Cameron Elementary unveiled its newest addition  - a book vending machine on its campus! Students were eagerly asking what was waiting for them behind the curtain. Principal Brandy Lewis cut the ribbon and the book vending machine appeared in bright lighting. This vibrant new tool for the campus is there to spark scholars' love of reading with the Bookworm Token Challenge. By participating, students can earn tokens by crushing reading goals, which unlocks the opportunity to pick out a book of their choice from the vending machine! 

Margaret Threadgill, the school’s Dyslexia Program Specialist, shared their new programming related to the book vending machine so students can start reading and earning tokens. With a goal of 100 points based on their system, Ms. Threadgill has broken down the way students can earn points based on their grade level to make it challenging but very possible for each student to gain 100 points. 

To ensure the experience is meaningful, students provide a deliverable where they are engaging in the literature by designing a new book cover, writing a different ending or even serving as a book reviewer! This is all in an effort to grow their love of reading by providing additional genres for them to explore through the book vending machine. Students are ready to read, earn, and collect books—because the more they read, the more rewards they get! 

Cameron’s book vending machine is the first of ten units to be installed this semester thanks to funding by The Najim Charitable Foundation, the John and Florence Newman Foundation, and funds by individual donors during the 2024 Big Give and Inspire Awards Paddles Up.

Do you have a bold, innovative idea that could enhance your school community? Now’s your chance to bring it to life! The Bright Idea Grant application is open, giving San Antonio ISD educators the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in funding for a new and creative project at their campus, grade level, or department that has the potential to make a big impact.

Projects should align with one of the SAISD Board of Trustees goals:
-Improve reading and writing outcomes
-Improve math outcomes
-Improve college readiness
-Improve social-emotional readiness

The application process is simple and consists of two steps:
1. Complete the application form and provide a project budget.
2. Upload a short video (up to 2 minutes) explaining your project and its impact.
⚠ Incomplete applications will not be considered, so be sure to submit both parts!

Need inspiration? Check out the creative past winners at https://saisdfoundation.com/about/impact/#EducatorImpact . Don’t wait—apply today and turn your bright idea into reality! Deadline: Grants will be reviewed and awarded on a monthly basis. No applications will be accepted after April 30. Apply now to make an impact at https://saisdfoundation.com/apply/apply-for-grants/#Grants

The SAISD Foundation is looking for community volunteers to help review scholarship applications from our talented SAISD seniors! Each year, we award 250 scholarships to students working toward a degree at two-year and four-year colleges in San Antonio and across the country in order to reach their career goals. Your insights can make a difference in making strong matches for our scholarship donors and make college a reality for our students.

What’s involved?
-Read and score applications online at your convenience
-Time commitment: about 5-7 hours over a two-week period April 1-15, 2025
-No prior experience needed—just a passion for supporting students!

Your involvement ensures that SAISD graduates have the resources they need to succeed in their next chapter. Interested? Sign up today! https://saisdfoundation.com/volunteer/ 

We can’t wait to tee off at our annual Golf FORE Excellence Tournament on March 31st at the Quarry Golf Course. We are incredibly grateful to our title sponsor for the past 10 years, Escamilla & Poneck and all of our sponsors to date. We have a few spots for teams still open. If you’d like to sponsor or take a look at our incredible partners to date, please visit https://saisdfoundation.com/news-and-events/golf-fore-excellence/ 

Not a golfer but still want to join the fun? Come “Partee on the Patio” with us and enjoy some sips and bites, great conversations with district & Foundation leadership, and maybe a little golfer heckling. At just $100, this is a great way to demonstrate your support of public education.

Ayary Monroy responded to a callout for Book Buddies volunteers one year ago. In her initial email, Ayary stated, “I’m truly passionate about books, the unique feeling it brings to simply hold one and the incredible stories they provide.” Looking to partner with our organization, the Bank of America employee began volunteering in the SAISD Foundation office on her day off to help us streamline processes and launch a training program for our lead volunteers. Although Ayary was promoted to a new position and her schedule changed no longer allowing her to volunteer during the week, Ayary began volunteering monthly on Saturdays in our warehouse. Not only is she giving her time, but Ayary also takes advantage of Bank of America’s volunteer grants, which are up to $1,000 per employee or retiree for each calendar year. These grants are made in the name of the employee or retiree, to eligible charitable organizations like the SAISD Foundation. After volunteering a few times on her own, Ayary began recruiting others from Bank of America to join her. Following a group session with co-workers, Ayary stated, “These contributions are invaluable to the success of this program. You’ve helped create opportunities for learners to thrive, and your impact will be felt far beyond the classroom. Grateful for organizations like the SAISD Foundation that make a real impact in our communities!”

Ayary, we are grateful for you and your passion for supporting literacy through Book Buddies. Thank you to Bank of America for doubling the impact by honoring volunteer time. You may work for an organization that also amplifies the power of its employees through grants or contributions for employee time. We would love to hear from you.

Our Contact Information

*{{Organization Name}}*

*{{Organization Address}}*

*{{Organization Phone}}*

*{{Organization Website}}*

You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber.
If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe,
click *{{Unsubscribe}}*