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The West Irondequoit Foundation, a non-profit that benefits the West Irondequoit schools, has announced six grants it will fund for the 2025-26 school year. Grants must be initiated by district teachers and staff; applications are voted on by the Foundation Board of Directors. This year’s grant total is $50,094, increasing the amount awarded to the district since 1990 to $1,150,738. Established in 1987 to receive gifts/donations to enhance educational opportunities, the WIF raises money to underwrite grants for innovative projects, equipment and programs. It does so via an annual fundraising campaign, fundraising events such as a Cornhole Tournament, gifts, donations and more.

Its next event, done in conjunction with the West Irondequoit Alumni Association, is the 2^nd annual All-Alumni Reunion Fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 at Silk O’Loughlin’s, 5980 St. Paul Blvd. For tickets ($25) or sponsorship opportunities (starting at $250), click this link. There will be live music, alumni merchandise, pizza, wings and a 50/50 raffle. Graduates from all classes are invited! The Foundation’s next Cornhole Tournament is Friday, March 13^th, 2026.

Here is more on each grant:

Science of Reading Instructional Practices (Grades K-12)
LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) is a professional development program to help high-quality literacy educators. The grant will fund 80 percent of the cost of teacher manuals and resources for online learning platform. This would continue an initiative started when the district had access to COVID-19 Stimulus Fund. Grant authors: Lindsay Porter and Kim Cristal.

Student Work Display Panels (Grades 7-12)
The display panels will serve as a vital tool for showcasing student creativity and achievement by art students. Grant authors: Erin Quintero and Sue Jacobs. 

Biking For All (Grades 7-8)
This grant will support a biking experience for students of all abilities, allowing students with disabilities the opportunity to ride with a partner in a “tandem” bicycle. The grant includes the purchase of 10 bikes, 20 helmets, 2 pumps, 2 tool kits and 2 bike racks (storage). Grant author: Haley Spiro.

Math and Movement (Grades 7-8)
This grant will purchase hands-on, visual learning tools and math mats to enable students to practice fundamental math concepts. Grant author: Lindsay Lennertz.

Amplifying Student Voices (Grades 5-12)
The grant will purchase new microphone equipment for the West Irondequoit Performing Arts programs at multiple grade levels. Grant author: Kelly Petro.

Rogers Middle School Drama Club (Grades 4-6)
This grant will enhance programming for the newly created Rogers Drama Club, funding the purchase of costumes, props and a variety of other items to ensure students have access to high-quality resources while learning and practicing theater arts. Grant author: Stacey Borchers and Magen LaPierre.