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Radnor Educational Foundation
This school year proved to be another atypical year for students, teachers, and administrators in the Radnor Township School District. It's years like these - ones in which creativity and ingenuity are essential to success - that having an educational foundation in our school district is so critical.
With a mission to enrich the educational experience, maintain academic excellence, and encourage innovative opportunities in Radnor's public schools, the Radnor Educational Foundation (REF) rose to the challenge, awarding over $71,000 this school year to support 17 projects and programs that spanned all five schools in our district.
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This year's grants focused on diverse categories of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Programs, Curriculum Enhancement, Cultural Arts, Technology, Professional Development, and Community Engagement.
Through successful grant applications, teachers at Wayne Elementary School are now using Decodable Readers, the latest tools to teach younger students how to read. In the meantime, students at Ithan Elementary are learning about hydroponic farming using a vertical growing tower with 288 plant spaces purchased through a REF grant. The Foundation also provided funding to the Radnor Committee for Special Education and to the Women's Resource Center for the Radnor Middle School “Girls Lead” Program.
Photo by PSIC Princeton -
Princeton University Hydroponic farming using vertical growing towers
Some of the larger grants included $13,000 for busing for the extended learning program at Radnor High School and Radnor Middle School. This spring, REF also awarded $9,744 for new furniture in Radnor High School's library. Through a grant application submitted by high school students, $6,084 was also awarded to create a student “Zen Den” space to promote mental health in the high school.
The Radnor Educational Foundation also recognizes that students cannot learn if they do not have their basic needs met. Through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, the Foundation has partnered with school social workers to provide over $6,800 in financial support to families experiencing a hardship this year. With a focus on sustainability, the Foundation offered one-time rent and utility payments, car payments, and other essential items to allow our students to focus on their education. With the support of the community, the Foundation hopes to expand this program in the coming year.
The Radnor Educational Foundation is poised to continue to support our students and teachers during these unusual times. While families are getting some deserved rest and relaxation this summer, the Radnor Educational Foundation will be gearing up for an exciting fall!
To learn more about the Radnor Educational Foundation, the grant application process, and its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, please visit www.radnoreducationalfoundation.org
For more information about REF, to volunteer, and for a list of grants funded over the years, visit radnoreducationalfoundation.org.
At the Radnor Educational Foundation's Annual Meeting & Community Gathering in May, REF honored Candyce Wilson as this year's winner of the Anne Peters Volunteer Award. emails to board members, talks with community members at the supermarket or drug store, and impromptu meetings with the principal.
This award was established in 2020 in memory of Anne Peters, a longtime Radnor Educational Foundation Board Member and dedicated volunteer in Radnor's schools. As one of REF's founding Board Members, Anne was committed to enriching the experience of all Radnor Township School District teachers, staff, and students. A selfless "doer," Anne found great joy in volunteering and helping others, often taking on critical behind-the-scenes roles. This award is presented annually to a volunteer who embodies Anne's kindness, steadfast volunteerism, and tireless devotion to the Radnor Township School District and the surrounding community.
As the current Board President for the Radnor ABC house, a former Radnor Educational Foundation Board Member and Board President, as well as a mom to two Radnor High School graduates, Candyce Wilson has been involved with the school district for over 20 years. She was described by her nominator as selfless, dedicated, kind, and caring. As President of the Radnor ABC, she exhibits great leadership advancing the organization's mission and is heavily engaged behind the scenes, involving herself with early morning phone calls with a student's parent, late night As her term as the Radnor ABC Board President comes to an end and she finds new ways to make her impact felt in a big way, it's only fitting that she be recognized for her many contributions to our schools and community.
