Businesses and schools encourage students

Businesses and schools encourage students

Written by Beth Wade Saturday, 07 April 2007

Local businesses reward PISD students’ efforts

In an effort to partner Pflugerville elementary schools with local businesses, the Round Rock Express has teamed up with the school district and the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce to begin Partners in Education.

The program’s ultimate objective is to help school age children set, maintain and achieve their goals.

“It is important for our students to learn to set goals, work to reach those goals and then reap the rewards of their hard work,” Supt. Charles Dupre said. “By partnering with local businesses, Pflugerville ISD is able to provide additional incentives for our students to continue striving for excellence in the classroom.”

Building the Basics

All 1,500 fourth graders in the 15 Pflugerville elementary schools are involved. The district’s goal is for each student to read three books, complete a book report on one of the three books and know all multiplication up to 10 times 10.

“It is going to be a great way for students to do some of the tasks that we need them to do academically,” Joy Huebel, River Oaks Elementary principal, said. “We are focusing on reading, writing and arithmetic. [This goal] is really attainable.”

If students complete all of the tasks by the beginning of May, they will be given a free membership to the Spike’s Kids Club through the Round Rock Express. The membership includes four tickets to five pre-selected games, a T-shirt and an Express blanket.

“This project encourages family outings and gives the children a chance to contribute something that the whole family can enjoy,” Gregg Miller, director of marketing development for the Round Rock Express, said. “Winning gives the child a sense of accomplishment and recognition.”

Community Funding

The program is possible with the help of sponsors. Currently the program has five sponsors including, Pfun Delites, Wells Fargo, Taco Bell, Chase Bank and Wal-Mart. The cost to become a sponsor ranges from $15 for one child to $1,500 to sponsor a school.

“We want to encourage local business to become sponsors,” Miller said. “No sponsorship is too small or too large. We want everyone to have a chance to participate.”

Wal-Mart recently donated $10,000 to the program which will provide 700 memberships.

“By investing in our school district, businesses build ties to our community and become a part of the fabric of our daily lives,” Dupre said. “Consumers are drawn to names they are familiar with, and what better way to gain loyal customers than to contribute to the school district that our community is centered around.”

Students only completing part of the criteria will be rewarded for their efforts with a guest pass good for two reserved seats. However, organizers expect the majority of participants will complete the program and receive the full reward.

“We are anticipating 90 percent of our students being able to do this, maybe more,” Huebel said. “These are all things they need to know for their curriculum anyway. We really think most kids will be able to get the whole kit.”

For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact the Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce at 251-7799 or Gregg Miller at 238-2223.