FIVE STAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANT ENHANCES THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE AT DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL
The Five Star Education Foundation, in partnership with Adams County contractors, community organizations and members, provides washer and dryer facilities at Vantage Point High School, an alternative campus in Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Facility modifications and additions were made possible with an awarded grant through the Five Star Education Foundation’s Five Star Fund and community support. The Five Star Fund was created by the Foundation to provide grants to district employees, departments and/or schools for innovative and creative programs and activities that are otherwise not funded by the district’s budget.
A recent grant application from Alan Hollenbeck, principal at Vantage Point High School, requested funding for facility modifications necessary to add two sets of washers and dryers for student use at the school. This request would address the needs of the school community where most families do not have adequate access to facilities or the financial means to wash clothes regularly. These living conditions negatively impact the student’s emotional and mental preparedness necessary for learning, leading to decreased academic focus and engagement, and increased school absences.
“We play an important role in supporting our students by providing for their physical, social and emotional needs, and we needed to find a way to support our families in their current living conditions” said Hollenbeck. “Our goal is to provide a welcoming, comfortable space for all students and their families that is safe from criticism. We will establish days and times where families can bring laundry to the school to wash at no cost.
The grant request received overwhelming support from the Five Star Education Foundation and local contractors including, Sunshine Plumbing, Heating & Air who took the lead on the project. Sunshine Plumbing, Heating & Air worked collaboratively with other local contractors to complete the complicated facility modifications over the 2017 winter break. Each contractor donated labor and was reimbursed for costs of materials. These contractors included: William Frew from Sunshine Plumbing, Heating & Air in Henderson, CO ($6,000); Troy Valdez from Integrity Electrical Solutions in Golden, CO ($2,500); Jim Horning from Core Contractors Roofing Systems in Denver, CO ($1,200); and Michael Rennen from Herc Rentals in Henderson, CO ($1,000).
In addition to the Five Star Education Foundation grant, Adams County provided funds to offset the cost of materials, and Adams 12 Five Star Schools Superintendent, Chris Gdowski and his wife, Carolyn Gdowski, donated a washer and dryer to the school.
“On behalf of the Five Star Education Foundation, the Five Star District and Vantage Point High School, I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the very generous companies and community members that contributed to this project,” said Five Star Education Foundation Executive Director Mary Litwiler. “We are so grateful and humbled by the generosity of the community.”
ABOUT THE FIVE STAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Five Star Education Foundation works closely with Adams 12 Five Star Schools and the Five Star community to support opportunities that inclusively prepare students for a variety of options after high school, ranging from post-secondary education to directly entering the workforce. The ultimate goal of the Foundation is to empower students with the confidence and skills to be successful after high school.
