34 classroom projects were recently funded in the Bensalem School District thanks to the nonprofit Just For The Kids
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
It’s safe to say most teachers want the best for their students. They want them to excel. But without the resources to provide challenging opportunities, that task becomes difficult. That’s where Just For The Kids comes in. The sole mission of the nonprofit is to fund innovative projects and educational programs in public schools throughout the Bensalem School District. At a recent school board meeting, it was announced that 34 projects will receive funding for the 2017–18 academic year, totaling more than $12,000.
Formed in 1996, Just For The Kids evolved from the Bensalem Township School District’s strategic plan. An independent, community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization is governed by a board of directors, whose members either reside in the township or have children who are students in the school district.
According to Ralph Douglass, president of JFTK for more than 10 years, local public schools are one of the biggest investments that can be made in the community. These kids are the future. That’s why the nonprofit has been working for more than 20 years to make sure they have the best possible education.
At the beginning of each school year, teachers submit applications detailing the projects for which they require funding. These can cover any educational aspect or subject area and each is ranked on a number of criteria. How close does the project meet JFTK’s mission? Is the project student-centered? Does it fit in with the school district’s strategic plan? Is it economically efficient?
After taking all of the projects and available funds into consideration, the recipients are selected. At the Nov. 21 school board meeting, the Just For The Kids Education Foundation Board announced the 34 projects that will receive Classroom Project Awards for the 2017–18 school year.
These include fourth-grade Chromebooks at Cornwells Elementary School, a 2018 spelling bee and Scholastic news magazine at Samuel K. Faust Elementary School, author day and a home economics club at Benjamin Rush Elementary School, autism-friendly sensory products at Cecelia Snyder Middle School and a literacy magazine at Bensalem High School. The funds to be awarded total $12,565.91.
“The money goes directly into the classroom to enhance the learning process,” Douglass said.
This year, JFTK received 36 project submissions and was able to award funding to 34. Last year, 48 applications came in and the organization provided either all or partial funding to each, totalling $19,000. According to Douglass, that was the largest number to date, and he hopes to reach that number again next year.
All of the money raised through JFTK comes through donations, fundraising efforts and yearly events. The annual Bowl-A-Thon will be held on April 22 at Bristol Pike Lanes, 2501 Bristol Pike in Croydon. In past years, Douglass reflected on how so many students and families came out that they spanned across 20 lanes. Also coming up is a trip to a Trenton Thunder game, usually held the Saturday after the last day of school. According to Douglass, the motto of this event is “end the school year with a clap of thunder.”
Other recent initiatives include a hot dog and soda booth at the Bensalem Fall Festival, as well as the 11th annual Massaroni Memorial Color Run (previously a 5K run and 1-mile walk), which took place Oct. 14 and drew more than 300 participants. The race is held in honor of Rob Massaroni, a former teacher at Robert K. Shafer Middle School who collapsed 11 years ago at the finish line of the Broad Street Run, passing away shortly after.
Last year, JFTK hosted a dinner dance in honor of its 20th anniversary. A telethon was also held on the school district’s cable channel. Each school had 30 minutes to perform while viewers called in to donate.
United Way of Bucks County also assists JFTK in its fundraising efforts by providing an opportunity for the community to recognize teachers around the holidays. Instead of buying them a coffee cup or chocolate, students and parents are able to donate a small amount to UWBC either in their name or in honor/memory of someone. The funds are then passed along to JFTK.
For information or to donate to Just For The Kids, email justforthekidsfoundation@gmail.com or visit jftk.org. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
