Sponsor Opportunities Our Sponsors
Sponsor Contributions and BEST Milestones
First Annual Christmas Show Fund Raising Activity
American Idol 2008 finalist and 2005 Rowlett High School graduate, Jason Castro, performed. Jason opened for Grammy Award winning singer Patti LaBelle.
Christmas Show Photos (December 2008)
Ecolab “Visions for Learning Grants” $ 41,500.00 to Needy Classrooms
Ecolab continues its strong support of Garland ISD with their annual “Visions for Learning” Program. Each year the employees of Ecolab donate to support classroom projects submitted by teachers within the Garland Independent School District. This year’s total of $41,500.00 is the greatest annual contribution to date by Ecolab, and continues their strong commitment to our communities’ youth and teachers. The “Visions for Learning” Program has contributed more than $ 400,000.00 to GISD classrooms over a 15 year period. Some of the grants awarded are: Middle School Science Lab Materials, Classroom Networking, Math Manipulatives, Stereomicroscopes, and Making Music come to life. (May 2007)
Washington Mutuals “WAMOOLA BUCKS” Boost Area Classrooms
Washington Mutuals School Savings Program continues to support area Elementary Schools. Last year the program raised $33,062.08 for 11 campuses. That total raised was assisted by 5,107 cardholders.
Four area High Schools are involved with their HIP (High School Intern Program) which trains students interested in the banking industry. (May 2007)
ROCH Resources / SHI Named Title Sponsor of 5th Annual BEST Masters Golf Tournament, April 10th @ Firewheel
ROCH Resources/SHI, a business partner with Garland ISD has been named the Title Sponsor of the 5th Annual BEST Masters Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at the Firewheel Golf Complex. A 1:00 PM Shotgun start is planned. The BEST Education's annual outing is a major source of funding for the annual fall and spring grants to teachers. Business leaders and patrons join together each year for an afternoon of good food, fun, and fellowship on the greens of Firewheel. (March 2007)
Washington Mutual Grants $10,000.00 to New Teacher Orientation and Training Academy
New Teacher Orientation provides an invaluable service to teachers who are new to Garland ISD. During Orientation, teachers are given an overview of the district. They review district policies and procedures in safety, security and employee guidelines. They are helped to understand the cultural diversity of Garland ISD and provided with strategies for teaching a culturally diverse student population.
Each year before the beginning of school we offer our new teachers an opportunity to attend the New Teacher Institute in their area of study. The Garland Independent School District hires anywhere from 600 to 800 new teachers each year. While some are transfers from other districts many are new to the teaching profession and the institutes are strongly recommended. Each teacher that attends receives a $100.00 stipend included in their first month's paycheck for their attendance. (February 2007)
Washington Mutual Sponsors "The Rockettes" Christmas Show and Essay Contest for Students
The Radio City Rockettes will appear at Nokia Theater this month and ten deserving students and their parents will get an opportunity to see the show and meet the Rockettes up close and personal. Ten students and their families from the district were awarded tickets to attend the Rockettes Christmas Show courtesy of Washington Mutual for their winning essays on their most memorable Holliday Experience. Washington Mutual also donated 50 tickets to be given out to deserving behind the scene employees. (December 2006)
SST International Trucks Sponsors 1st Annual Bike Ride for Kids
On Friday, December 15th, Santa roared out of the Special Events Center arena on his Harley. Santa (who in the off-season is disguised as retired GISD Tax Director Jerry Jones) was followed by an enthusiastic contingent of Garland ISD employees, Trustees, and friends on their motorcycles as well as a City of Garland Fire Truck, a "monster truck" from International Trucks, and a police escort.
More than 40 motorcycles riders participated in the "toy run" that followed a route from the SEC south through the downtown Garland business district to Caldwell Elementary School. The street in front of the school was lined with excited staff members and students, waiting to see principal Kathy Markham arrive on the back of the Harley driven by Director of Auxiliary Personnel, Larry Williams. Mr. Williams and Ms. Markham cruised into the school gymnasium for a short school assembly. The Rowlett High School Silver Rhythm Dancers Drill Team delivered goody bags to the students.
Following the assembly, students proceeded outside for a "parade" past the array of motorcycles and vehicles that had come to visit. Both the riders and the students enjoyed sharing their enthusiasm for motorcycles and the spirit of the season.
The event was the brainchild of Gaylon Garrison and his committee. Gaylon, the recruiter for the HR Department, has been a motorcycle enthusiast for many years, and is the proud owner of "Nadine." The two have racked up many miles traveling the countryside. Gaylon and his committee all hope that this will be just the first of many annual "GISD Rides for Kids" events.
The School Resource Officers (SROs) were instrumental in coordinating the route through town. With their assistance, the riders were able to stay together as a group, and never had to stop for traffic signals. Along the route, the riders encountered many admirers, as they pulled over to wave, honk, or otherwise show their support. Toys collected on the "toy run" are earmarked for needy families throughout the district. (December 2006)
GISD would like to thank International Trucks of Garland for their generous sponsorship of this event.
Washington Mutual sponsored a "My Favorite Holiday Moment" Essay Contest for Garland ISD Students in the 4th and 5th Grades
The winner won a chance to participate in an onstage reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" at the opening performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular that took place on November 10, 2006 and November 22, 2006 at the Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas. The winning student received a total of four tickets to one of the two shows and a VIP tour of backstage with the world famous Rockettes.( November 2006)
Ebby Halliday and GRS-TV "We've Got You Covered" Program
Ebby Halliday continues their support of GISD and its employees by sponsoring a "We've Got You Covered" logo look with the district's GRS-TV station. The crews were outfitted with rain gear and polo shirts for filming the various activities they cover for the district with the "We've Got You Covered" logos.
Just as our great staff at GRS-TV covers all the action and drama in the district and throughout the state of Texas, Ebby Halliday covers all the needs of our employees for buying or selling a home. (November 2006)
Ebby Advantage Program with Foundation is BEST for All
Ebby Halliday's Ebby Advantage program that is set up through the BEST Education Foundation has developed into a steady revenue source for district programs. All GISD employees have the opportunity to use Ebby Halliday for all their home and relocation needs and support their local BEST Education Foundation at the same time.
If you are buying or selling a home, Ebby Halliday can help you with all of your needs. Simply contact an Ebby Halliday representative and mention the Ebby Advantage Program. When you close on your transaction, a contribution is paid to the BEST Education Foundation in your name, and the employee receives a contribution as well. This is definitely a "WIN, WIN" program for GISD employees.
To date, the program has helped 18 employees find their dream homes. Call the BEST Education Foundation @ 972-487-3253, or your local Ebby Halliday representative for more details. (August 2006)
BEST Partners with DonorsChoose to Facilitate More Funds to Teachers in the Classroom.
DonorsChoose, a unique internet marketing resource for teachers aims to improve public education by engaging citizens in an online marketplace where teachers can describe and individuals can fund specific student projects. The program connects teachers and students with average citizens willing to help fund education, a few dollars at a time. Their vision is a nation where students in every community have the resources they need to learn. (August 2006)
