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Baird Foundation Donates $10,000 To FWISD’s Como Montessori
New classrooms resources and student enrichment programs are headed to Fort Worth ISD’s Como Montessori School next spring, thanks to a generous donation from The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation.
The foundation gifted $10,000 to the school that will support classroom materials, school science camps, a new chess club an or elementary book club and student incentives. Principal Ronnita Carridine calls the donation “a big win” for the campus, which us in need of updated school resources.
“They (the foundation) see the need … and the importance of the work we’re trying to accomplish,” Ms. Carridine said. “I’m super proud, super excited for my team.
“We are deeply humbled with this generous donation.”
Como Montessori educates 277 FWISD students in the kindergarten through eighth grade.
Ms. Carridine first connected with representatives from The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation last school year when she organized Community Champions Collaboration (C3), a group that meets quarterly to learn about the school and its needs. Last year, she said she submitted a letter and proposal to the foundation of campus needs such a classroom resources, student enrichment ideas and student incentives for academic success. What intrigued her about the foundation was its “heart for education” and “making sure young scholars have the support that they need.”
Foundation representatives visited the campus this fall for a campus needs assessment.
Balancing a public and Montessori education is a challenging feat, Ms. Carridine said. To outfit one Montessori classroom could reach upwards of $30,000, she said. Montessori materials are a main component of what connects student learning, she added. Como Montessori, Ms. Carridine said, intends to use the generous donation of The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation to focus on balancing standard alignment with Montessori philosophies and practices.
The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation is named for the founder of Mrs. Baird’s Bakeries, Inc., which was once one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the country. The foundation supports family preservation, education and nutrition initiatives.
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