In Dulci Jubilo, Inc. a small Berkeley foundation who’s primary mission for 35 years has been the support of the Berkeley public schools, awarded 13 grants totaling $34,150. Below is a list of the 2012 grant recipients. In Dulci Jubilo (IDJ) is also known for the District wide Art Poetry and Essay Contest for fourth and fifth graders. This year they celebrate their 30th anniversary with the theme, “In Sweet Joy” (last years theme was “Welcoming Schools”).
In Dulci Jubilo’s 2012 Grant Winners
Berkeley Arts Magnet Elementary School – School-wide Implementation of Positive Behavior Supports: $2,000
Kristin Collins, Principal
Project Description: Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) is a district-wide initiative to improve school culture and climate by helping students understand school rules and reinforcing positive behavior. Berkeley Arts Magnet will use this grant to provide PBS training for all before- and after-school program staff, support staff, and lunch/noontime staff to ensure consistent implementation of PBS throughout the extended school day.
The Berkeley Chess School – Outreach to Title 1 Schools: $7,500
Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Executive Director
Project Description: The Berkeley Chess School provides a proven, cost-effective way to engage children in learning that will help close the achievement gap for students from economically, ethnically, and culturally diverse backgrounds. The Berkeley Chess School will offer two hours of chess instruction per week to six fifth grade classrooms in Title 1 schools throughout the 2012/2013 school year.
Berkeley High School – First Step Scholarships: $4,000
Teri Goodman, Parent Outreach Program Specialist
Project Description: Every year, Berkeley High School counselors award First Step Scholarships to the lowest-income college-bound seniors to help with initial expenses such as housing and tuition deposits, placement test fees, and transportation. In Dulci Jubilo provided funds for five students to receive an $800 scholarship, helping them to take the first steps towards higher education.
Berkeley High School – Student Court Program: $3,000
David Luu, On-Campus Intervention Director
Project Description: The Student Court provides an alternative to suspension for students facing discipline, and gives students a role in discipline. Students voluntarily accept Student Court referral for sentencing by their peers, learning how their offenses have harmed others and making amends. Consequences include community service, tutoring, counseling referral, and future jury service.
Berkeley Public Library Foundation – The Neighborhood Libraries Campaign: $5,000
Kirsten Cowan, Executive Director
Project Description: Thanks to a bond measure, Berkeley’s branch libraries are being remodeled and/or rebuilt. However, no bond money can be used for furnishings. This grant will support the acquisition of furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the children’s and teen areas of the West and South branch libraries, helping to better serve children, teenagers, and their families.
Berkeley Symphony – Music in the Schools: $500
René Mandel, Executive Director
Project Description: Music in the Schools is a full-year interactive program offering over 250 classroom visits and dozens of in-school concerts at all 11 Berkeley Unified School District elementary schools. The program addresses a variety of areas from the California Performing Arts Content Standards and gives students the opportunity to actively participate in performing with an orchestra.
Berkeley Unified School District, Special Education – Visual Supports for Success: $950
Kay Altizer, Executive Director, Special Services
Project Description: Many students with autism spectrum disorders have limited verbal communication and tend to be visual learners. This grant will provide for the purchase of software to make and adapt curriculum materials for Berkeley students who need symbols and other visual aids to support their learning.
Cragmont Elementary School – Parent Engagement Education Program: $2,000
Evelyn Tamondong-Bradley, Principal
Project Description: Academic success is closely linked to parental engagement in children’s education. This program targets parents who wish to be more engaged in their child’s education, but may not have the knowledge or resources to do so. The program will provide special training and education opportunities for these parents.
Jefferson Elementary School – Balanced Literacy Program: $2,000
Maggie Riddle, Principal
Project Description: The Balanced Literacy Program provides academic support to students who are struggling in a variety of academic areas. Highly qualified teachers select students who are behind in grade level and provide group instruction to them in a supportive setting after school.
Malcolm X Arts & Academics Magnet Elementary School – Project Connect: $3,000
Alexander Hunt, Principal
Project Description: Project Connect brings the school community together to close the achievement gap. Targeted students receive academic support after school with their classroom teachers, and participate in a Saturday camp. Parents/guardians attend six mandatory workshops, which aim to empower them with additional tools to help their children get the best possible education.
Mayor’s Annual Student Recognition Awards Ceremony: $200
Tom Bates, Mayor, City of Berkeley
Project Description: The Mayor’s Annual Student Recognition Awards Ceremony honors students who are not typically recognized for their hard work and commitment to their school, peers, and community. The ceremony is a chance to applaud often-overlooked students who are nominated by teachers and staff for achievements in civic leadership, community service, academics, athletics, performing arts, and communication. In Dulci Jubilo, Inc. is a sponsor of this program.
Oxford Elementary School – Engaging and Supporting the Families of Struggling Students: $2,000
Jennifer Corn, Principal
Project Description: Oxford is taking proactive steps to address the widening achievement gap between white students and students of color by implementing a targeted parent education series. The program will target families of low-performing students, particularly African American, economically disadvantaged, and English language learner students.
Washington Communication & Technology Magnet Elementary School – Allies/Student Leaders: $2,000
Rita Kimball, Principal
Project Description: This program provides mental health support for students, including anti-bullying, diversity appreciation, and student leadership. Eight fifth graders will become Student Leaders, presenting classroom workshops, assemblies, daily announcements, and monthly themes and celebrations. A mental health counselor will build the program with the support of three counseling interns.