17 May 2010
DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District's Southeast Elementary Learning Community schools will present a $47,000 check to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts. The presentation will take place at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 20, in the conference room on the first floor of the district's Haskell Building, 408 N. Haskell Ave.
Together, the 36 schools in the Southeast Elementary Learning Community raised $42,000 to donate to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief Efforts. All the SELC schools participated in the "Jean Fridays" fundraiser for a month, through which students, staff, and administrators wore jeans in exchange for a donation. Also, some of the schools organized coin drives such as the Pennies for Haiti and Hearts for Haiti.
"The principals, teachers, and students in the Southeast Elementary Learning Community have a very generous spirit," said Executive Director Shirley Ison-Newsome. "They understand the principle of 'it is better to give than to receive' as evidenced by the success of this campaign and the earlier United Way campaign where $48,000 was raised. One of the true marks of great citizenship is service and giving in times of need."
The Bickel and Brewer Foundation donated $5,000 to the SELC schools' Haiti fundraising efforts, totaling the amount of raised funds to $47,000.
SELC principals and Executive Learning Director will present the check to the American Red Cross.
"Dallas ISD has improved more than any other urban district in Texas and more than all but one urban district in the country in narrowing the achievement gap."