The Orono Alliance seeks to improve the overall educational experience in Orono schools. By partnering with the schools and identifying specific program and curriculum needs, the Orono Alliance Annual Gala provides a unique opportunity to raise funds for a targeted purpose. In 2011, the Orono Alliance gala raised $100,000, which was necessary to provide critical enhancements to the
STEM (
Science
Technology
Engineering and
Math) curriculum. Thanks to all of you, the Orono students are already benefitting from the 3D printer, i-Pads and other STEM improvements.
The Orono Alliance has raised about $45,000 for World Languages, and we are at about 40% of total goal; and that donations for World Languages to have affect for 2012-2013 curriculum year must be received by June 30th, 2012.
By meeting our fundraising goal, Orono Schools will be able to offer world languages and cultural explorations to all K-12 Orono students. According to Marilyn Pedersen (World Languages Chair for Orono High School and member of the World Languages Innovation Team), research shows that there are many benefits of learning a second language, including:
- Teaching children to understand and appreciate different cultures
- Higher standardized test scores
- Better overall grades and college admissions
- Better understanding of English syntax and grammar
- Greater knowledge of other curricular areas, such as history, geography, politics and religion
The World Language curriculum is just
one more way that Orono is preparing our students to compete in a global community.
DONATE NOW TO WORLD LANGUAGES!
