Memorial Elementary School Receives $10,000 Gift from
The Medical Center of Plano
September 4, 2009
Students and faculty of Memorial Elementary School today welcomed representatives from The Medical Center of Plano and offered a heartfelt thank you for the hospital’s recent $10,000 investment in their school.
(back, l-r) Memorial Elementary School Principal Maricela Helm, Medical Center of Plano officials Mary Jo Dean and Troy Villarreal and Assistant Principal Katie Armstrong are pictured with students and the sign students made in appreciation of the Medical Center. Students pictured are Marcel Sanchez, Chris Estrada, Wendy Garcia, Allison Taylor, Kayla McDonald, Ahmed Quadri, Jacob Fontenot and Jaylen Love.
Students lined the hallways and greeted hospital CEO Troy Villarreal and Vice President of Marketing Mary Jo Dean, gave a brief tour to showcase a few ways the school has benefited from their long-term relationship with The Medical Center of Plano and heard remarks from Villarreal and Memorial Elementary School Principal Maricela Helm.
The $10,000 gift will fund art supplies and science lab materials. Additionally, one of the goals of this enhanced commitment by the hospital is to help improve the school’s accountability rating. “The Medical Center of Plano has been a business partner with Memorial since 1991. This donation will provide additional resources for teachers and students in support of Memorial's goal of becoming an exemplary school,” said Villarreal.
Medical Center of Plano Marketing Director Mary Jo Dean (left) and CEO Troy Villarreal were briefed about science programs that would benefit from the hospital's $10,000 donation by Principal Maricela Helm (seated, right) and Assistant Principal Katie Armstrong.
Principal Helm said, “Our theme this school year is ‘heroes,’ and we can thank no greater heroes than the staff and board of Medical Center of Plano. This most recent $10,000 gift will help us purchase beneficial programs for students, including a large Grand Canyon exhibit to correlate with our science curriculum.
Medical Center of Plano has also purchased Plano ISD spirit shirts for our entire staff through the Plano Principals Association and the sales of which also benefit local student scholarships and area nonprofits who serve our community.
“Memorial appreciates Medical Center of Plano for customizing its giving to our school by inquiring about our needs. Thanks to the hospital, we started the year with more than enough school supplies and backpacks for students in need.
 Medical Center also provided every student with printed planning/calendar agendas for the school year. The hospital sponsors Memorial’s annual Stay in School Assembly, holiday gift giving and much more. We look forward to having Medical Center of Plano staff members helping out as mentors and volunteering at school events like our fall carnival and spring field day.”
Medical Center CEO Troy Villarreal and students Alyssa Rodriguez, and Jalen Love
checked out science lab equipment as Principal Maricela Helm (right) briefed Medical Center officials about how the Center's $10,000 gift will be used at the school.
In one of many gestures of appreciation, the staff at Memorial decorated a large trophy case in the center of the school with “hero” items to salute the hospital. Ten cow bells represent $1,000 each for the hospital’s latest generous gift of $10,000 to the school. The bells have been used by students and staff at special occasions.
“We hope that Medical Center of Plano’s generosity creates a greater cycle of giving by partners throughout the Plano school community,” said Principal Helm. “The financial security allows our teachers to do what they do best – teach – and not worry about needing supplies and resources.” She said that a sign of the school’s success is its very low teacher turnover rate. “I hired one new teacher to start this school year. That tells me that our staff members are motivated and have what they need without looking elsewhere for job satisfaction. It is also an indication of their commitment to our students.”
Medical Center of Plano's Mary Jo Dean and Troy Villarreal were celebrities today as they arrived at Memorial Elementary School. Principal Maricela Helm greeted them, while students and staff waved banners and clanged noisemakers to thank them for the Center's latest gift to the school, $10,000 for science and art programs.
Medical Center of Plano and Memorial have partnered for almost 20 years. According to Ms. Helm, "They approached us at the start of school wanting to commit to a new level of support. They took time to really listen to what our current needs are-knowing our campus is not the same as it was 20 years ago. They didn’t come with grand solutions or suggestions –just a willingness to help in anyway needed. We feel fortunate to work with individuals that really listen."
It has taken the pressure off of the campus not to have to strategically plan and fundraiser in order to provide things such as a Science Assembly or funding for student financial assistance to purchase spirit wear, noted Ms. Helm. "Our staff has functioned as our PTA-they run our evening events, our field day and even take on mentoring assignments. This year, Medical Center of Plano has minimized the load and only two weeks into school we already are experiencing the positive effects."
Memorial considered carefully where to spend the funds. For example, selecting approved vendors from the neighborhood community, channeling funds into businesses that employ its families.
"Our hope is that this is just the start," the principal continued. "As we develop future doctors, nurses, CEOs, and lawyers – Medical Center of Plano will see a true benefit to its financial contribution and will want to strengthen the partnership as it inspires other businesses partnerships in the community."
“Medical Center of Plano staff is motivated by the passion and dedication of the faculty and staff at Memorial Elementary School,” said Mary Jo Dean, marketing director for the hospital. “We continue to be a proud partner of the school and hope to make an even greater impact than ever this school year.”
|
