to see how new ideas spark amazing outcomes. We plan to return to this model of grant awards in 2021, but a primary goal for this year is helping our schools stabilize and providing resources related to equity and inclusion that may not otherwise be available right now.”
Along with school grants, CEF has partnered with the Carmel City Council to award a $10,000 grant to Carmel Clay Schools Student Services focused on body safety and bullying prevention by utilizing the Monique Burr Foundation Child Safety Matters and Teen Safety Matters program.
City Councilmember Sue Finkam said, “Over the past few years, the Carmel City Council has actively partnered with CEF by providing school safety grants. I’m pleased that once again the Council is providing support for safety initiatives to help give students, parents and educators greater peace of mind.”
Stephanie Whiteside, Carmel Clay Schools Mental Health Coordinator will work with each school’s mental health professionals (counselors and social workers) to develop a common language from Kindergarten through 12th grade and consistent expectations and supports that align with current Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Additionally, School Resource Officers (SROs) will receive training for additional support and collaboration. CEF says it will continue its support of these important initiatives by working with Whiteside to find meaningful ways to engage parents in conversations about bullying and body safety.
Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Beresford said, “We are extremely thankful for our partnership with the Carmel Education Foundation and for the generosity of the Carmel City Council. These grants reinforce our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all CCS students and staff. Furthermore, the funds will assist in meeting the many challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the Carmel Education Foundation and the Carmel City Council for their continued support of both our school staff and the students and families we serve.”
About the Carmel Education Foundation
One of the oldest foundations of its kind, the Carmel Education Foundation was created to help Carmel Clay students achieve their full potential. Since 1966, the Foundation has awarded over $2 million in college scholarships to Carmel High School seniors and over $750,000 in education grants to inspire lifelong learning for Carmel Clay students. CEF is governed by a volunteer board of directors who give their time and energy to accelerate the Foundation’s mission by funding grants, awarding more than 80 scholarships annually and expanding resources for Carmel Clay Schools.