K I N G W O O D
Our achievements:
41 Teacher Grants made from August through December 2011
Annual Reports: detailing how your investment combined with the investments of others are making an impact at KHS. Will be available on-line.
FAQ's
What is the Just About Kids Foundation (JAK) - Kingwood?
Just About Kids Foundation - Kingwood is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded by a group of concerned citizens whose goal was to provide Kingwood High School students with education opportunities to compliment those provided by the state.
Why did we name the organization "Just About Kids" instead of KHS Academic Booster Club?
This organization is a Service Learning Organization and a Booster Club that will actively involve KHS students in the development and on-going operation of JAK. The students learn business skills from our community members and employ those skills to assist in the development and the sustainability of JAK: because of this unique difference between JAK and a typical "Booster" club format, we want to ensure that, from inception, members and donors remain focused on every decision and every gift being guided by our vision and our core value of helping our students. Hence our name is consistent with our focus.
Why do we need a private foundation to support public education?
The legislation is mandated by the state constitution to provide an "adequate" education for every student. Ensuring the tradition of excellence that has made Kingwood a top-rated, sought after school system requires greater resources than those provided by the state. Furthermore, in light of recent budget cuts JAK is particularly timely.
Don't my taxes support the schools?
Local property taxes are paid directly to the state. The legislature annually appropriates funds back to local school districts through a complex funding formula. As a result of this formula, school districts do not receive the same amount of funding per student. With recent tax cuts, funding to meet that requirement is not even available. Classroom sizes have increased dramatically, teacher classes per day have increased, adequate education materials are not available - we want to CHANGE that! And we want to have KHS have the funds to continue to provide MORE than an "adequate" education.
Isn't this a State Funding Issue?
Yes and NO! We, as concerned district patrons, can protest at the State level and we can make an impact but will it be enough? Will it dramatically impact OUR school NOW? We don't think that that action alone is sufficient. We are asking you to join with us to make a difference NOW for OUR students so that we can raise the level of educational resources for OUR school and witness immediate results.
How are funds donated to JAK used?
Funds donated to JAK are used exclusively for the enhancement of the Academic educational experiences. Grants will be made from JAK to KHS programs which directly benefit students providing equipment, supplies, enrichment activities and supplement programs that will challenge students at all levels. We will not replace state and local funds for school operating expenses. For additional information on grants, see our TEACHER page.
What are JAK Grants?
Teachers (staff and students, on behalf of teachers) may apply for Academic Grants. JAK will encourage KHS teachers to expand the existing curriculum and, also to develop new and innovative approaches to teaching.Through a competitive grant evaluation process, grant applications will be reviewed and grants awarded providing our teachers with grant funding. Our goal is to make a difference in the student learning process!
Are Students Involved in the Grant Process?
Absolutely! We will have a Student lead Grant review committee that will be responsible for reporting back to Board on all Grant applications . Students will have a quantitative rubric for assessing each application and scoring them. We also have students who will help the teachers write the grants. We have outstanding young leaders to help our teachers - the teachers verbalize their vision and the students will assist in the write-up.
Are grants limited to a particular area of study?
No. Grants will be awarded in nearly every area of academics including, but not limited to: english, math, science, foreign languages, social studies.
How can I give?
Your tax deductible gift to JAK can be made by cash or check, Visa or Mastercard or in marketable securities. Charitable remainder trusts are also an option for long term planning. For more information, see our Donations page.
Will my employer match my gift to JAK?
Some employers will match gifts to 501(C)3 organizations. If your company participates in a matching gift program, please submit your company's appropriate form along with your gift. It's a great way to double your gift to a very worthy cause.
Where remarkable students are growing into leaders of tomorrow.
Just About Kids Foundation
The future of our world belongs to the children....
Their future depends on
a quality education!
Do you have a question we haven't answered?
Email us and we will address it as quickly as possible!
