AQUINAS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SCHOOL EXPANSION
OVERVIEW
$1.1 MILLION
FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION
$180,000
AQUINAS CONTRIBUTION
2021
EXPANSION PROJECT BEGINS
Big Shoulders has worked with Aquinas Elementary School to help establish funding for scholarships, federal lunch programs, curriculum materials, staff training, and experiences, such as sending a group of seventh-graders to Wyoming in the summer of 2022 for a leadership camp. This partnership has resulted in a growth of staff and students, creating the need for additional classrooms. On behalf of Aquinas Elementary School, Big Shoulders approached the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation regarding an expansion project. Reaching its operational capacity, the school launched a fundraising campaign and raised an initial $180,000. These funds, coupled with a $1.1 million gift from the Foundation, will provide an optimal learning environment for students.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
ONE
By providing scholarships, curriculum materials, and resources students may not have access to otherwise, the Fund enhances educational opportunities.
TWO
Through the Foundation’s investment, students have experienced improvements in both academic performance and wellbeing, optimizing their learning environment.
THREE
Experiences like the leadership camp in Wyoming offer students a unique learning experience beyond the classroom.
FOUR
Access to nutritious meals is ensured through federal lunch programs, supporting students’ well-being.
FIVE
The Aquinas’s School expansion creates employment opportunities for local residents within the community and aids in economic development.
SIX
The partnership’s success and expansion project instills community pride, demonstrating the positive outcomes of collaboration and support for education.
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It’s hard for me to put into words what this means, it’ll be transformational for our teachers. Usually, teachers have space and time where they can write plans, keep up with grades, or answer parent emails. These teachers didn’t have a room to themselves, they were sharing with the art teacher and the music teacher. This is going to transform their day completely.”
It’s hard for me to put into words what this means, it’ll be transformational for our teachers. Usually, teachers have space and time where they can write plans, keep up with grades, or answer parent emails. These teachers didn’t have a room to themselves, they were sharing with the art teacher and the music teacher. This is going to transform their day completely.”
Lisa Gutierrez
Principal of Aquinas Catholic Community School
KEY PARTNERS
For more information on our partners, contact info@bigshouldersfund.org
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The opportunity, in this case, was to open up opportunities for more children and more families to enjoy the high-quality education and the heart of the staff at this institution. Bruce and Beth White want to leave a legacy that’s found in each of you sitting here today, in every child that enters this school. If we’re going to make this world a better place, we’re depending on you. We’re trusting you with the future because you’re a great generation that’s going to do awesome things.”
The opportunity, in this case, was to open up opportunities for more children and more families to enjoy the high-quality education and the heart of the staff at this institution. Bruce and Beth White want to leave a legacy that’s found in each of you sitting here today, in every child that enters this school. If we’re going to make this world a better place, we’re depending on you. We’re trusting you with the future because you’re a great generation that’s going to do awesome things.”
Bill Hanna
Executive Director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation
