Keeping the beat with new snares
Gifts to a fund for Marching Band Instruments recently allowed the Marching Little Lions to upgrade their percussion section with the purchase of seven new snare drums. The drums not only sound better, but they are also lighter. Students love them! Some of the previous snares were unrepairable, making the purchase more urgent. Donors stepped […]
Grant program keeps growing thanks to donor support
The Mardi Lowry McDonough Student Opportunity Fund & Grant program has unlocked countless programs and initiatives for students, thanks to the generosity of donors. Contributions fund innovative projects led by educators at every school across the district. Distributed in the fall and spring every year, grants have funded 150+ proposals submitted by teachers and administrators. […]
Maroon & Gray Society Nominations Close November 4
Thank you to all who have submitted recent nominations for the Maroon & Gray Society! If you have not yet done so, please take this opportunity to nominate an exceptional alumnus, a standout retired educator, a memorable team or student group, or someone else who has impacted our school community. The process is simple: Complete the […]
How grants are impacting students: Enhancing learning through sensory support
Nearly every school in the district has benefited from grant funds to support students with sensory needs. From dedicated rooms to classroom items, the Student Opportunity Fund has helped teachers and administrators make an impact on students. For example, a sensory walkway funded by a grant at Spring Creek Elementary helps students dealing with sensory […]
How grants are impacting students: Empowering future scientists
In the Advanced Biology Elective Research Course taught by Danielle Rosensteel, students design, execute and present independent research projects. Rosensteel is a former University of Georgia biology researcher who started the ABE course in 2017 to prepare students for university labs. Rosensteel proposed the advanced research class after her first year teaching State High’s lab-intensive […]
New school year, new opportunities
When the Education Foundation set up the Student Opportunity Fund, which was later named in memory of district educator and alumna Mardi Lowry McDonough ’87, the goal was to provide resources directly to teachers, coaches and administrators. Why? Because they are closest to students every day, seeing firsthand how their experiences could be improved or […]
Donor impact: New grant projects and a continued focus on student mental health in 2024-25
Thank you to our generous donors for your commitment to students. Your past contributions made an impact and your ongoing support is critical for the upcoming school year. As you know, the Mardi Lowry McDonough ’87 Student Opportunity Fund supports projects that are beyond the district’s regular budget. Every grant cycle, the number of applications […]
Digital issue of FOUNDATION Magazine features Maroon & Gray Celebration
Read in full here.
Pat Vernon (MGS 2024)
In his 35 years in technology education—34 of those at State High—Pat Vernon has seen and taught through a lot of changes, as you’d imagine. “There certainly was a lot of progression in technology. It was an exciting time,” he said. “It still is!” Pat grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Penn State McKeesport for […]
Lynne Sanders (MGS 2024)
In her 38 years in education—31 of them in SCASD—Lynne Sanders was a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, and a principal, and helped to start an award-winning internship program for student teachers. “I loved working in the school district,” Lynne said. “And I guess you could say I had longevity.” After teaching for five years […]
