Classroom Grants | Xenia Community Schools Foundation

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Receives Classroom Grant Sponsorships for the 2024-2025 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) awarded almost $28,000.00 for fifteen grants to the Xenia Community Schools in June 2024. The grants fund projects are innovative and provide enhancements to the standard school curriculum. Recently received funds for an additional project will provide performance arts exposure to Xenia High School students.

The Muse Machine will once again perform at Xenia High School thanks to the generosity of Paul Marshall. Paul Marshall is a member of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation’s Hall of Honor and a member of the XHS Class of 1959. Grant funds will be used for three in-school performances including: The Writer’s Pen (Dayton Contemporary Dance Company), The Life and Music of Louis Armstrong and Macbeth. They will provide arts learning to connect students and teachers to artistic experiences and, additionally, provide for opportunities for some students to attend outside performances and/or a field trip to the Dayton Art Institute.

The Xenia Rotary Club also approved sponsorship funds towards the Warner Middle School “Community Learning Lab” project. Students in the WMS Self Contained classes are provided intensive instruction in functional daily living and social skills. Funds for this project will be used for activities that provide such experiences out of the classroom.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a “Sponsor a Grant Program” six years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. Grants available for sponsorship have been selected by the XCSF Board of Directors from staff-submitted applications and an extensive application review and selection process conducted in conjunction with Xenia Community Schools.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation awards grants to teachers and staff of the Xenia Community Schools. Any Xenia Community Schools’ staff or community member can apply to the Foundation to fund special projects in classrooms. Projects are geared towards enriching student learning. Some applications represent district-wide initiatives. All the grants for Xenia Community School students and teachers are beyond what regular school funding can provide.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation, formerly known as the Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. For information about the XCSF, visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check them out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or leave a message at the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Classroom Grant Awards and Sponsorships for the 2024-2025 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded almost $28,000.00 for fifteen grants to the Xenia Community Schools. The grants will fund projects that are innovative and provide enhancements to the standard school curriculum.

One group of awards focuses on science, including funds for a Chemistry Club project at Xenia High School. The project is geared towards science experiment instruction in the elementary schools. A variety of science-focused grants were approved including: the “Boonshoft Kindergarten Traveling STEM Program” at McKinley Elementary. An animal biology dissection course is a grant recipient. at Warner Middle School. Two of the science grants are being sponsored, in full or in part, through the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant including: “Science is Fun!- Xenia Chemistry Club” and the dissection course materials. CIL Isotope Separations, Inc. is also a sponsor of the Chemistry Club initiative.

Mary Grech/Francis Kennels is sponsoring materials for “Learning through Play” in the Arrowood Elementary kindergarten classes. Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation, is sponsoring a portion of “Building Vocabulary and Knowledge through Books” for kindergarten classes at Cox Elementary.

The Muse Machine will once again perform at Warner Middle School. This year’s sponsor is Paul Marshall, a member of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation’s Hall of Honor and a member of the XHS Class of 1959. Grant funds will be used for several interactive performances. They will provide arts learning to connect students and teachers to artistic experiences.

Xenia Rotary Club Sponsors “XHS Muse Machine ” Grant

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) has awarded $30,000.00 in grants to the Xenia Community Schools for the 2023-2024 school year. The grants fund projects that are innovative and provide enhancements to the standard school curriculum. The Xenia Rotary Club recently became a sponsor of a Xenia High School Muse Machine grant project.

The project will impact 750 high school students. Three Muse Machine performances will be held at XHS for both students and teachers as a method of incorporating the arts into the curriculum. Designation of XHS as an official Muse school also gives students the opportunity to audition for the regional Muse Machine musical and to attend arts programs outside of the school.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Classroom Grant Awards and Sponsorships for the 2023-2024 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded $30,283.00.00 for twenty-two grants to the Xenia Community Schools. The grants will fund projects that are innovative and provide enhancements to the standard school curriculum.

One group of awards focuses on science, including funds for a Chemistry Club project at Xenia High School geared towards science experiment instruction in the elementary schools. A variety of science-focused grants were approved for elementary schools including: the “Boonshoft Kindergarten Traveling STEM Program” at McKinley Elementary. Several of the science grants are being sponsored, in full or in part, through the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant including: “Science is Fun!- Xenia Chemistry Club”, “Animal Discovery Grant” and a portion of “Science Under the ‘Scope” project at McKinley Elementary. The W.A. Hammond Drierite Co., LTD. Is fully sponsoring: “Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Days”, “McKinley Math Club”, and a portion of “Science Under the ‘Scope”. The S.T.E.A.M. Project is a district-wide elementary event for STEM activities, combined with art, that encourages critical thinking. All third, fourth and fifth graders in the district will participate in a one day event. Each grade level will participate in activities associated with flight.

A variety of updated non-fiction books will be purchased for the preschool and elementary school libraries. Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation, is sponsoring a portion of this “Blast Off to Learning” library grant.

The Foundation is funding several grants focused on improving school climate, leadership skills, citizenship and student behavior. These include “WEB – Where Everybody Belongs”, “Arrowood Sensory Path”, McKinley Sharing is Caring Club”, and a “Calm Down Room” project at McKinley, along with a “Shawnee Elementary Service Club”.

The Muse Machine will once again perform at Xenia High School and Warner Middle School. Grant funds will be used for several interactive performances at each location. This will provide arts learning to connect students and teachers to artistic experiences. Included will be dance, theater, and music companies and independent artists.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a “Sponsor a Grant Program” five years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. Grants available for sponsorship have been selected by the XCSF Board of Directors from staff-submitted applications and an extensive application review and selection process conducted in conjunction with Xenia Community Schools.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Classroom Grant Awards and Sponsorships for the 2022-2023 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded $25,000.00 in grants to the Xenia Community Schools. The grants will fund projects that are innovative and provide enhancements to the standard school curriculum.

The Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Days grant will expose third, fourth and fifth grade students in all five buildings to STEM activities, combined with art, that encourage critical thinking. Third graders will explore topics related to nature through “Nature Nerds”, fourth graders will participate in “Lemonade Wars” and learn financial literacy through running a business. Fifth grade students will focus on flight and rocketry through the “Out of this World” program. The S.T.E.A.M. program is being sponsored by Joan Hammond, W.A. Hammond Drierite Co., LTD and Dr. Nodie Washington, sponsor of the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant.

A variety of “Books are Scary Good“ books will be purchased for the elementary school libraries, sponsored, in part, by Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the XCSF, and new genre books will be added to the Warner Middle School library collection. Xenia Preschool will add nonfiction informational texts to their library through the “ABC, True Facts for Me” grant.

McKinley Elementary’s “One School, One Book” grant will receive sponsorship support from Stephanie Johnston, Parent Volunteer Coordinator/Parent Liaison at XCS.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a new “Sponsor a Grant Program” five years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. Grants available for sponsorship have been selected by the XCSF Board of Directors from staff-submitted applications and an extensive application review and selection process conducted in conjunction with Xenia Community Schools.

McKinley Elementary School Benefits from XCSF’s Classroom Grant Program

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation provided almost $25,000.00 on grant funds for twenty-two special projects districtwide for the 2021-2022 school year. Six of those grants were awarded to staff at McKinley Elementary. Grant projects are intended to provide enhancements to the established curriculum for activities and purchases that are outside of the normal range of school funding.

One of the projects, the “Boonshoft Kindergarten Traveling STEM Program” is sponsored by Xenia Rotary and the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant. Individuals, businesses ,and organizations participate in the Foundation’s “Sponsor a Grant Program” as a way of supporting innovative initiatives in the Xenia Community Schools. Signs acknowledging sponsors are in the school buildings. Sponsors are recognized on the Xenia Community Schools Foundation website, Facebook, in the Hall of Honor program and in press releases about the grant sponsorship program.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery , as part of the “STEM to You” program is bringing one selected program to 65 kindergarten students each quarter. Students have participated in two programs so far and describe them as “amazing” and say they cannot wait for the next one. Teachers report the students are engaged and attentive during the presentations. The four presentations are as follows:

Thinking Like a Scientist.
Science Tools and Measurement.
Meet the Animals
Creek in the Classroom.

The entire McKinley student body is involved in the “One School, One Book” grant project. ”One School One Book” is a national movement designed to get an entire community, including parents , involved in the joy of reading. The book is read at home, as a family, and in school along with daily events and projects. The book selected for this project is: A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold. It is about boy with special needs who falls in love with a skunk kit and strives to raise him. Bat’s mom is a veterinarian who helped rescue the baby skunk after its mother and siblings died in an accident.

Staff also applied for and received funding for: “Sharing is Caring Club”, “Teaching Social Skills Through Literature”, “Teaching Writing Through Literature”, “Bragging About Positive Behavior”, The McKinley Library, along with the other elementary schools and the preschool, received new books that are age-appropriate superhero books through the “Super Hero Books for Super Readers” grant.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For additional information about the Sponsor a Grant Program, contact Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation at (937) 372-3591 and leave a message.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Classroom Grant Awards and Sponsorships for the 2021-2022 School Year

One group of awards focuses on science, including funds for a Chemistry Club project at Xenia High School geared towards science experiment instruction in the elementary schools. Funds are also being provided to Warner Middle School to create a Pond Ecosystem Learning Lab and to purchase supplies for a 7^th grade Dissections course. A variety of science-focused grants were approved for elementary schools including: the Boonshoft Kindergarten Traveling STEM Program at McKinley Elementary and Butterfly Life Cycle at Shawnee Elementary. Most of the science grants are being sponsored, in full or in part, through the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant. The Chemistry Club “ Teaching that Science is Fun!” project is also receiving support from the W.A. Hammond Drierite Co., LTD.

A variety of “Superhero “ books will be purchased for the preschool and elementary school libraries and new genre books will be added to the Warner Middle School library collection.

The Foundation is funding several grants focused on improving school climate, leadership skills, citizenship and student behavior. These include “WEB – Where Everybody Belongs”, “Project Linus” and “Responsible, Respectful Resilient- We are the X Factor!” at Xenia High School. Support for these initiatives comes from the Edwin Cox Family Legacy Grant.

The Muse Machine will once again perform at Warner Middle School. Grant funds will be used for several interactive performances. This will provide arts learning to connect students and teachers to artistic experiences. Included will be dance, theater, and music companies and independent artists. Xenia Rotary is a sponsor of the Muse Machine grant.

Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation, is sponsoring “Making Literacy Accessible”. This grant will provide funds to create and house a multisensory interactive library for MH students at Warner Middle School.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a new “Sponsor a Grant Program” four years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. Grants available for sponsorship have been selected by the XCSF Board of Directors from staff-submitted applications and an extensive application review and selection process conducted in conjunction with Xenia Community Schools.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Classroom Grant Awards and Sponsorships for the 2020-2021 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded almost $25,000.00 in grants to the Xenia Community Schools. The grants will fund projects that are innovative and provide enhancements to the standard school curriculum.

One group of awards focuses on science, including funds for a Chemistry Club project at Xenia High School geared towards science experiment instruction in the elementary schools. Funds are also being provided to Warner Middle School for the Warner Warriors Lego Robotics and a 7^th grade Dissections course. A variety of science-focused grants were approved for elementary schools. Additionally, all of the elementary buildings will benefit from the S.T.E.A.M Day/Science Olympiad grant. Many of the science grants are being sponsored through the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant, W. A. Hammond Drierite Co., Ltd. and Dr. Aleksandar Svager.

A variety of up to date nonfiction books will be purchased for the elementary school libraries and new genre books will be added to the Warner Middle School library collection. Altrusa International of Xenia, Ohio, Inc. and Barbara Stafford are sponsors for the elementary library grant.

The Foundation is funding several grants focused on improving school climate and student behavior. These include “WEB – Where Everybody Belongs”, “Project Linus” and “PBIS-Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support” at Warner Middle School and Xenia High School. Support for these initiatives comes from the Edwin Cox Family Legacy Grant.

The Muse Machine will once again come to Warner Middle School. Grant funds will be used for several interactive performances at the school. This will provide arts learning to connect students and teachers to artistic experiences. Included will be dance, theater, and music companies and independent artists. The XCSF will also fund the Educational Courtyards initiative at Warner Middle School. The furnishing of these spaces will provide additional flexible and quiet seating options both for instruction and lunch and recess.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a new “Sponsor a Grant Program” three years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. Grants available for sponsorship have been selected by the XCSF Board of Directors from staff-submitted applications and an extensive application review and selection process conducted in conjunction with Xenia Community Schools.

Sponsors, to date, for this round of grants include:

Edwin Cox Family Legacy Grants – “WEB – Where Everybody Belongs” (Warner), “PBIS-Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support” (Warner and XHS), “Project Linus” (Warner), “Sharing is Caring Service Club” (McKinley), “Increasing Students Social Emotional Awareness through Literature” (McKinley), “Home and School Connection” (Cox) and “HeartMath/Smartlab” (McKinley).

Dr. Nodie Washington – Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants – “Science is Fun-Xenia Chemistry Club” (XHS and Elementary Schools), “Warner Warriors Lego Robotics”, “Dissections – An Introduction to Animal Biology” (Warner), “Butterfly Life Cycle” (Shawnee),”Science Experiment”((Shawnee), “Tools for Engaging, Empowering Science Experiments” (McKinley), “Science and “Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Day/Science Olympiad” (Elementary Schools).

W.A. Hammond Drierite Company, Ltd. – “Science is Fun! – Xenia Chemistry Club” (XHS), “Warner Warriors Lego Robotics”, and “Elementary S.T.E.A.M Day/ Science Olympiad” (Elementary Schools).

Altrusa International of Xenia, Ohio, Inc. and Barbara Stafford – “Bullseye!” (Elementary Libraries).

Dr. Aleksandar Svager is supporting “Incorporating Technology to Master Social Studies and Science” at McKinley.

Additional sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming school year are still available.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Classroom Grant Awards and Sponsorships for the 2019-2020 School Year

This group of awards includes funds for a Chemistry Club project at Xenia High School geared towards science experiment instruction at the elementary schools. Funds are also being provided to purchase virtual anatomy 3-D software and “Spike Prime” Lego robotic sets for the First Lego League at McKinley Elementary. Dr. Aleksandar Svager is assisting with funding for the robotics program. The Foundation, along with funds from the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant and the W.A. Hammond Drierite Co., Ltd. will support the Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Day/Science Olympiad at each of the five elementary schools.

A variety of books about holidays will be purchased for the elementary school libraries and new genre books will be added to the Warner Middle School library collection. Xenia Preschool will be purchasing books and supporting activities to integrate STEM concepts and vocabulary into children’s literature at the preschool level. Altrusa International of Xenia, Ohio, Inc. is helping to support two library grants

The Foundation is funding several grants focused on improving school climate and student behavior. These include “WEB – Where Everybody Belongs”, Project Linus and PBIS-Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support at Warner Middle School and Xenia High School. Support for these initiatives comes from the Edwin Cox Family Legacy Grant.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a new “Sponsor a Grant Program” two years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. Grants available for sponsorship have been selected by the XCSF Board of Directors from staff-submitted applications and an extensive application review and selection process conducted in conjunction with Xenia Community Schools.

Sponsors, to date, for this round of grants include:

Altrusa International of Xenia, Ohio, Inc. – “Holiday Hoopla” (Elementary Libraries) and “STEM Story Starter Backpack Bundles” (Xenia Preschool)

Barbara Stafford- “STEM Story Starter Backpack Bundles” (Xenia Preschool)

Dr. Nodie Washington – Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants – “Science is Fun-Xenia Chemistry Club” (XHS and Elementary Schools), “First Lego League at McKinley” (McKinley), “Dissections – An Introduction to Animal Biology” (Warner) and “Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Day/Science Olympiad” (Elementary Schools).

W.A. Hammond Drierite Company, Ltd. – “Science is Fun! – Xenia Chemistry Club” (XHS), “Virtual Anatomy – Life in 3-D” (XHS), “First Lego League at McKinley” (McKinley), and “Elementary S.T.E.A.M Day/ Science Olympiad (Elementary Schools).

Additional sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming school year are still available.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Invites Grant Applications for the 2019-2020 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) is seeking a first round of applications for classroom grants for next school year. Applications submitted through May 31, 2019, will be reviewed by the Grants Committee in early June. Applicants will be given notice of the XCSF Board of Directors’ decisions by June 28, 2019.

In addition to grants funded by the Foundation itself, Dr. Nodie M. Washington, PhD, former XCS Board of Education member, has committed to providing $2,750.00 annually to fund the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants in honor of her daughter (XHS graduate and Class of 2013 Hall of Honor inductee). Funds are designated as follows: elementary buildings $250.00 each, Warner Middle School $500.00 and XHS $1,000.00. The criteria for these grants are as follows:

Projects must impact a broad cross section of students within the school and can apply to the following areas:

Science Tools/Equipment

Laboratory Supplies

Science Field Trips

Science Teaching Consultants (innovative techniques/tools on teaching science)

Guest Speakers in Science

The Cox Family Legacy Grant, totaling $5,000.00, will also be available for one or more grants for the 2019-2020 school year. To qualify for funds through this grant, projects must focus on activities that promote positive behavior and good citizenship.

$500.00 in grant funds is available for the first time, through 2018 Hall of Honor inductee Aleksandar Svager, for an initiative “to enrich teaching and learning in the academic areas of physics or math”.

The XCS Foundation’s Grant Program is designed to enrich learning experiences for Xenia area students. It is an opportunity for staff, parents and community members to put creative ideas into practice with financial support from the Foundation. Priority for funding is given to projects that support knowledge, academic growth and literacy. Residents and employees of the Xenia Community Schools District are eligible to submit a grant proposal.

Application guidelines and the application form are available on the XCS website (click the Xenia Community Schools Foundation icon on the XCS website’s “About Us” tab) and on the Foundation website at: xcsfoundation.com. The standard application and guidelines should be used for the XCSF funded and/or sponsored grants.

2018-2019 Grant Sponsors and Co-Sponsors

Altrusa International of Xenia OH, Inc. – “Well Loved Classics” (Elementary Libraries) and “Book Club- Creating Life-Long Readers” (McKinley Elementary)

Edwin Cox Family Legacy Grants – “WEB – Where Everybody Belongs” (Warner), “PBIS-Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support” (Warner), “Project Linus” (Warner), “Sharing is Caring Service Club” (McKinley)

Barbara Stafford- “Well Loved Classics” (Elementary Libraries)

Dr. Nodie Washington – Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants – “Raspberry Shake PI” (Xenia High School), “Science is Fun-Xenia Chemistry Club” (Xenia High School), “Warner Warriors Lego Robotics” (Warner), “Dissections- An Introduction to Animal Biology” (Warner), “Math Counts Video Challenge” (Warner), “Science Explorers!” (Shawnee), “Science Outside the Box II” (Cox)

W.A. Hammond Drierite Company, Ltd.- “Raspberry Shake PI” (Xenia High School) and “Science is Fun! – Xenia Chemistry Club” (Xenia High School)

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Invites Grant Applications for the 2018-2019 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) is seeking a first round of applications for classroom grants for next school year. Applications submitted through June 1, 2018, will be reviewed by the Grants Committee in early June. Applicants will be given notice of the XCSF Board of Directors’ decisions by June 29, 2018.

Projects must impact a broad cross section of students within the school and can apply to the following areas:

Science Tools/Equipment

Laboratory Supplies

Science Field Trips

Science Teaching Consultants (innovative techniques/tools on teaching science)

Guest Speakers in Science

The Cox Family Legacy Grant, totaling $5,000.00, will also be available for one or more grants for the 2018-2019 school year. To qualify for funds through this grant, projects must focus on activities that promote positive behavior and good citizenship.

Application guidelines and the application form are available on the XCS website (click the Xenia Community Schools Foundation icon on the left sidebar of the XCS website’s main page) and on the Foundation website at: xcsfoundation.com. The standard application and guidelines should be used for the XCSF funded and/or sponsored grants, the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants and the Cox Family Legacy Grants.

2017-2018 Grant Sponsors and Co-Sponsors

Altrusa International of Xenia OH, Inc. – “Gearing Up for Graphic Novels” (Elementary Libraries) and “Creating Lifelong Readers and Learners”(Warner Middle School)

Matt Bennett, Anderson Williamson Insurance Agency, LLC – ” Gearing Up for Graphic Novels” (Tecumseh) and “A Year of Science” (Tecumseh)

Barbara Stafford- “Gearing up for Graphic Novels” (Elementary Libraries)

XHS Class of 1967 – “Creating Lifelong Readers and Learners” (Warner Middle School)

Dr. Nodie Washington – Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants

W.A. Hammond Drierite Company, Ltd. -“Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Day/Science Olympiad” (Elementary Schools) and “Science is Fun! – Xenia Chemistry Club” (Xenia High School)

Xenia Central High School Class of 1952 – “Gearing Up for Graphic Novels” (Elementary Libraries)

Rotary Club of Xenia, OH – “Creating Lifelong Readers and Learners” (Warner Middle School)

December 12, 2017

XCSF’s “Sponsor a Grant” Program Receives Additional Support

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation offers an opportunity for businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor classroom grants for the 2017-2018 school year. The Foundation’s Grants Program is designed to enrich learning experiences for Xenia area students. It is an opportunity for staff, parents and community members to put creative ideas into practice with financial support though the Foundation. Signs acknowledging sponsors are in the school buildings. Sponsors are recognized on the Xenia Community Schools Foundation website, Facebook, the Hall of Honor program and in press releases about the grant program.

The W.A Hammond Drierite Company, LTD. of Xenia recently stepped-up to co-sponsor the Elementary S.T.E.A.M Day/Science Olympiad in the five elementary schools. “Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of K-12 science education, increasing male, female and minority interest in science, creating a technologically-literate workforce and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers.” The grant involves fifth-grade students in science Olympiad tournaments at each elementary building in the Xenia Community Schools. The one day events focus on teamwork, a commitment to excellence and improving the quality of K-12 science education by changing the way science is perceived and the way it is taught (with an emphasis on problem solving and hands-on, minds-on constructivist learning practices). The W.A.Hammond Drierite Company, LTD. is also a co-sponsor of the “Science is Fun-Xenia Chemistry Club” grant. Groups of Xenia High School students participate in both projects as mentors and instructors.

The Xenia Central High School Class of 1952 recently presented the Xenia Community Schools Foundation with a donation of $500.00. The Class is being recognized as a co-sponsor of the “Gearing Up for Graphic Novels” elementary library grant. Library grants assist with the purchase of new reading materials to help create a lifelong interest in reading.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. For additional information, leave a message for Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation at (937) 372-3591.

November 14, 2017

Xenia Community Schools Foundation’s “Sponsor a Grant” Program Takes Off

The Board of Directors of the XCSF recently announced an opportunity for businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor classroom grants for the 2017-2018 school year. The Foundation’s Grant Program is designed to enrich learning experiences for Xenia area students. It is an opportunity for staff, parents and community members to put creative ideas into practice with financial support though the Foundation.

Several sponsors for the 2017- 2018 school year have committed to providing funds to cover entire grant amounts or a minimum of $500.00. Signs acknowledging sponsors are in the school buildings. Sponsors also will be recognized on the Xenia Community Schools Foundation website, Facebook, the Hall of Honor program and in press releases about the grant program.

Dr. Nodie M. Washington provides recurring support for the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants at each of the five elementary schools, Warner Middle School and Xenia High School. Projects such as “Science is Fun! – Xenia Chemistry Club” and Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Day Science Olympiad benefit through these sponsorship funds.

Altrusa international of Xenia, Ohio, Inc., Matt Bennett of Anderson Williamson Insurance Agency, LLC, and Barbara Stafford are supporting the purchase of graphic novels at the elementary libraries through contributions to the “Gearing Up for Graphic Novels” grant.

Altrusa and the XHS Class of 1967 are also providing support towards the update of genre book collections at Warner Middle School’s library project of “Creating Lifelong Readers and Learners”. Matt Bennett is providing funds for materials needed to complete science activities and experiments that correlate with First Grade Science Standard through the “A Year of Science” grant at Tecumseh.

Library grants assist with the purchase of new reading materials to help create a lifelong interest in reading. The Foundation has approved STEM and science oriented special projects included in the approved sponsorship grant package for 2017-2018. Other projects promote positive behavior and school spirit or an introduction to performance arts (Muse Machine performances at Xenia High School and Warner Middle School).

July 18, 2017

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces “Sponsor a Grant” Program

The Board of Directors of the XCSF invites businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor grants for the 2017-2018 school year.

The XCS Foundation’s Grant Program is designed to enrich learning experiences for Xenia area students. It is an opportunity for staff, parents and community members to put creative ideas into practice with financial support though the Foundation. The mission of the XCSF states “The Xenia Community Schools Foundation attracts and connects the financial and human resources of the Xenia community to its classrooms, seeking to propel its faculty and students beyond current operational funding to more notable academic achievement.”

Sponsors for 2017- 2018 grants will commit to providing funds to cover the entire grant amount or a minimum of $500.00. Payment can be made in a lump sum or over eleven months beginning July, 2017, and ending by May 31, 2018. Signs acknowledging sponsors are placed in the school buildings. Sponsors also will be acknowledged on the Xenia Community Schools Foundation website, Facebook page, in the Hall of Honor program and in press releases about the grant program.

Grants, such as the Muse Machine at Xenia High School and Warner Middle School, provide the opportunity for thousands of students to experience in-school professional cultural performances. Library grants assist with the purchase of new reading materials help create a lifelong interest in reading. There are STEM and science oriented special projects included in the approved sponsorship grant package for 2017-2018. Other projects promote positive behavior and school spirit.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For additional information, contact Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation at (937) 620-0790.

May 4, 2017

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Invites Grant Applications for the 2017-2018 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) is seeking a first round of applications for classroom grants for next school year. Applications submitted through May 31, 2017, will be reviewed by the Grants Committee in early June. Applicants will be given notice of the XCSF Board of Directors’ decisions by June 30, 2017.

Impact a broad cross section of students within the school and can apply to the following areas:

Science Tools/Equipment

Laboratory Supplies

Science Field Trips

Science Teaching Consultants (innovative techniques/tools on teaching science)

Guest Speakers in Science

Application guidelines and the application form are available on the XCS website (click the Xenia Community Schools Foundation icon on the left sidebar of the XCS website’s main page) and on the Foundation website at: xcsfoundation.com. The standard application and guidelines should be used for the XCSF funded grants and the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants.

XCSF Awards Seven Additional Classroom Grants for 2016-2017

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded almost to $5,000.00 in grants to the Xenia Community Schools, bringing this year’s total to around $24,500.00. This is the third round of grants awarded for the 2016-2017 school year.

Warner Middle School’s “Science Resources” initiative will be funded through the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grant. Purchases of needed equipment will be used to enhance the middle school science curriculum and to provide for more “hands-on” experiences.

McKinley Elementary School will be hosting a science fair. Supplies will be provided through both the Science Grant and XCSF grant funds.

Third grade students at McKinley will create electrical circuits using electrical energy boards purchased with XCSF grant funds.

A kindergarten class at Cox Elementary will use XCSF grant funded purchases to improve fine motor skills. Purchases will include lacing cards and Snap & Pop beads. The focus of the grant is to enhance fine motor skills using these items. Improved motor skills will impact the ability to write, cut, color and maneuver through a computer screen.

A “Sharing is Caring Club” will be formed for fifth graders at McKinley. This is a new service club focused on teaching compassion and service to fifth grade students. Grant funds will be used for supplies for service projects, including the purchase of stockings and stocking stuffers. The stockings will go to individuals in the community who are hospitalized, homeless or in nursing homes.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is providing support for the “Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Day/ Science Olympiad” at all five elementary schools.

Finally, the “Is a Pound Just a Pound? Analyzing the Human Body” grant at Warner Middle School will be used to purchase two body composition monitors. These will be used to measure students’ body compositions. After being measured, the students will research what would be healthier for them and develop and implement plans to improve their compositions.

All the grants for Xenia Community School students and teachers are beyond what regular school funding can provide. The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The XCSF sponsors the annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony, along with a Silent Auction, along with additional fundraising events. Donations from such events help support the mission of the Foundation in providing support to Xenia Community Schools.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation, formerly known as the Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. The XCSF’s purpose, among others, is to seek funding to be used for the benefit of faculty and students by embracing or going beyond the usual. For information about the XCSF, visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check them out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or leave a message at the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591.

November 2, 2016

Xenia Community School Foundation Grant Brings Arts to XHS through the Muse Machine

The Muse Machine experience will expose six hundred students at Xenia High School to the arts this year. The Xenia Community Schools Foundation has provided $2,600.00 in grant funds to make this possible.

Grant funds are supporting in-school interactive performances, allowing arts learning to connect students and teachers to artistic experiences. Planned experiences include dance, theater, music companies and independent artists. There are various connections to the curriculum. A Muse Machine Club is also forming.

Staff member Jennifer Burgess reports that students loved the first performance on October 13^th, of Madness behind the Method. Presented by the Black Box Improv Theatre, it was a highly interactive performance that emphasized active listening, teamwork, creativity, and saying “yes” to ideas through improv comedy and music. All freshman students and their teachers attended. On November 3rd, Shuffle off This Mortal Coil, will be presented to sophomores. Shuffle off This Mortal Coil is one actor’s look at the many deaths included in Shakespeare’s plays. On February 3rd, The Magic Behind the Movies will perform for juniors.

XHS staff members involved with this project are meeting with students interested in pursuing individual Muse Machine memberships. Plans are underway for that group to take some trips to local Dayton-area theatres to see live ballet, drama, and orchestral performances.

Muse Machine is not just impacting students. Faculty members from almost every department at XHS are getting involved! This program is bringing together students and staff of all ages and interests to support the arts.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is dedicated to enriching the academic pursuits of all students, faculty and staff within the Xenia Community Schools. The Foundation has provided grants for teacher and classroom enrichment programs and scholarships, from the investment income of the Foundation and donations, for the past thirty years. The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For additional information, visit xcsfoundation.com.

July 19, 2016

XCSF Grant Awards for 2016-2017 to Benefit Eight Xenia Schools

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded $18,382.13 in grants to the Xenia Community Schools. This is the first round of grants. Additional grants will be awarded in late August.

This group of awards includes funds for purchases of library books, a Chemistry Club elementary school program and supplies for several elective courses at Warner Middle School.

The Foundation is renewing several grants focused on improving school climate and student behavior including “Xenia Students Taking Action Today (XSTAT)” at Xenia High School and “Where Everybody Belongs (WEB)” at Warner Middle School. Both programs proved to be highly successful last school year.

The Muse Machine will be coming to Xenia High School. Grant funds will be used for five interactive performances. This will provide arts learning to connect students and teachers to artistic experiences. Included will be dance, theater, and music companies and independent artists.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The XCSF sponsors the annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony, along with a Silent Auction. Additional fundraising events, including a “Taste of Italy” dinner and the “Second Annual Healthy Halloween Hustle 5k Fun Run/Walk” will take place later this year. Donations from such events help support the mission of the Foundation in providing support to Xenia Community Schools. The Foundation has provided approximately $170,000 over the last eight years to benefit education in Xenia.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation, formerly known as the Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. The XCSF’s purpose, among others, is to seek funding to be used for the benefit of faculty and students by embracing or going beyond the usual. For information about the XCSF, visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check them out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or leave a message at the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591.

June 24, 2016

“Taste of Italy” Fundraiser to Support Grants for Xenia Schools

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is hosting a fundraiser on August 25^th at Caesar Creek Vineyards. The event is a “Wine and Dine” featuring a lasagna dinner from Nick’s Restaurant, along with wine, sangria and music. Tickets are $35.00 each and a portion of the cost of the ticket can be considered a charitable contribution. Tickets are available at the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, 334 W. Market St., Xenia. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591 for additional information.

Proceeds of the event will be used to fund the Foundation’s Classroom Grants Program. The Foundation plans to award $25,000.00 in grants for the 2016-2017 school year. This will include funds from two designated grants. The Cox Family Legacy Grants total $5,000.00. Those funds are designated for projects that focus on citizenship, positive behavior and character development. Dr. Nodie M. Washington, PhD, former Xenia Community Schools Board of Education member, is contributing $2,750.00 annually for the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants.

First round awards will be announced shortly, and the Foundation will be accepting a second round of grant applications through August 15^th.

May 2, 2016

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Invites Grant Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) is seeking a first round of applications for classroom grants for next school year. Applications submitted through May 31, 2016, will be reviewed by the Grants Committee in early June. Applicants will be given notice of the XCSF Board of Directors’ decisions by June 30, 2016. XCSF grant funds, including the designated grants described below, will total $25,000.00 for the 2016-2017 school year.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is announcing the second year of the Edwin B. Cox Family Legacy Grant Fund. Bill and Peter McKown, great-grandsons of Edwin B. Cox (XCSF Hall of Honor Class of 2009), have again donated $5,000.00 to provide grants to classroom teachers and staff. Edwin B. Cox served as the superintendent of Xenia schools for 34 years and passed away in 1912. He was much admired and revered by the community. The focus of the grants must be to develop loyal citizenship and/or to build character through classroom excellence.

Dr. Nodie M. Washington, PhD, former XCS Board of Education member, has committed to providing $2,750.00 annually to fund the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants in honor of her daughter (XHS graduate and Class of 2013 Hall of Honor inductee). Funds are designated as follows: elementary buildings $250.00 each, Warner Middle School $500.00 and XHS $1,000.00. The criteria for these grants are as follows:

Impact a broad cross section of students within the school and can apply to the following areas:

Science Tools/Equipment

Laboratory Supplies

Science Field Trips

Science Teaching Consultants (innovative techniques/tools on teaching science)

Guest Speakers in Science

Application guidelines and the application form are available on the XCS website (click the Xenia Community Schools Foundation icon on the left sidebar of the XCS website’s main page) and on the Foundation website at: xcsfoundation.com. The standard application and guidelines should be used for the XCSF funded grants, the Cox Family Legacy Grants and the Dr. Jenene Washington-Stepter Science Grants.

March 23, 2016

Second Annual Silent Auction for Grants to Support Classroom Grants Program

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation will be hosting a Silent Auction on April 30, 2016, as part of the annual Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony and Dinner event. The auction will be held at Tecumseh Elementary School and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Donations received as of April 4^th, will be included in a Preview Book. Proceeds from the auction will be used to fund grants.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation provides grants for classroom and teacher projects. $25,000.00 in grants was awarded for the 2015-2016 school year. Funded projects are geared towards enriching student learning. Some applications represent district-wide initiatives. All the grants for Xenia Community Schools’ students and teachers are beyond what regular school funding can provide.

This year’s group of awards includes four library book grants, a XHS Chemistry Club elementary school project and robotics-related STEM education course materials. The Foundation also purchased software for simulation experiments in courses such as Biology, Physical Science and Physics at the high school level. A total of sixteen grants were awarded.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. For information about the XCSF, please visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check us out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or call the Chamber at 937-372-3591.

February 18, 2016

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Helps Fund McKinley FIRST LEGO League Team

The XCSF is proud to have provided grants funds that enabled the formation of a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team at McKinley Elementary at the beginning of the school year. Ten students, from a group of forty applicants, were selected to form McKinley’s first FLL team. Foundation funds were used to purchase LEGO parts, including additional robotics equipment, register the team for competition, purchase reference books, and print team shirts. The team met biweekly throughout the fall semester and competed in a tournament held at Wright State in December. The team performed well, according to their teacher leader Tim Carey, and received an award for Strategy & Innovation for their robot design.

The goal of the project was to introduce 4^th and 5^th grade students to robotics and programming. The students involved in the FLL team developed a basic understanding of both of those areas. The group will continue to meet throughout the spring semester to improve their skills in programming and robot design. The McKinley Robotics Program will also expand to include new students in 3^rd through 5^th grades. Current team members will teach the new students what they have learned.

Grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The XCSF will host the annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony and the Second Annual Silent Auction on April 30^th. Proceeds from these fundraising events support the mission of the Foundation in providing grants and a scholarship to Xenia Community Schools.

January 28, 2016

XCSF Library Grants Provide New Resources to Encourage Reading

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation has funded four library grants for the 2015-2016 school year. The grants total $7,500.00. School librarians report that students “LOVE” the new books. In fact, there is so much competition among elementary students to check out the 278 books purchased with funds from the “Reading in the Television/Movie Age” grant that the books are rarely returned to the shelves before they are checked out again. These books were checked out over 2200 times during the first half of the school year.

Each of the four grants applications focused on certain grade levels and genre of books. The school librarians assess the needs and apply for the grants. They look for gaps in available types of books that will be both interesting and appealing to students, while encouraging reading. The XCSF regularly funds library grants.

A second grant, “Graphic Novels are Picture Perfect”, targets the 1200 high schools students. The 80 books purchased with grant funds have been well received.

The “Pop-Up Pizazz” grant focuses on K-2 and special needs children. The pop-up books have high quality art and are well-engineered. They are being used to improve listening skills and to engage students in story time activities.

The fourth grant is titled “Creating Lifelong Readers and Learners”. The students at Warner Middle Schools now have 97 new books on display in the library and they are being checked out regularly. Some students are giving book reports during morning and afternoon announcements to encourage interest in reading these books.

Interactive “Wax Museum” Will Bring History to Life at McKinley

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is providing funds for fourth and fifth grade students at McKinley Elementary School to become actively engaged in learning about famous people in history.

Fourth and fifth grade students will each research a historical figure and create an interactive display that showcases the figure. Students will dress as the character and participate in an interactive exchange as they become that character and share their research.

Students will engage in short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic while creating visual and audio displays to enhance thedevelopment of main ideas or themes. The XCSF is providing approximately $800.00 for supplies.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation awards represent grants to teachers and staff of the Xenia Community Schools. Any Xenia Community Schools’ staff or community member can apply to the Foundation to fund special projects in classrooms. Projects are geared towards enriching student learning. Some applications represent district-wide initiatives. All the grants for Xenia Community School students and teachers are beyond what regular school funding can provide.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Brings the Muse Machine to Warner Middle School

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded almost $1,700.00 in a grant for the “Muse Machine” initiative at Warner Middle School. This award and an $800.00 grant for the “Fourth/Fifth Grade Interactive Wax Museum” at McKinley round out the third and final round of grants for the 2015-2016 school year. The Foundation has awarded over $25,000.00 in grants this year.

Heather Sage, Assistant Principal at Warner, summarizes the Muse Machine project as follows: “The grant funds that have been awarded to Warner Middle School will purchase three of five in-school performances. All eighth grade students will be treated to the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s “Women Who Changed the World” performance. This performance connects students to the extraordinary trail-blazing women who reshaped American life, history and culture. Through narration, song, contemporary dance and student participation, DCDC celebrates the women who campaigned for civil rights, entertained us, explored science and transformed our views of society.

In February, the Dayton Opera will present “Shakespeare Sings!” a lively program featuring excerpts from many musical favorites based on Shakespearian plays. This performance includes musical styles from opera to Broadway and demonstrates operatic voices at their best. The performers are Dayton Opera Artists in Residence, chosen through national audition. All of our sixth grade students will be treated to this performance.

In March, our seventh graders will enjoy “Now Hear This: The Story of Sound”. Musicians Michael and Sandy Bashaw have joined forces with filmmaker David Sherman to create a live music and motion picture event unlike any other. Through an array of instruments, colorful projections and plenty of student participation, “Now Hear This” illustrates just how sound and music are created and experienced by all of us.”

“Xenia Students Taking Action Today” Program Recognized

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation funds classroom grants and new initiatives. A group of Xenia High School students, members of X-STAT, were awarded Pride Certificates at the XCS Board of Education meeting on November 2^nd. Grant funds from the Foundation help support the supplies needed for this project.

This new program is described as a student-led group of students and staff members working to improve school climate by cultivating a sense of belonging and school pride. This is being accomplished through the design of bulletin boards and the posting motivational messages in the building, among other activities. This group of volunteers serves as role models and works to create a welcoming and positive environment for the other 1200 students at Xenia High School.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The XCSF sponsors the annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony annually and is hosting other fundraising events throughout the year. Donations from such events help support the mission of the Foundation in providing grants to Xenia Community Schools. The Foundation has provided approximately $145,000 over the last 7 years to benefit education in Xenia.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Second Round of Grants for 2015-2016

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded $5,160.00 in classroom and library grants to the Xenia Community Schools. This is in addition to the first round total of $17,854.20.

This group of awards includes funds for the purchases of: genre books for the Warner Middle School library, pop-up and novelty books for K-2^nd grade readers and a LEGO robot and parts for a STEM robotics program. Funds are also being provided for supplies related to a school pride bulletin board project at Xenia High School. The Xenia Community Schools Foundation awards represent grants to teachers and staff of the Xenia Community Schools. Any Xenia Community Schools’ staff or community member can apply to the Foundation to fund special projects in classrooms. Projects are geared towards enriching student learning. Some applications represent district-wide initiatives. All the grants for Xenia Community School students and teachers are beyond what regular school funding can provide.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The XCSF sponsors the annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony and recently held a “Fiesta” themed night out as an additional fundraiser. The Foundation, in collaboration with Xenia Community Schools, is next hosting the “1^st Annual Healthy Halloween Hustle” 5k run/walk on October 31^st. Donations from such events help support the mission of the Foundation in providing support to Xenia Community Schools.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces First Round of Grants for 2015-2016

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded $17,854.20 in grants to the Xenia Community Schools.

This group of awards includes funds for purchases of library books, a Chemistry Club elementary school program and supplies for several new elective courses at Warner Middle School. The Foundation is also honoring a grant request for science experiment simulation software at Xenia High School. The simulation experiments include areas such as biology, physical science, earth and space sciences, chemistry and physics.

The grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The XCSF sponsors the annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony and recently held a garage sale. Additional fundraising events will be announced for later this year. Donations from such events help support the mission of the Foundation in providing support to Xenia Community Schools. “The Foundation sincerely thanks all who have contributed to help our children in the Xenia Community” says XCSF President Brian Liming.

The Foundation has provided approximately $145,000 over the last 7 years to benefit education in Xenia.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation, formerly known as the Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. The XCSF’s purpose, among others, is to seek funding to be used for the benefit of faculty and students by embracing or going beyond the usual. For information about the XCSF, visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check them out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or call the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591.

XCSF Announces $25,000 Classroom Grants Award Program

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation plans to award classroom grants of more than $25,000, including Edwin B. Cox Family Legacy Grant funds, for the 2015-2016 school year. This amount includes proceeds from the Garage Sale last week, which will be used to help fund grants in the Xenia Community Schools.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation recently announced the Edwin B. Cox Family Legacy Grant Fund for 2015-2016. Bill and Peter McKown, relatives of Edwin B. Cox (XCSF Hall of Honor Class of 2009), have donated funds to provide grants to classroom teachers and staff. Edwin B. Cox served as the superintendent of Xenia schools for 34 years and passed away in 1912. He was much admired and revered by the community. The family donated $5,000.00 to be used for grants for the 2015 -2016 year. The focus of the Cox grants must be to develop loyal citizenship and/or to build character through classroom excellence.

The Xenia Community Schools (XCS) Foundation was organized in 1985 as a nonprofit organization to support programs which assist and encourage achievement of the highest standards for all the young people of the Xenia school area. The Foundation is governed by a Board that consists presently of representatives from the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, the Xenia Education Association and the Xenia Community Schools Board of Education.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Invites Grant Applications for the 2015-2016 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) is seeking a first round of applications for classroom grants for next school year. Applications submitted through May 31, 2015, will be reviewed by the Grants Committee in early June. Applicants will be given notice of the XCSF Board of Directors’ decisions by June 30, 2015.

Additionally, the Xenia Community Schools Foundation is announcing the Edwin B. Cox Family Legacy Grant Fund for 2015-2016. Bill and Peter McKown, relatives of Edwin B. Cox (XCSF Hall of Honor Class of 2009), have donated funds to provide grants to classroom teachers and staff. Edwin B. Cox served as the superintendent of Xenia schools for 34 years and passed away in 1912. He was much admired and revered by the community. The family has donated $5,000.00 to be used for grants for the 2015 -2016 year. The focus of the grants must be to develop loyal citizenship and/or to build character through classroom excellence. The Foundation is grateful for their generosity.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Grants Enhance Xenia Community Schools Libraries

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation provides grants for teacher and classroom projects. Over $20,000.00 in grants were awarded for the 2013-2014 school year. School libraries benefited from some of the funds.

The “Nonfiction Reader Grant” provided $2000.00 that was used to purchase 135 books for the elementary libraries. The books were showcased atop the book shelves in the libraries and on the library webpage. Many of them had a science or history theme in keeping with the Common Core. Some books were used for a study of plants and other books were sent to classrooms to aid in Science units of study. As of the end of the school year, these books had circulated 300 times. This grant supplemented the District’s elementary nonfiction collection with books that encourage independent readers.

An additional $2,000.00 grant project, “Top Shelf Fiction”, provided funds for the purchase of 151 books to be placed in the Central Middle School and Warner Middle School libraries. These books were checked out for reading projects in English classes. One class did a “Read Me Maybe” where many of the new books were read and then rated by students. These books were all full length novels written in the past year or two, so they were very current. As of the end of the school year, these books had circulated a whopping 417 times. As District Librarian Kay Gerspacher commented, “Students will read if they have interesting, appealing choices. This grant enabled the Middle School libraries to offer just such books to our students.”

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Invites Grant Applications

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) accepts applications for grants on a continuing basis. The Grants Subcommittee meets quarterly to review applications and make recommendations for awards. Grant awards, traditionally, have ranged from $200.00 to $14,000.00.

Application guidelines and the application form are available on the XCS website (click the Xenia Community Schools Foundation icon on the left sidebar of the XCS website’s main page) and on the Foundation website at: xcsfoundation.com. The Grants Subcommittee of the XCSF will meet in June to review applications that have been submitted by June 6, 2014. Applicants will receive notification at the end of June.

Xenia Community Schools (XCS) Foundation Grants Program

PURPOSE

ELIGIBILITY

Residents and employees of the Xenia Community Schools District are eligible to submit a grant proposal.

APPLICATION AVAILABILITY

Applications will be available at the Xenia Community Schools Board of Education Office and the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce. The application can also be found on the following websites: xenia.k12.oh.us (Xenia Community Schools) and xacc.com (Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce).

FUNDING

The selection committee reserves the right to adjust the amount awarded per
grant based on the number of requests received and the needs of the applicant.
If you feel that an adjustment will negatively impact your proposal, provide an explanation on the application. (The range of grants in the recent past has been from $200 to $14,000)

NOTE: All supplies and equipment, purchased with grant funds, become the property of the Xenia Community Schools.