June 10, 2009

Press Release

TISD Foundation Grant Awards Students with Perfect Attendance

NBA Stars in Tyler?  You bet!

Cathy Sullivan, Counselor at Douglas Elementary in Tyler ISD, received a grant from the Tyler ISD Foundation--but did not know the results until the last day of school.

That is because, in an effort to improve attendance, she and the Foundation offered every student who had perfect attendance a new basketball and induction into the NBA--The Never Been Absent Club!

“I figure that if students give 100%, so should I," said Sullivan.  In view of that, she wrote a grant, which was accepted by the Tyler ISD Foundation. 

"We like programs which help during the school year in various, creative ways to enhance the learning experience of the students," said Larry Goddard.  "With this grant, we figured that a big part of success is mostly showing up.  Ms. Sullivan's grant awarded all the students who had perfect attendance rather than a drawing of all perfect attendees."

"But, we had to wait until the very last class day to determine the results of her grant," admitted Goddard.  "She actually had to remind me of the grant since I thought it was completed already--but what a wonderful idea from a creative counselor.  We hope to continue other ideas like this to help the district's attendance records."

Twenty fifth-grade students had 100% attendance and received a new basketball.

The Foundation funds innovative programs across Tyler ISD, from Pre-K to advanced placement courses in high school.  The Foundation's grant program includes individual teachers, teams of teachers, campus, intra-campus, and district grants.  The Tyler ISD Foundation begins its 19th year of supporting Tyler ISD this fall.

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