Athens Public Education Foundation had its annual loud and proud classroom grant giveaway Thursday morning across all five Athens ISD campuses. Teachers across the district who successfully applied to APEF received funding for learning programs, projects or materials not covered under the district’s budget. At campus after campus, members of APEF and the Athens ISD administrative team — led by the AHS Band percussion section — surprised teachers with presentations of oversized mock checks. The grant monies will purchase items such as books, a turning wheel for clay, and earbuds that translate English to Spanish for the wearer. At the high school, it will also help fund the building of a “tiny house” by CTE (Career & Technical Education) students. More than $37,000 was awarded.
APEF is funded by private donations, voluntary school district employee giving and gifts from local civic organizations. To make a tax-deductible donation to APEF, go to athenspef.org or send mail to APEF at 104 Hawn Street, Athens, TX 75751. APEF is a non-profit corporation that is not part of the school district, though Athens ISD is the sole beneficiary of the foundation’s financial support. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)