Boosters help cover academic needs
Albany’s new Academic Booster Club recently announced that it has reached its ambitious $150,000 developmental goal, and the funds are already being put to work with several educators attending special workshops and equipment purchases made for local school programs.
In addition, the need for “building out” a Creative Minds Facility, or “Maker Den” as it will be known at Albany ISD, received generous funding of $200,000 from an anonymous donor.
What It’s All About
Earlier this spring, a group of parents and community leaders launched an effort to reinvigorate the Albany Academic Booster Club. The effort began with a look at budget deficits and developing a “needs assessment” among the secondary faculty and staff.
“We asked the teachers what they needed for their campus, departments, and classrooms as well as their input on ways to enhance and support professional development, community engagement opportunities, college and career readiness needs, etc.,” said Booster committee member Tamara Trail.
The feedback enabled the group to set goals and establish a platform to launch the initiative.
“We set a lofty goal to raise $150,000 in three months and begin seeking resources for a ‘creative minds facility’ on the Albany Junior/Senior High (AJSH) campus, as well as increase engagement among the parents and community in academic efforts,” said Trail. “We realized we had some real needs, but we also decided that if we could effectively articulate these needs, this community would show up for the students. Albany supports its youth.”
AISD superintendent Shane Fields said that the funding has already been put to good use providing some needed training and equipment to enhance instruction and kick start a few new course offerings.
“I’m very proud of the efforts of the Academic Booster Club and the lofty financial goal they set,” said Fields. “It did not surprise me, though, that they met it. This community always comes through when it comes to supporting our kids.”
In mid May, applications for Professional Development scholarships were distributed to all AJSH teachers.
A committee made up of Darla Cotter, Heather Brown, Helen Ivy, and Gayla Leech, evaluated the applications at the end of the school year.
“We are so happy to provide funding to send four teachers to advanced summer training,” said Darla Cotter.
Three English teachers are currently attending AP/Pre-Ap training.
“Although we don’t offer AP credit, our students will benefit from the high caliber of the material,” Cotter continued.
She added that Albany High School will offer commercial photography next year for the first time.
“Our instructor attended a seminar earlier this summer to supplement his work in that class and he also took four students for ILPC training to enhance our newspaper program,” Cotter said. “I can’t think of a better use of our funds than investing directly in the educators who will apply what they learn to a broad section of our student body.”
Early Accomplishments
Some additional early accomplishments of the Booster Club’s effort include the following:
•SAT and ACT awards given at the Academic Banquet were raised from a total of $200 to $1,000 this year (top scores at $250, second at $150, third at $100 for both SAT and ACT).
•Additional support for the UIL academic efforts was given by providing goody bags and snacks for all the UIL academic contests. Funds were provided for meals for the regional contest in Odessa as well as a “team dinner.”
•Every secondary teacher and staff member received an Albany shirt of their choice free of charge to wear to events and represent AISD.
•A teacher/administration request form is being compiled for equipment and supplies. The Boosters are currently working with the administration on acquiring many of the items on the “wish list” that came out of the staff needs assessment survey.
•An “AJSH Academic Booster Club” Facebook page is up and running. Facebook users are asked to “like and share” the page to help the group grow.
•A mentoring program is in the works.
“There is real excitement among local professionals about connecting with the youth in career building and mentoring relationships as well as support for SAT/ACT training and college and career readiness expansion,” said Trail. “We will intentionally pursue advancements in this area over the next year. Consider if this may be a place for you to plug in.”
Committee member Tisha Wilkins thanked local supporters for their quick response as the funding campaign continues.
“Thank you all for the many ways you give of your time and resources to better our community,” said Wilkins. “Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to volunteer at any level. Thanks for supporting and being an Albany Academic Booster!”
