What is CLASS?
CLASS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial and community resources to support the students of the Sulphur Springs Union School District.
How is an educational foundation different than a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)?
While PTAs typically secure donations and funding from the parents and families of student attending each school, educational foundations look to bringing financial and community resources from corporations and entities not typically targeted by PTAs.
What kind of projects is CLASS focused on supporting?
CLASS is focused on supporting students in the areas of Creativity, Innovation, and Wellness.
On the creative side, the foundation is working to assure access to band and chorus for all students. We will first achieve this through scholarships, but ultimately would like to provide instrumentation lessons for students during the school day so every child who wants to can learn to play an instrument.
For innovation we are looking to provide grants for groups of teachers who have an innovative project they would like to implement at their school or grade level. We would then take the successful projects that integrate STEM learning and implement them on a school-wide or district-wide scale. In addition, we would like to provide students innovative experiences during the school day, whether that means going on a hands-on learning trips to STEM related organizations in the community, or bringing in experts to work with students in the fields of science, engineering, technology, or math. Our goal is to expose our students not only to the exciting challenges that STEM presents in the real world, but also allow them, at a young age, to start to meet individuals who are working in these fields.
Finally, for wellness, our goal is to further support students physical and social-emotional health. We will start by revamping recess and working to provide students interactive experiences at recess that facilitate group play and engagement. Then on the social-emotional side, we want to provide the counseling resources students need to be successful individuals.
Who is on the CLASS Board?
The CLASS Foundation's board includes representatives from the healthcare industry, automotive industry, travel industry, food and beverage industry, and mental health organizations. The board is diverse, and this is intentional, so that we can assure we are reaching out to all sectors of the community to support or local schools.
Is CLASS a part of the Sulphur Springs Union School District?
The CLASS Foundation is its own organization with its own governing board. While it supports students of the Sulphur Springs Union School District, and works hand in hand with the district to achieve its goals, it is not a part of the Sulphur Springs Union School District.
How can I get involved?
You can get involved by reaching out to one of our board members or contacting info@classedfoundation.org