The foundation, she says, is one way to be that change. The nonprofit organization, a fund under the Dayton Foundation, is working to bridge the gap between the community and its schools. In addition to asking the community for money for programs and grants to impact and improve student achievement, it is also requesting donations of specific items.
Last year, $14,000 was given to DPSF for band support. Teacher grants, of approximately $500 each, were given for projects reaching more than 600 students. Teacher projects ranged from school gardens to a Maker Space station and from rehabbing home computers for new English learners to field trip fees.
When foundation members discovered that DPS had no marching band (or high school instrumental music) for 10 years, grants were used to purchase new instruments. We’ve written about the DPSF partnership with Classical Radio 88.1 asking for gently used instruments for the new bands. It can also use funds to buy new ones.
According to Nerny, research shows students engaged in band or choir do better in the classroom, have better attendance, score higher on tests, and move on to post-secondary study more consistently. “We know that test scores are not the sole indicators of success or failure,” she says. “But evidence of the effects of poverty in our city on student health and well-being (food deserts, high incidence of diabetes and asthma) can affect their success.”
If you have gently used instruments, you can donate them to DPSF’s “Bring back the bands” campaign for middle and high school students.
Here’s what they need:
- Any musical instrument for band or orchestra
- Trumpets, saxophones, violins, tubas, clarinets, flutes, trombones, cellos, etc.
- Percussion instruments of any kind: shakers, keyboards, xylophones, cymbals, bells, triangles, etc.
- Drums of all kinds
- Drumsticks
- Unused reeds
- New resin
- Valve grease
- Polishing cloths
- Music stands
- Metal and plastic picks
- Mutes
- Pitch pipes
- Metronomes
- Bows
- Instrument cases
Instruments and accessories can be dropped off during business hours at the lobby security desk at the Dayton Public Schools administration building, 115 S. Ludlow St., in downtown Dayton.
Other ways to help:
You can also support giving classroom grants or new instrument purchases by:
• Paying by credit online at www.daytonpublicschoolsfoundation.org.
• Sending a check to DPSF, c/o The Dayton Foundation, Fund, #3924, 40 N. Main St., Ste. 500, Dayton 45423
For more information: (937) 542-3330 or www.daytonpublicschoolsfoundation.org..
Each week, Meredith Moss writes about a non-profit organization in our region in need of specific supplies. If your group would like to share a wish list with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your organization’s mission.
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