St. Theresa of Avila Catholic School    Educational Foundation

 

Foundation Goals
Christ calls us to be stewards to each other, especially those who can't manage by themselves.  In 1986, St. Theresa of Avila School established the St. Theresa of Avila Catholic School Educational Foundation.  The purpose was to establish a TRUST which would benefit and meet the needs of St. Theresa School and its students.  The primary purpose of the trust is to assist in the future operation and, most importantly, the mission of St. Theresa School.

St. Theresa of Avila School is a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school where values of the Catholic faith are integrated with a high quality education.  The faculty and staff, in partnership with parents, are committed to the religious and academic education of each child to his or her full potential.  Each child needs to experience instruction that promotes acceptance, tolerance, love, individuality, inquiry, and success.  The child should also assume responsibility for his or her own education, understanding that education is a lifelong process.

 

This Year's Membership Drive:      A Teacher's Dream, A Student's Gain
Teaching at a Catholic school isn't just a job, it's a gift of love. There are long hours grading papers, setting up lessons plans, and striving always to come up with new and interesting ways to present a world of knowledge to young and impressionable minds. At St. Theresa of Avila School, the faculty, staff, and parents are committed to the religious and academic education of each child to the best of his or her ability. Each child needs to experience instruction that promotes acceptance, tolerance, love, individuality, inquiry, and success.

The question is, "What do you do when you come up with a wonderful new way to explain a math concept or a project that will branch off into many fascinating lines of inquiry, yet there is no extra money to buy the supplies needed?" Many teachers dig deep into their own pockets to come up with materials needed for their classes, but the fact of the matter is a teacher's salary doesn't compete with a lot of other jobs.

A Catholic education can provide a foundation that stays with a student for life. Unfortunately, the reality is Catholic education is expensive. Along with the desires and wishes of teachers, books and computers need updating, school equipment and furnishings need replacing, and improvements need funding. Tuition alone doesn’t cover all the needs. There is also the concern for aiding children whose parents can’t afford to send their children to Catholic school but have a great desire to do so.

In 2004/2005, we wish to dedicate one half of the funds collected in the Membership Drive to fund Adopt-a-Class grants for special requests from the teachers. Materials will be purchased that promote innovative and stimulating lessons beyond what is normally funded through budgeted school resources. The remaining funds will be used to assist in the future operation and mission of St. Theresa School and its students.

Accomplishments of the Foundation
Excellence in education has always been paramount to St. Theresa School. We strive to continually update our curriculum to the highest standards possible. With the assistance of the Foundation, physical improvements have been made in the classrooms, such as upgraded lighting, new chalkboards, and new desks to promote an environment conducive to learning. Last year's goal to purchase new desks would not have been possible without the generosity of supporters of St. Theresa School.

Previous improvements in past years have been: New Desks Roof Renovations Improved Lighting TVs and VCR Recorders Computerized Library System Computers and Computer Lab Instructional Software

Acknowledgement
We like to do what we can to recognize and honor donors to our educational foundation. Lifetime members are listed on a permanent plaque in the school. Patrons are remembered especially during Catholic School Week Mass. Patron pictures are also placed in the library. All members will be listed in the yearbook.

By contributing to the educational foundation, you are making a difference in the lives of many children. Thank you for doing your part to further the goals and mission of St. Theresa School.

 

Other Ways to Help Our School
Many of us have financial obligations that restrict what we'd like to give at the present. Please consider including us in your will for a future gift.

There are students whose parents can't afford the tuition but truly desire a Catholic education for their child. Please consider assisting with a student's tuition.

Scholarships can be created in memory of a loved one to help a deserving child financially.

A teacher can be contacted about smaller classroom needs also. Any donation amount can make a difference.

A major financial commitment is the further development of the St. Theresa/St. John partnership. Donations may be specifically earmarked for this venture.

All donations are tax deductible.

 

                  Making a Donation
A donation in any amount makes a difference to our students.  You can print out our St. Theresa of Avila Foundation Donation Form and mail it to:

St. Theresa of Avila School Educational Foundation

212 E. New River

Gonzales, LA  70737

Please make checks payable to: St. Theresa School Educational Foundation.

 

Memorial Cards

There is no better way to honor the life of a special person than through a gift that expresses that life to others.  A donation to the St. Theresa of Avila School Educational Foundation will truly be a "Living Memorial" to honor our special loved ones.  All gifts are invested perpetually, and the income earned each year will be used to support quality Catholic Education.  Your gift in the name of a loved one permits them to share in the work of our Catholic School.  All gifts to the foundation are tax deductible.

To choose a Memorial Card design, go to Memorial Card Order Form.  Please print and fill out the form.  Mail it to the above address.

 

Donation Gift Cards

A gift may also be made to the Foundation as a donation in the name of another individual.  Donation gift cards are mailed to the intended recipient with several different card themes available.  These include a birthday greeting, a Christmas card, and several general Catholic education cards.  To view gift card photographs and print out a donation gift card request form, go to Donation Gift Cards.  Please mail the gift card request form to the same address as above.

We have all been blessed by God. Stewardship allows us to be a blessing to others.

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss making a gift to the Foundation, please feel free to call St. Theresa of Avila School at (225) 647-2803 or email Sister Diane Dornan at staschsd@st-theresa.com.