[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 82 (Friday, May 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E481-E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF 
                                 DEXTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 2024

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Educational 
Foundation of Dexter on the 40th anniversary of their founding. The 
support they have provided for Dexter's students and educators over the 
last 40 years is worthy of commendation.
  The Educational Foundation of Dexter (EFD) was founded in 1984 to 
enhance the educational experience for those enrolled in the Dexter 
Community School District. Through teacher written grants, the EFD 
provides financial support for new and innovative educational projects. 
The EFD has awarded over $1 million since 1984 for programs such as 
FLEX Robotics Kits for Creekside Middle School, a field trip to the 
Charles H. Wright Museum for the entire 5th grade, adaptive music for 
students with special needs, and equipment to support the Iron Dread 
program at Dexter High School. In 2023, the EFD's Spring Auction raised 
over $24,000 for Dexter students.
  In 2015, Excellence 4 Dexter Students (E4DS) was formed in response 
to multiple years of annual budget cuts at the state level. This led to 
some notable changes within the district, including larger class sizes 
and reduced staffing. Since their founding, E4DS has donated over 
$182,000 to the Dexter Community Schools for additional programming. 
Their donations have supported additional math and science programming 
for grades 3-6, mental wellness programs for both staff and students, 
and an experience at Eastern Michigan University for many 6th grade 
classes. In 2020, E4DS and the Educational Foundation of Dexter joined 
forces to better support and respond to the needs of the Dexter 
Community School District.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
work of the Educational Foundation of Dexter over the last four 
decades. Both the teachers and students of the Dexter community have 
had a more fulfilling educational experience due to the hard work of 
the EFD. We are excited to see what they can accomplish over the next 
40 years. I thank the EFD.

[[Page E482]]

  

                          ____________________