On August 17, 2021, Stacia Norris, the President of the Magnolia Education Foundation (MEF), spoke to the membership of the Magnolia Rotary Club about what the ME is and does. Pictured above from left to right are Stacia Norris and Kelly McDonald (president of the Magnolia Rotary Club).
Stacia pointed out that she is a mother of 5 and before she and her husband moved to the area, they thoroughly checked out the schools their kids would be attending. They had not had any good results from other school districts they had checked out so they did not have hopes that MISD would be any better. They started by going to Lyons Elementary and speaking with the administration there. When they asked about the school, their question was met with another question: "Tell me about your 5 kids". After a lengthy discussion, Stacia and her husband (who had heard a band playing Christmas music down the hall) fell in love with the area so they bought a home and enrolled their children in the school system. Stacia said she always stays involved with her kids and their schools so she joined the local PTO and soon became the President of the PTO. When her kids moved up into high school, she volunteered in any school activities she could and soon joined the MEF where she is now the president.
The MEF website (https://www.magnoliaisd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=255581&type=d&pREC_ID=585022) states: "Formed in 2001, the Magnolia Education Foundation was founded to provide "tools for learning" and funds programs outside of the school budget that supports excellence in education. The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization consisting of volunteers and community who are committed to making a difference. The MEF Board's primary purpose is to work together with the district to ensure student success, giving every child every opportunity. The Foundation provides an avenue for business and community members to enhance the education process. People from all sectors of the community are invited to become involved in the support and improvement of the quality of education"
Stacia then talked about many of the things the MEF does such as:
- The Star Educator Program which allows anyone to recognize a teacher, administrator, or any staff member who has made an impact in their child’s education. Recipients will receive:
- recognition in the Community Impact Newspaper, on the website and social media;
- a special item from the title sponsor;
- a MEF Star Pin, and
- a congratulatory certificate identifying the donor(s).
- Grant Program which allow teacher to request funding for classroom items not normally paid for by MISD. Last year, $77,000 was given out in grants.
- Student Scholarships - Last year the MEF provided 5 $1,000 scholarships to MHS and 5 $1,000 scholarships to MWHS.
- Teacher of the Months Awards.
- Transportation Driver Awards.
- Back to school event (8/20/2021).
Stacia, told everyone that they can always use volunteers and that Ghandi summed up volunteering best with the words: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others".
A photo of Kelly McDonald giving Stacia Norris a Rotary shirt that states: "Believe there is good in the world".
The Rotary Club also had two members of the Woodlands Kiwanis Club attend and they presented Kelly McDonald with one of their bears that they give out to children in hospitals. A close up of one of the bears is also shown.
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