foundation thanks educators on giving tuesday

Prattville, AL – The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) held a Grant Reception on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation awarded over $12,000 for 14 different programs and/or projects to schools in the Autauga County School System on #GivingTuesday.  

AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide support for its goals and objectives. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1995, over $385,000 has been granted to Autauga County District Schools, enhancing educational programs and student experiences throughout the county.  

Classroom, school, and/or departmental innovative projects are made possible by the generosity of our many community partners and sponsors through our annual A+ Banquet, our Membership Program, and Payroll Deduction. Contributions support AEF’s education grants throughout the district allowing the next generation of outstanding teachers to enhance local education and inspire future students.  

The Autauga Education Foundation helps to develop and provide opportunities for local governments, businesses, individuals and philanthropic foundations to become actively engaged as ambassadors and investors in our county school system. If you or your business would like to partner with AEF to make a greater impact, please visit www.autaugaef.org or for more information call 334-312-7047.

Autauga Education Foundation

Grant Reception

2018

1. Autauga County Tech Center–Ms. Donna Strickland and Ms. Amy Cruise

In partnership with Baptist Health and Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, 24 stethoscopes and an EKG machine were awarded to provide a more engaging clinical experience within the Health Science Internship Program, allowing for enhanced learning and participation, as well as future career readiness.

1. Autauga County Tech Center-Mr. John Cooper

For “ACTC Engineering Dobot”, to purchase 1 new robotic arm system to replace and update current technology allowing students the opportunity to learn how to set up, program, and maintain a sophisticated piece of manufacturing equipment and have hands-on experience with multiple real-world applications. These “arms” run on the same operating systems as industrial robotic arms currently used in manufacturing facilities in our area.

1. Autaugaville School-Ms. Susan Butts

For Eagles Landing, to purchase and install a new playground for their students to engage the mind and encourage the imagination of all students in a safe and caring environment; improving student morale, health and fitness, and academic focus. They will be breaking ground on this project soon!

1. Pine Level- Ms. Laura Fennell

For STEM Bins Creation Station, to set up a station in the room with quick tasks and time constraints that can be completed by students individually or in a group setting with a primary focus on engineering and math that are a creative and developmentally appropriate form of engineering for elementary students.

1. Prattville Elementary School- Ms. Jana Wood

For 4 ^th Grade Novel Studies, to purchase a variety of classroom novel sets to be used in novel studies, providing students the opportunity to read engaging texts and carry on lively discussions about character relationships, plots, predications, and much more…developing life-long readers!

1. Prattville Elementary School- Mrs. Kacey Powell

For A Multitasking Cart for an Efficient and Secure Classroom, providing for secure storage of delicate classroom technology allowing for mobility within the classroom, as well as between classrooms for pair teacher, ensuring the longevity of this technological equipment and teaching responsibility within a learning community.

1. Prattville Junior High School- Dr. Janie Jones

For Keep Up, providing each of the eighth grade English teachers with 2 Chromebooks to keep in his/her classroom for student use, allowing students who need to make up work, need accommodations or modifications, and/or need extended time for technology assignments a way to “Keep Up, ensuring equal opportunity for learning with each student.

1. Prattville Junior High School- Mrs. Caitlyn Denney

For a Sensory Room, to provide a safe place for students who have moderate to severe disabilities, the benefit of a safe place to unwind and satisfy their over or under stimulation needs. The room will help regulate their sensory needs, helping them to focus better in the classroom on academics and assignments.

1. Prattville Junior High School- Coach Stein and Mrs. Kali Friday

For Learning Around the Classroom, providing a Mobi board where math teachers, with the use of this Bluetooth writing tool, can work problems that display on the SmartBoard from anywhere in their room…allowing teacher mobility to better supervise each and every student, as well as increasing student interaction and participation when students utilize the tool within class instruction.

1. Prattville Junior High School- Ms. Kristle Sandlin

For From Green Screen to Big Screen, to purchase apps that would allow video recording, audio production, green screen transformation, and more for (3) 7 ^the grade Journalism classes where students can broadcast and publish their journalism products in a variety of ways instantaneously.   

1. Prattville Junior High School- Dr. Amanda Gonzales-Jackson

For Genes and Molecular Machines, to help purchase a kit allowing students to explore the different ways that organisms reproduce and what that means for their genetics. Students will learn how traits are handed down from one generation to the next by studying zebrafish, protists, and humans.

1. Second Chance-Ms. Marchieta Owens

In partnership with IT Solutions, a projector and e-beam for installation for the elementary unit were awarded. This technology will help build a good foundation for the younger students.

1. Marbury High School- Mrs. Leisa Lee

For Jobs that Matter!, to provide janitorial equipment and supplies for training our students to be viable work candidates, allowing students from the self-contained special needs class the ability to take care for themselves and their homes and to gain independent work skills. Having their “own”, familiar supplies to train will help to develop skills that can begin to transfer to community-based jobs, beginning their vocational training, and even supervised employment.

1. Autauga County Special Education Preschool Services- Ms. April Baker

For Read with Me, to help purchase materials to use with non-verbal and speech and language delayed students during their speech therapy sessions to foster language development, improving a student’s ability to express their wants and needs.

Prattville, AL – The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF), in partnership with the Autauga County Board of Education, Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Prattville Walmart, hosted a Stuff the Bus campaign during Alabama’s Tax-Free Weekend, Friday, July 21-Saturday, July 22.

The Foundation and their partners encouraged Autauga County residents and businesses to take part in collecting school supplies to provide relief to the administration, educators, and students in our community.

On Friday, the bus was located at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce for local businesses to drop off items. The Chamber challenged local members to get out and “Stuff the Bus”. Thank you to Alabama Power, ASE Credit Union, Century 21 Southern Star’s Cathee Gipson, Copeland Security Group, First Community Bank, Gipson’s Tire Pros, Glynwood Dental, Hancock Bank, Robin and David Davies with Realty Connection, and Troy University Montgomery Campus for their commitment to education in our community.

On Saturday, the bus was relocated to the Prattville Walmart where individuals in the community, like Ms. Patricia Smith and her daughter, purchased extra supplies to contribute to our efforts. In addition, new collection partnerships were formed with First United Methodist Church of Prattville and Trinity United Methodist Church to make a greater impact in our community.

Because of this support, we were able to double our efforts from last year, distributing more items to all 14 campuses of the Autauga County School System!
Your support is an investment in our county’s schools and the future of our children.

AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide support for its goals and objectives. For more information or to make a financial contribution, please contact AEF at amy@autaugaef.org or visit us at www.autaugaef.org.

Prattville, AL – The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) in partnership with the Autauga County Board of Education and the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting their Stuff the Bus project Friday, July 21-Saturday, July 22.

This project provides relief to the administration, educators, and countless families in our community. Autauga County residents and businesses are encouraged to donate school supplies and literally “stuff” the bus full of much needed items for the upcoming school year.

The bus will be located at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce for local businesses to drop off items on Friday, July 21 from 9a.m-4p.m. On Saturday, July 22, the bus will be located at the Prattville Walmart from 8a.m.-1p.m.
We ask that you partner with us by joining in our efforts to make a greater impact!

Donated supplies will be distributed to all 14 public schools in the Autauga County District School System. Monetary donations are also welcome. For a list of needed supplies, please check out our website at www.autaugaef.org.

AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide support for its goals and objectives. For more information or to volunteer, please contact AEF at 334-312-7047 or amy@autaugaef.org.

Prattville, AL – On Thursday, June 8, 2017 over 200 community supporters gathered at the Marriott Legends Conference Center in Prattville to raise money for Autauga County District Schools. The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) held their annual A+ Banquet with special guest speaker, Troy Trojan Head Football Coach Neal Brown.

Attendees enjoyed placing bids on various silent auction items donated by local businesses and individuals, mixing and mingling with other guests, and meeting Coach Brown prior to the event’s program. Some of the night’s favorite items up for bid were a full set of braces donated by Petrunic Orthodontics, a quail hunting excursion donated by Bear Creek Quail Hunting, and a set of Hercules Tires donated by Gipson’s Tire Pros. Favorites also included a YETI Hopper-30 donated by Alabama Power and a dinner meet & greet with Cam Newton donated by Coach Chad Anderson and the Prattville High School Athletic Department.

LifeTouch, once again, provided photos during the evening, and for VIP and sponsor level groups, a special photo with Coach Brown. The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce set the décor of the room in Trojan spirit with shakers and pennants, canvasing the room in Troy’s distinctive black, cardinal, and silver.

The event’s emcee was Mr. Jeremy Arthur, opening the evening with the “State of the Foundation”, sharing what all the organization has accomplished in the past year. He was followed by the Prattville High School ROTC and Ms. Sarah Johnson, 1st grade teacher at Daniel Pratt Elementary, with the presentation of colors and national anthem.

Before introducing their guest speaker for the night, AEF showcased the projects and programs they funded in Autauga County Schools during the 2016-2017 year. Mrs. Christen Harry, Principal at Pine Level Elementary, highlighted the projects funded at her school and the impact they have made on those students. Following the showcase, Mr. Bob Gipson, AEF Board President, announced Ms. Zanesha Rhodes of Autaugaville School as the winner of the Bill Clark Outstanding Student Achievement Scholarship presented by AEF. She received a $500 scholarship for her academic and athletic accomplishments, as well as her community involvement. The organization then paid tribute and announced the establishment of the Jimmy White Scholarship for 2018. Mr. White was a long-time supporter of AEF and a Prattville icon.

Finally, Coach Brown was introduced by Autauga County High School and Troy University graduate, Mr. Max Howell. Coach Brown shared his passion for education and how he grew up in a family of teachers, principals, and coaches. He went on to elaborate how he has instilled that passion for education in his players and encourages them to be better every day.

The AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide support for its goals and objectives. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1995, over $350,000 has been granted to Autauga County District Schools, enhancing educational programs and student experiences throughout the county.

Special Thanks to:
Gold Sponsors: Jostens, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and Wind Creek Hospitality
Silver Sponsors: Autauga County Education Association/AEA, CBE, Inc. Gipson’s Tire Pros, International Paper, and Marbury Steel
Coach Neal Brown and Troy University
Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce
Kohls Department Store
Minuteman Press
AEF Board of Directors and A+ Committee Members:
President: Robert A. Gipson
Banquet Chair: Clay McConnell
Dean Argo, Pam Frederick, Will Epperson, Ken Burton, Robby Anderson, Jeremy Arthur, Beth Baulch, Willis Bradford, Reid Cavnar, Claudia Connell, Charlann Jones, Horace Powell, Dot Sanford, Jimmy Sanford, Tracye Strichik, Spence Agee, Christine Alexander, Stacy Mills, Martin Peters, Roger Stiflemire, Patty Vanderwal, and Joy White.

Prattville, AL – The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) is excited to announce Troy Trojan Coach Neal Brown as this year’s special guest speaker at their premier fundraising event. The Foundation’s A+ Banquet will be held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the Prattville Marriott Legends Conference Center at 6:30 p.m.

AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide support for its goals and objectives. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1995, over $350,000 has been granted to Autauga County District Schools, enhancing educational programs and student experiences throughout the county.

“We invite individuals and businesses in the community to join us in this fundraising effort,” said Bob Gipson, AEF Board President. “Attendance and sponsorship of the A+ Banquet enables funding and community support to attract and support excellent teachers, promote outstanding student academic achievement and character development, and strengthen the region’s economic vitality and reputation,” stated Gipson.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and individual tickets are $100. For more information, please contact AEF at 334-312-7047 or amy@autaugaef.org. Tickets and Table Sponsorship can be purchased online at www.autaugaef.org.

Prattville, AL – The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) recently launched a new website designed to engage the community and to provide support for the Autauga County School System. The site, www.autaugaef.org, went live this week.

AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide assistance with achieving its goals and objectives. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1995, over $350,000 has been granted to schools in the Autauga County System, enhancing educational programs and student experiences throughout the county.

Bob Gipson, AEF 2017 Board President, said, “Even though we have been in the community for over 20 years, many individuals and businesses have been unaware of what we do and how they can partner with us to improve the effectiveness and impact of our efforts back to the school system.”

Amy Capps, AEF Executive Director, added the following: “We want to build collaborative relationships with organizations and stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of this impact. We wanted to do that on a broader spectrum, one that has the potential to promote excellent teaching and enhance student academic achievement, leadership opportunities, and character development.”

The site is designed to promote involvement, investment, and improvement. Site visitors can view the impact of the Foundation’s grants, as well as register for and donate to events, and stay informed about ways they can partner, support, and contribute to the Autauga County School System.

The Autauga Education Foundation helps develop and provide opportunities for local governments, businesses, individuals and philanthropic foundations to become actively engaged as volunteers and investors in our county school system. For more information, please contact AEF at 334-312-7047 or autaugaef.org.

Prattville, AL – The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) will be holding a Grant Reception on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, hosted by the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation has allocated over $32,000 for 23 different programs and/or projects for schools in the Autauga County School System.

AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide support for its goals and objectives. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1995, over $350,000 has been granted to Autauga County District Schools, enhancing educational programs and student experiences throughout the county.

This past September the Foundation awarded $24,500 to 12 schools in the district. “We are so excited to increase our funding and be able to award funds twice in the same school year,” said Bob Gipson, 2017 AEF Board President. Gipson added, “The additional funds were made possible by the generosity of our community and the very teachers that dedicate so much to our students. Without support of our 2016 A+ Banquet, which is held each spring, and our Payroll Deduction Program, these funds would not be possible at this time.”

The Autauga Education Foundation helps to develop and provide opportunities for local governments, businesses, individuals and philanthropic foundations to become actively engaged as volunteers and investors in our county school system. For more information, please contact AEF at 334-312-7047 or autaugaef.org.