Winter 2022 Newsletter
President's Corner
Pamela J. Moore
We hope that your 2022 is off to a safe and peaceful start. We wanted you to know that despite the challenges of 2021, our critical work continued: 

  • Scholarships - Provided 56 scholarships to graduating seniors 
  • Basic NeedsSupplied 3,000+ families with household resources and utility assistance 
  • Career Pathways90+ student internships 
  • Athletics - Enhanced programs and trained over 50 coaches. Renaissance, Cass, and Cody golf teams received uniforms and equipment.  
  • Arts and CultureSupported Saturday Arts Academy, the Media Arts DSA Feeder School Program, MSU Community Music School, andEisenhower Dance Detroit for a dance residency program. Mini grants funded the Drew Horticulture Community Food Program, a Peer Mentorship Program, and afterschool programs at the Downtown Boxing Gym and the At Bat program at Carver STEM!  
  • Parents and Families - Program and technology hubs assisted parents and guardians through the remote to face-to-face learning transitions.  The Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC) continued offering food and services at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy and to our east-side communities.  
  • Campaigns - Giving Tuesday/Year-End Giving- raised over $23,000! Thank you to Chair Beth Correa and Flagstar Bank for the $5,000 match. 
  • Fundraising Events - 200+ attended our 8th Annual Champions of Education signature event, 2nd Annual Golf Outing and James Oliver Coffee pop ups. 
 
Whew! And that is the short list. 

The year is off to a roaring start. We are busy working on our Alumni Campaign and are partnering with the District to host the “Come Home” weekend in May (include link here) that you do not want to miss! 

We appreciate each and every one of you that have partnered, pledged, volunteered, donated, or simply planted a seed for our students to grow and flourish into amazing, successful young adults.   
 
From our DPS Foundation family to yours, we send our very best wishes for a phenomenal new year!      
 
Gratefully, 
Pamela J. Moore
Taneá Menifee 
Kris Johnston 
Yesenia Roman-Murphy
Maria Koliantz 
Danielle Shields 
Amy DeWys 
Raj Dhaliwal 
Mini-Grant Awards
Our Cycle 2 Mini-Grant program proudly supported 11 student programs. Awards are granted directly to DPSCD schools, departments, offices and partnership nonprofit organizations. 
Calling All DPSCD High School Students--Scholarships are Available 
Thanks to our donors, scholarship deadline dates range from Feb. 1-Feb. 28, 2022 depending upon specific scholarships! You can learn more by visiting our website or here.
LOOKING FOR ALUMNI
Alumni! Our students need you! Partner with DPSF and support our vision to provide a rich and rewarding K-12 experience to our children.  
 
Our inaugural Come Home weekend in May will salute our DPS/DPSCD alumni. Save the date May 20 - 22, 2022. Sign up to get more information here. Activities include school visits, a Meet & Greet Reception, An Evening of Fine Arts featuring our talented students, an Alumni and VIP Sponsors Brunch, a Meet and Ride Bike Stroll, a Taste of Livernois Block Party, worship opportunities on Sunday, an Alumni VIP Reception culminating on Sunday with the Alumni Hall of Fame Black Tie Gala and After-Glow Party! Whew! COME HOME! Interested in hearing more? Contact us at info@dpsfdn.org. 
If you are a DPS/DPSCD Proud Alum, show your DPS/DPSCD love
and submit a 1-minute video or story for our website. 
Stay in touch, hear more about our students and follow us on facebook!
Our Students are High Achievers
Keyaira Johnson 
Keyaira Johnson, a 14-year-old student at Renaissance, was recognized by the Urban League of Detroit’s ‘Do the Right Thing Award’. Having a soft-spot for families and children without housing, Keyaira has spent time volunteering at soup kitchens and resource pantries with her mother. “I really wanted to impact in a way that would stick with people” says Keyaira, who gave a room in Genesis House a complete make-over for a family staying there. Using bright colors, and her eye for design, she made the room feel more like a home. Keyaira credits her long-term service to her Girl Scout Troop at St. Cecilia, and especially her Troop leader for helping her complete the 50-hour project. 
After the project was complete, I already knew I wanted to do it again next year but at the Awards ceremony, I was approached by COTs to do a room for them too! I never expected this to turn into such a project, but I’m thankful that it did. Not only has Girl Scouts taught me how to be a leader, but how to be of service to my community. Making an impact is priceless”. 
When asked about her future plans, Keyaira wants to study mechanical or biomedical engineering at either Stanford or University of Michigan.
We can’t wait to see this young lady soar - DPSCD Proud! 
Partner Praise!
Delta Dental Supports the Family Resource Distribution Center!  
A Delta Dental grant was awarded to support a school site coordinator at the Family Resource Distribution Center (FDRC) located at the Adult Education Center – West! The coordinator will manage District-wide basic needs and health (including mental) resources, and supplies. The Center responds to critical physical, social, and economic challenges facing students and families by providing wraparound services including school health clinics and hubs, and dental and vision services. The FDRC is overseen by the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE). Thank you, Delta Dental! 

SALUTING THOSE THAT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL: 
Carl Williams and Skyla Butts, School of Nutrition 
Carl Williams (left) is the executive director of the school nutrition office for the Detroit Public Schools Community. Skyla Butts (right) is the communications and marketing manager in the school nutrition office for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Photos courtesy the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Carl Williams and Skyla Butts aren’t just leaders in the office of school nutrition in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Sometimes, they are also cooks. Or servers. And when the team needs an extra dose of encouragement, they’re also motivators....