The Sparta Education Foundation starts off the 2010-11 school year with a win-win offer for the community. The local non-profit is selling a school-year calendar for $10 which features student artwork, important school and community dates, and includes hundreds of student photos. This new calendar will give families a place to find and record important dates and also help raise funds for classroom needs. The calendar will be sold at home football games, the township office, Sparta Farmer’s Market (Wednesday evenings) and school offices, as well as the school open houses.

The education foundation’s motto is “to provide the extras for education” which is accomplished through grants awarded to teachers. The Sparta Education Foundation, a 501c3 organization, has provided close to $210,000 in grants that directly benefit Sparta students since the foundation was founded in 1991.

The Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) is funded by donations from local businesses, individuals, staff and several annual fundraisers. Another upcoming fund raiser is a “tips to teachers” fundraiser called Food for Thought held at Downtown Trini’s on November 1. SEF also offers engraved pavers that make up the “Spartan Pride Pathway” in front of the Sparta High School. The cost ranges from $50-$150 with proceeds going into the SEF endowment fund. Spartan Pride Pathway order forms can be found on-line at www.spartaschools.org/sef or at the high school.

The Foundation is very thankful for the continued support of the community which places a high priority on giving our students the advantages that they need to succeed in a changing world.