About Us

Points of Pride

Awarded $15,000 grant funding from the Waterford Foundation and Mary Lou Simmons Legacy Endowment for the 2023 Sweet Reads Summer Bookmobile program. The Sweet Reads Bookmobile provided endless opportunities for children to reach throughout the summer to lessen summer reading loss.
In 2023, awarded 43 classroom, school, and district-wide grants in the amount of $80,600 to support innovative and creative instructional ideas and programs.
Awarded five education scholarships to high school students in the amount of $10,000. The Al Dittrich, Edward J. Kuhn, and the Dale Martin scholarships are funded through private donations.
Waterford Kettering and Mott graduating high school seniors, 25 from each school, were honored by the Waterford Foundation’s Select Fifty recognition program. Students are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership, and citizenship.
Each semester, Waterford Durant High School students were honored with a luncheon for significant improvements made in their academic standing.
Ron Arnold and Tim Patterson were recognized at the Waterford Foundation's Annual Golf Outing for their many years of volunteerism, involvement with community organizations and boards, and for their personal contributions. They have made a significant impact on teaching and learning and have touched the lives of countless students.
Chris Braue, Mason Middle School Teacher, was recognized as the 2023 Teacher of the Year for his dedication and commitment.
Mary Lou Simmons, long time Waterford educator and principal, bequeathed over $500,000 to the Waterford Foundation. A Mary Lou Simmons Legacy Endowment in the amount of $250,000 was created and earmarked for literacy and arts enrichment for Waterford School District students. $20,000 to $25,000 will be awarded annually for district wide programming for students. The remaining $250,000 assisted in the development of the Mary Lou Simmons Waterford Promise, which will provide funding for post-secondary education to Waterford School District students.
Ken Frenkel, Retired Kettering High School Teacher, bequeathed $90,000 to the Waterford Foundation. The Waterford Foundation announced the creation of the Ken Frenkel Legacy Endowment, in which the $90,000 will be earmarked for mentoring new Waterford School District teachers. The Legacy Endowment will be used to enhance professional development programming such as teacher labs, speakers, and other staff educational resources. These dollars will have a broad impact on teachers, ultimately impacting Waterford students.

Impact on Waterford Public Schools Infographic

FAQ

What is the Waterford Foundation for Public Education?

Founded in 1984, the Waterford Foundation for Public Education is 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing community support for the Waterford School District.

How is the organization different from school PTSA organizations?

We are the only organization in our community that supports all schools in the district. PTSA organizations do a great job raising funds for projects within specific schools but the Waterford Foundation for Public Education supports a broad range of innovative programs or projects that enhance curricular and extracurricular opportunities for students across the district.

Where does the funding for the projects and programs come from? What impact does the Waterford Foundation for Public Education make for Waterford students?

We are supported by private gifts given by individuals who are committed to supporting the Waterford School District. Funding is provided through donations and/or fundraising activities such as the Annual Golf Outing or sponsorship opportunities. Since our organization's establishment in 1984, we have distributed over $2.2 million (approximately $100,000 annually) in classroom grants to support student learning.

Scholarships are awarded annually to students who possess social talents and gifts and have the potential to make substantial social contributions. We provide recognition programs such as Select Fifty, an annual recognition of 50 outstanding Waterford School District seniors (25 from each school) from Kettering and Mott High Schools; Durant High School Most Improved, for students who have made significant improvements in their academic standing; and Teacher of the Year, an annual recognition honoring outstanding district educators.