LEWISVILLE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION RECEIVES $20,000 FROM VERIZON FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT LISD LITERACY INITIATIVE

The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation receives $20,000 in grant funds from the Verizon Foundation to further the Academic Vocabulary Program in LISD.

LEWISVILLE, TX, OCTOBER 22, 2008: The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation (LEF) was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation to implement LISD’s Academic Vocabulary Program for English Language Learners, a program based on Robert Marzano and Debra Pickering’s Building Academic Vocabulary. First piloted at Central Elementary, these grant funds allow for program expansion at Vickery Elementary in Flower Mound and Peters Colony Elementary in The Colony since both schools (outside of Central) have the largest student population of English language learners. Money from the Verizon grant will offset the purchase of supplies and training necessary to expand the program to additional campuses and provide participating teachers with tips and tools for program-specific activities.

“For children whose primary language is not English, literacy is a huge educational road block,” said Carl Erhart, Verizon Southwest Region President. “Verizon believes in forming partnerships with the schools in the communities we serve to provide the tools necessary to grow successful, independent readers.”

The Lewisville ISD Education proudly supports the educational efforts of LISD and appreciates the partnership with the Verizon Foundation. Mary Worthington, Director of Development for LEF, stated, “It is a great joy for LEF to be able to provide this level of

support to LISD. Charitable partnerships between organization like Verizon and LEF help the Foundation achieve its mission and vision.”

The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation is a passionate group of community volunteers dedicated to investing in the future of our children. Founded in 1990, LEF is a public, non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation that raises money to encourage innovative teaching and higher education for the 13 cities served by LISD. From its inception, LEF has awarded over $1,188,707 in different program areas including $818,525 in senior scholarships to 1,417 students. Every student needs a good foundation – Come help us build it!

To learn more about how you can support educational excellence in LISD, visit the LEF website at

or contact Connie Pelphrey, Executive Director, at 469-948-2022.