Dear Kelley & Birdville Education Foundation,

I wanted to send all of you a really special thanks for the very generous gift I received from your organization last night at the Golden Gala as Birdville ISD’s elementary teacher of the year. The honor of being selected was so special, but your kindness really added so much.

 I feel so indebted to the foundation because earlier this year you rewarded me with a grant to get very needed resources for the innovative science program we created for our kindergarten students this year. Because of your generosity our kindergartners have had hands-on experiences in learning about the plant and animal world. Our students have been able to handle and sequence through models the life cycles of a number of animals, learn about their habitats, and how to help preserve their environment. We have observed the stages of metamorphosis for butterflies, ladybugs, earthworms, beetles, the praying mantis, and ants as we watched them change from eggs to their adult phase. Since our school had received the REAL School Garden grant, and our garden had been installed in April, we were able to utilize this wonderful facility as we planted seedlings grown from seed in our science classroom and as we released all of our helpful insects into the garden. I also received news this afternoon that we are receiving a small memorial grant I had written earlier with the REAL School Garden foundation. With this we will be able to beautify our garden with bird houses, ladybug houses, butterfly houses, and bird feeders.

          I feel so fortunate to work in an area where so many work together to ensure the highest-quality education for our most vulnerable citizens. Again, thanks so much for all you do.

Diana Hillhouse

The Academy at Carrie Thomas

. . .Because of your generosity our kindergartners have had hands-on experiences in learning about the plant and animal world. . .