Magnolia ISD (MISD) was surprised with a $40,000 grant from Devon Energy. The grant is part of Devon Energy’s company-wide “$40K for Kids” initiative.

At the school board meeting Nov. 14, the Devon Prize Patrol stormed the room to surprise Director of Science Laurel Frank with a $40,000 check for her winning grant application, which was submitted in May.

Pictured (from left to right) are Director of Science Laurel Frank, Superintendent Dr. Todd Stephens, Board President Cecil Bell Jr. and Senior Vice President of the Southern Division of Devon Energy Greg Kelleher.

The grant will allow the school district to purchase a STARLAB Dome that will provide hands-on, interactive education about the universe. The inflatable, portable planetarium will travel from school-to-school to reach the 15 campuses within the district.

In addition to the application, the district recently started developing a science center to provide resources to all campuses. The purpose of the science center is to support science teachers with content and materials as they deliver quality science instruction to all students, according to Frank.

The STARLAB will be a shared district resource implemented and supported through the science center to allow an earth science experience for students from kindergarten through high school.

Frank stated that like many other districts across the state and nation, MISD is experiencing budget challenges not experienced before.

“This ‘tightening of the belt’ results in fewer dollars for field trips and other collaborative experiences for students,” she said.

Aside from the school’s tight budget, Frank explained that for many families, a trip to the museum and planetarium is a common family outing, but many students are unable to experience those outings.

“For many of our students, the experiences they participate in through school functions and field trips are their only exposure to science outside of the classroom,” Frank said. “Our district consists of over 41 percent of students from low socio-economic status, who come from families with very little discretionary income. These students as well as many others from working families seldom make the 50-mile journey to the museum district in Houston.”

Devon Energy said they followed a competitive grant application process to select the winners. Forty-five applications were submitted and the company chose finalists. Each finalist was visited to evaluate the programs for which the funds were sought and MISD was selected.

“We are honored to give this prestigious grant to Magnolia ISD,” said Greg Kelleher, senior vice president of the Southern Division for Devon Energy. “Our company places great value in organizations that are innovators in education and working to create the next generation of leaders. This kind of community partnership is a win-win all around.”

Frank said once the planetarium is purchased, it will be housed, checked out and maintained in the science center.

“We are so grateful for Devon’s partnership and investment in our school/organization and our kids,” MISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Stephens said. “We look forward to helping students reach new heights through this program.”

Submitted Photo

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