The Rolling Hills Casino Community Development Foundation committee announced grants totaling over $19,400 this month. While most of the funding went to educational programs focused on raising literacy, public safety programs also benefited.
Several of the grants funded technology improvements to enhance instruction capabilities in local schools. Antelope Elementary School received $2,500 to purchase large screen televisions and projection devices that enable teachers to clearly display lessons in an interactive environment. Internet access and DVD options allow teachers to show educational videos, display research, and encourage student participation. Maywood Middle School received $500 to purchase tablets to help with testing and reading programs; Lincoln Street School received $600 for iPads to teach core curriculum and other education instruction; and Jackson Heights Elementary School received 2 smart boards for special education classes.
“It’s important that we give students every advantage possible to succeed, and our technology grants help to do that,” said Ambrosia Rico, Treasurer of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, administrators of the Foundation. “We are proud to fund technology that will increase the enthusiasm of students about learning, resulting in improved literacy and test scores, and reduced absenteeism.”
Literacy was also the focus of a grant to Red Bluff High School for $5000 to establish a Book in Common program for students, parents, and staff. The school plans to purchase 600 copies of a book relevant to issues of Tehama County to create a community of readers and create dialogue that promotes a healthy community culture. The program includes a range of activities such as a family film night and community book discussions.
Recognizing the importance of outside factors in school readiness, which affects literacy, the Foundation awarded $2,500 to the Back to School Project. The grant provides local low-income school children with $100 gift cards to purchase new clothing, shoes, and backpacks.
“Appropriate school attire is very important in school readiness,” said Rico. We want every child to be excited about returning to school and ready to learn, and this can only happen if they aren’t worrying about how they look. A few new outfits can help a disadvantaged child go to school with confidence and pride.”
The Foundation also granted $1,800 to the Orland Volunteers in Police Service to purchase bicycle helmets to give away at the National Night Out on August 4.
“Public safety continues to be a priority for the Tribe,” said Natasha Magana, Tribal Council Member. “The bicycle helmet giveaway is a way to raise awareness about bike safety at an event organized to build police –community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Both are important to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support both initiatives by funding the purchase of the bicycle helmets.”
Other grant recipients announced this month include One Safe Place ($2500), Westside American Legion Baseball ($500), Biggs High School ($250), Corning High Parent Club ($250), Pleasant Valley High School/Sober Grad ($250), Tehama County Fireworks Committee ($1000), Glenn County 4-H Council ($750), and Corning Police Activities League (PAL) ($500).
In addition to monetary grants, the Foundation awards local organizations thousands of dollars worth of certificates for Play and Stay packages, dinner at Timbers Steakhouse, and golf that local organizations to use as raffle prizes for their fundraisers.
The Rolling Hills Community Development Foundation committee reviews applications for grants on a quarterly basis. Applications and more information are available on the Rolling Hills Casino website at www.rollinghillsfoundation.com.
