This post first appeared on MySweetCharity by Jeanne Prejean. Read the original article here →
MySweetSchoolDaze: Helping Dallas Students Start Strong
One of my favorite things about back-to-school season is watching how excited kids get about something new.
When my oldest daughter started middle school, it was a few inexpensive magnets for her locker. They seem like such small things, but they helped her feel excited, prepared, and confident as she walked through the doors at the beginning of the year.
That's one of the reasons I support Learning Launch, United to Learn's annual back-to-school initiative benefiting approximately 60,000 elementary school students across 124 Dallas ISD campuses. Learning Launch provides every United to Learn partner campus with funding to purchase teacher-requested classroom resources that are not covered by limited public school budgets.
When I first learned about United to Learn a couple of years ago, I was inspired by its mission to bring community investment alongside public schools. But it wasn't until I volunteered at one of its partner schools that I truly understood how meaningful those investments can be.
One of my first volunteer experiences was helping transform an ordinary stairwell into a colorful rainbow walkway at Albert C. Black Elementary. Throughout the morning, students and teachers stopped to admire it, pointed out their favorite colors, and talked about how much brighter the space felt.
That experience reminded me that creating a positive learning environment can change how students and educators experience the school day. Learning Launch lets educators choose the resources that best support their students and campus goals. A few examples from past years include classroom books, STEM equipment, art supplies, flexible seating options, sensory materials, and organizational tools.
"The experiences children have in elementary school don't end there. They create momentum that strengthens schools, families, and entire communities."
Later, I heard a Dallas educator describe something she called the "trickle up effect." She explained how a strong elementary school becomes an anchor for its neighborhood, encouraging families to stay, invest in their community, and build brighter futures together. It gave a name to what I had already been seeing. The experiences children have in elementary school don't end there. They create momentum that strengthens schools, families, and entire communities.
That's why Learning Launch matters.
Every gift helps put educator-requested resources directly into elementary schools, giving campuses the flexibility to meet their school community's unique needs from the very first day of school. To ensure those resources are available as the school year begins, donations will be accepted through August 31.
To learn more or make a gift, visit unitedtolearn.org.
Story via MySweetCharity, by Jeanne Prejean.
About Katie
Katie is a Dallas business and community leader, mom of four, and an active supporter of United to Learn. After beginning her career in media, she found her passion in helping schools build strong communities. Over the past two years, she has become a passionate advocate for the role communities can play alongside schools to help every student achieve their full potential.
Katie with her husband, Dave, and their four children, Charlie, Miles, Anna, and Maggie.
About United to Learn
United to Learn is a Dallas-based nonprofit that works alongside Dallas ISD elementary schools to help students and educators thrive. By connecting schools with volunteers, philanthropic partners, and resources, United to Learn strengthens learning environments, supports educator well-being, and helps create opportunities for every student to succeed.