Becker Elementary Earns $25,000 Grant From Target!

Becker parent Ileana Abounader and her son Logan celebrate the good news about the Give with Target award.

Bravo to Principal LaKesha Drinks and the entire Becker Elementary community for earning a $25,000 grant from the Target corporation as part of its Give with Target initiative! Becker Elementary is one of only 100 schools across the country to receive this grant, and the only school in Central Texas to be so honored.

Becker parents, students and staff celebrated the good news Sept. 12 during Back to School Night. Representatives from Austin and San Antonio-area Target stores were on hand for the presentation, and everyone celebrated with cake at the end of the event. Check out the picture below — isn't that the most creative and adorable cake you've ever seen? 

This spectacular cake, created by Becker parent Kristy Anderson-Ewing, truly rose to the occasion!

The funds will allow the school to update its technology to enhance classroom instruction. For example, each classroom will receive at least one iPad, as suggested by some of the fifth graders who submitted letters to Principal Drinks on the subject. The library will also receive resources to facilitate cooperative learning in bilingual pairs of students.

Becker families celebrated the award by shaking pom poms made from recycled Target bags. What a creative and environmentally responsible bunch!

Since the addition of a two-way, dual-language program two years ago, enrollment at Becker has grown from 194 students in 2009-10 to 316 students today. In light of this rapid growth, Becker can use the funds to expand dual-language and other student enrichment programs, such as green, gardening projects.

Once again, congratulations to all the students, parents, teachers and staff at Becker, and thanks to the Target corporation for supporting great Austin schools!