InsideOut

"Packard grants have never been more competitive," said Suz Howells, Santa Cruz Education Foundation president. "We're thrilled with the news and excited about partnering with our middle schools to put these funds into action, beginning with the spring 2010 session. Common sense and good practice suggest middle school students need a broad and enriching school experience to energize their minds and fuel their commitment to school. This grant not only helps with that, it supports our most vulnerable students, aiding in access to a college prep track."

The Santa Cruz Education Foundation is a community organization that promotes excellence in Santa Cruz schools by developing and enhancing programs from pre-kindergarten up to grade 12.

"The Branciforte Middle School community is sincerely grateful to the Santa Cruz Education Foundation for their work to win this grant," said Kris Munro, Branciforte Middle School principal. "It's a wonderful gift. Thanks to this support, our students will have access to classes in the visual, performing and applied arts and we will be able to expand with science-based enrichment classes."

Packard funding will help expand science and arts and help protect current after-school programs

such as Branciforte Web design, cooking, Baile Folklorico, ceramics, Rock Band, hip-hop, homework club, bike club and garage band. It will also protect Mission Hill keyboarding, knitting, creative writing, newspaper, wood shop, French, illustration and painting.

"The impact of financial support such as this is tremendous," said Mission Hill Middle School Principal Valerie Quandt. "This grant will help our students stay on an academic track and be prepared for high school and beyond."

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