News Release
October 6, 2004
Mayor John Hickenlooper Helps Launch Post-News Kids Care Philanthropy Program
Students planning a school garden with the express intent of producing food for a soup kitchen.
Students cleaning up a vacant lot, then start a campaign to keep it spotless.
Students reading articles about senior citizens and their health issues in preparation for a performance at a nearby retirement center.
These are some of the hands-on community service ideas envisioned by Kids Care, a new educational initiative introduced by the Denver Newspaper Agency to teach students about community service and philanthropy.
The announcement of the new curriculum was made at Samuels Elementary School, 3985 S. Vincennes Court, by Mayor John Hickenlooper, Denver Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Wartgow, Denver Newspaper Agency Community Relations Director Tracy Ulmer and Daniels Fund CEO and President Hank Brown.
"Instilling the values of community service into classrooms provides students with the opportunity to experience real life beyond the school walls and gives them a chance to connect with the real world in a meaningful way," said Mayor John Hickenlooper. "The Denver Newspaper Agency is to be commended for bringing this enlightened curriculum to Denver Public Schools."
Kids Care, produced by Post-News Educational Services and Post-News Community and sponsored by Daniels Fund, is designed to be a foundational curriculum for all grades with the goal of creating understanding about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
The free program includes a complete, standard-based curriculum of 20 units incorporating reading, writing and math. Free newspapers and special Kids Care journals are provided for all students participating in the program. In addition, participating classrooms are invited to apply for grants in support of community and volunteer projects and will be recognized in the newspapers on an ongoing basis.
To date, 200 Denver Public Schools classrooms - including some 5,000 students - are incorporating the Kids Care curriculum into their work.
"Preparing kids for the future is a critical part of our success as a society", said Kirk MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Denver Newspaper Agency. "Teaching kids the value of philanthropy and community service not only benefits the individual child in many ways, but also benefits society as a whole. We are pleased to join with our partners to bring this program to our schools and students."
Classrooms participating in the program may apply for a $500 grant to conduct a community project benefiting a non-profit through volunteer or fundraising efforts. Grant recipients will be featured each month in the newspaper.
Additionally, students keeping track of their project in journals will have the opportunity have their journal entries published in the newspaper.
"We are deeply appreciative of this thoughtful curriculum and the support of the Denver Newspaper Agency," said Superintendent Jerry Wartgow. "Students who have a chance to experience the rewards of community service will inevitably result in more productive and contributing citizens upon graduation."
Added Hank Brown, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund: "Bill Daniels established the Daniels Fund with the belief that each of us has a duty to offer help and hope to others. The Post-News Kids Care program will raise awareness among children and youth in Colorado of the ability they have to help others by taking an active role in their communities."
Teachers interested in participating can visit www.post-newscommunity.com/kidscare.
About The Denver Newspaper Agency The Denver Newspaper Agency publishes The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News under a joint operating agreement designed to preserve editorial competition. Combined business operations are managed by The Agency, which is equally owned by MediaNews and The E. W. Scripps Co.
About The Daniels Fund After a lifetime of support for many charitable causes and generosity to individuals in need, cable entrepreneur Bill Daniels established the Daniels Fund in 1998. When he passed away in March 2000, the bulk of his estate was distributed to the Fund. In Bill's benevolent and entrepreneurial spirit, the Fund's mission is to partner with individuals, organizations, and communities to recognize inherent value, develop abilities, and provide opportunities in order to fulfill our collective potential.
The Fund operates the Daniels Fund Grants Program and the Daniels College Prep and Scholarship Program (DCPSP) in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The program areas eligible for grants through the Daniels Fund fall under the categories of: Aging, Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Amateur Sports, Youth Development, Disabilities, Homeless & Disadvantaged, and Education.
For more information, contact the DPS Communications Office at 720-423-3414.