Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence

Onlne children's literature resource

NEWS for the New Year

2012-13 Academic Program & Incentive Funding

Academic program support and incentive funding represent the largest part of DFEE work. The total distribution for academic year 2012-13 programs and incentives will be $55,000, an increase of almost 20% over the 2011 budgeted amount. We allocate grants to the various Durango District 9-R schools in blocks roughly based on enrollment numbers.

Grant criteria will continue to emphasize improving literacy achievement; funds may be used for a variety of programs, materials, technology, and training, depending on the identified needs at each school. Allocations also include money for incentive programs to encourage character development, improved citizenship, and growth in other life or academic skills.

Since 2004, DFEE has awarded almost $350,000 to Durango District 9-R schools for program funding. DFEE appreciates the consistently outstanding support we receive from Durango's community members and businesses. Now, as the district budget tightens, we renew our own commitment to help our schools reach for educational excellence.

The full packet of Program and Incentive Funding information is available for download here, or by contacting the DFEE office at info@dfee.net or (970) 385-1491. We welcome brainstorming, ideas, and questions. Submit applications along with completed Durango School District 9-R Grants Checklist to Assistant Superintendent by March 1; grants will be forwarded to DFEE following district review, to meet DFEE deadline of April 2, 2012.

2010-2011 Mid-year Evaluations Due, Please

A gentle reminder to the recipients of 2011-12 program grants: Mid-year evaluations are due January 31, 2012. Download the form here--we are looking forward to hearing news about your grant programs!

Ski for Education: Report from the Slopes

The day was sparkling, the snow fresh, and the mountain busy with skiers taking advantage of Durango Mountain Resort's first "Locals Benefit Day" of the 2011-2012 winter season--and the skiers weren't the only ones to benefit from the day: Proceeds from the December 18 event will support DFEE's efforts on behalf of Durango District 9-R.

DFEE is honored to be one of four local non-profits identified by Durango Mountain Resort as vital keys to the well-being of the area's residents and economy. We send DMR an enormous thank you for their financial support as well as for the great efforts DMR staff invested to ensure the day's success.

Looking Back/Looking Forward: Reviewing 2011, Previewing 2012

Reaching out to do more is a DFEE tradition well demonstrated in 2011. The cornerstone of DFEE efforts remained the program and incentive grants to the district schools, but DFEE is proud of the other ways we supported our schools and students in 2011:

Continuing from its inception the year before, the Student Competition Travel Fund helped several teams reach distant academic competitions in 2011.
New for 2011, the Michael Crane Memorial Arts Education Fund gave a boost to arts education; DFEE approved grants from the fund for the Stillwater Foundation, Music in the Mountains, the Durango High School visiting artists program, and the Escalante Middle School String Club.
Nine scholarships were awarded to graduating Durango High School seniors in May of 2011.
DFEE teamed up with the Durango Public Library to provide a component for children and for 9-R students in the 2011 Durango Literary Festival: Joe Hayes brought his famous storytelling talents to Del Alma and Florida Mesa Elementary students as well as to the Durango Literary Festival.
DFEE provided $1,000 to The Family Center's Back to School Backpack Program in August of 2011.
9-R Employee Appreciation Event honored seven District 9-R employes for outstanding teaching and staff services.
The 18th Annual Tom Hartney Golf Tournament May 20th showed our wide community support base and raised approximately $20,000 for DFEE's 2011-12 programs.

Moving forward, all DFEE funding programs will continue, with some distribution amounts being increased. New for 2012, DFEE plans to offer "extraordinary grants" throughout the year, to further enrich academic programs for 9-R students. DFEE will announce criteria for these awards early in 2012. We're excited by the opportunities coming our way to serve Durango's schools and children this year.