Hawthorne Elementary School Foundation of DeKalb County, Georgia

The Hawthorne Elementary School Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for all students at Hawthorne Elementary School in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Mission

The Foundation's mission is to support a superior academic experience by providing financial backing for both short-term and long-term initiatives. This mission is fulfilled through the efforts of the Foundation Board of Directors, which includes members of the school's parent body, community, staff, the principal, and leaders from the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and School Council.

Initiatives and Support

The Foundation focuses on several key areas to achieve its mission:

• Professional Development: Offers continuing education and training for staff members, including those pursuing Gifted Endorsements. It also supports instructional fees and substitute teacher pay.

• STEAM Enrichment: Sponsors projects like the chicken coop, student garden, and aquaponics system. Additionally, it supports art murals to enrich the learning environment.

• Curriculum Enrichment:

  • Funds a certified technology teacher and past French teacher to provide computer and French language/culture instruction to K-5 students.
  • Provides additional planning time for classroom teachers.

• Materials and Supplies:

  • Acquires new iMac computers and iPads for educational use.
  • Supports general education, special education, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and Discovery materials and supplies.
  • Installs voice amplification systems for classrooms with hearing-impaired students.

• Miscellaneous Needs:

  • Installs new, safer playground equipment.
  • Conducts drainage studies to alleviate flooding issues in playground areas.
  • Develops sensory hallways.

Recent Goals and Events

For the 2024-25 school year, the Foundation has outlined goals such as creating an accessible outdoor classroom with shade and stadium seating, accessible garden beds, shaded picnic tables, educational garden signs, buddy benches, and a custom chicken coop. The Foundation organizes various events throughout the year to raise funds and engage with the community, including Casino Night and Blood Drives.

The Foundation is registered with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 27-2647985, reflecting its status as a fully compliant non-profit organization.