Fraser Educational Foundation
The Fraser Educational Foundation is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization. The objective of the foundation is to provide funding that will enhance teacher creativity, student enrichment, and community involvement through activities that go beyond the scope of normally funded school budgets and responsibilities. Typically the basis and intent of any educational foundation are to provide non-traditional funding for non-traditional projects, activities and classroom materials.
The foundation supports the schools in our district through grants and mini-grants. The money is raised through donations from teachers, individuals, and local businesses as well as a variety of fundraisers during the school year. Fraser Educational Foundation averages about $8,000 in grants annually.
Who Does the Foundation Help?
The grant program supports funding for all grade levels. The foundation strives to award grants that benefit the most number of students.
Support the Foundation
One-Time Online Donation
Anyone is welcome to make a tax-deductible donation at any time.
Staff Payroll Deduction
District staff can support the FEF through payroll deduction. This can be done through either a recurring deduction per paycheck, or as an annual deduction. Simply fill out the form and return it to the Superintendent's Office.
Grant Program for Staff
The Fraser Education Foundation offers mini-grants and single grants to any staff member in the Fraser Public Schools district.
The grant program supports funding for all levels to enhance student enrichment, teacher creativity and community involvement through programs that go beyond the scope of normally-funded school budgets.
Foundation Board
Deuane Martin
President
Chris Skruba
Vice President
Andrea Agrusa
Treasurer
James Walsh
Trustee
Sharron Henderson
Trustee
Norma Krussman
Trustee
Gerry Gauthier
Trustee
Beth Gauthier
Trustee
Bev Belzyt
Trustee
Kristin Sommer
Secretary
Carrie Wozniak
Superintendent
2024-25 Grant Recipients
The foundation received a $100,000 gift from the estate of Delia Martin. Mrs. Martin was a longtime Foundation member, and founder of El Charro Mexican Restaurant. Half of the gift is to be used for the grant program, and the other half will be used for capital improvements in the performing arts department. Two grants were funded this year through the Delia Martin Gift.
Mini Grants
Dan Gallina, Fraser High School, $1,000
Mock Trial Club - The Mock Trial Club is a structured program, run with guidance from the Michigan Center for Civic Education. It aims to provide students with a simulated court experience after analyzing a complex legal fact pattern. The focal point of this program is a realistic mock trial held at the Macomb County Circuit Court, presided over by esteemed area judges, lawyers, and legal professionals.
Jim Socha, Fraser High School, $1,000
McMahon Thrift Store - The purpose of the McMahon Thrift Store is to help students in need have adequate clothing throughout the school year. This store gives all students an outlet to increase their wardrobe and help not only their self-esteem. Mr. Connor McMahon found joy in giving his time and helping his students. The money from the grant will be used for store needs, the wish box, and other specialty items for students.
Vicky Zoldos, Fraser High School, $354.75
Día de Los Muertos School Display - Students in my classes have expressed an interest in delving deeper into the meaning of "Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead). We propose to set up an ofrenda in the media center to share the culture behind this Latin American holiday. My students will display traditional items that represent earth, wind, water, and fire and will create informational materials for those who visit the ofrenda.
Amy Olenzek, Fraser High School, $360
Francophone Music on the Harmonica - Last year, two volunteer musical guests came to my French classroom and taught my students to sing French and francophone songs and to play them on the harmonica. The grant will be used to offer a more advanced class for students who did it last year, as well as introducing this year’s students to music. Each student will receive a harmonica to use, and the grant will allow two guests to come to FHS and teach the class.
Amelia Ciaramitaro, Disney Elementary, $1,492.67, Delia Martin Gift
Sensory Room – The grant will be used to create a sensory room for students at Disney Elementary School. Having a sensory space in a school environment is an evidence-based strategy that promotes a positive school culture and supports student's overall health and well-being.
Single Grant
Amanda Gottardo, Richards Middle School, $2005.70, Delia Martin Gift
Shining Star Artist – The grant will be used to purchase several large bulletin boards and glass showcases to be able to display student artwork. At Richards, there are limited places to display student work. Having student work on display not only boosts a student's enthusiasm in the classroom but encourages others to take art classes.