FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, (510) 667-6202, kmoss@slusd.us

SLED Donates $100,000 for SLUSD STEAM labs

December 10, 2018

SAN LEANDRO, CA: Students at Garfield and McKinley Elementary Schools are the fortunate recipients of newly remodeled science facilities, known as STEAM labs, thanks to a $100,000 donation from the San Leandro Educational Foundation (SLED). The donation will be officially presented to the San Leandro Unified School District during the December Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, December 11, at 7:00 pm.

This generous support from SLED represents the single largest donation from the foundation in their 10-year history and will be renewed for the same amount the following school year. The funding is underwriting salaries for newly trained Lab Coordinators to support elementary teachers with integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math instruction from kindergarten to fifth grade. “The idea behind this initiative is to support engaging instruction in difficult subjects at an early age to capitalize on young children's love for learning,” said SLED Executive Director Morgan Mack-Rose, “Our hope is that they will be inspired to take more challenging courses, especially in math and science, as they continue with their education. Solid math and science skills are integral to success in college as well as technical trades careers.”

Mack-Rose explained that the foundation raises funding from a wide variety of community members who all believe strongly in SLED’s mission to provide sustained support for quality community schools. “SLED has always been one of our most supportive community partners,” said District Superintendent Mike McLaughlin, “Their contributions are closely aligned with our strategic plan to create a culture of excellence in SLUSD and we are so grateful for this generous grant.”

For more information about SLED’s mission to inspire students, support schools, and strengthen the community, visit their website at www.sledfund.org. To see the latest news for the San Leandro Unified School District, please visit. www.slusd.us.