Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 01/19/1998 All articles from this issue

Packard contributions help Los Altos community bloom

printer friendly version

By Carol Tiegs / Town Crier Staff Writer

When Mike Ahern started teaching math and science 2 years ago at Alta Vista High School, he had "an empty room and antiquated textbooks," he said.

Today, he said, he is "a year away from a stand alone national model for continuation high school science education."

Ahern used a $19,000 grant from the Los Altos-based Packard Foundation to purchase computers and software, VCRs, lab materials, textbooks, workbooks and field trips for the approximately 125 students he teaches each year.

Ahern teaches mathematics, from basic operations to calculus, as well as astronomy, geology, chemistry, electricity and magnetism, matter and energy, oceanography and meteorology using materials provided by the foundation grant.

Ahern is excited that four of his students want to compete in the 31st Annual Hokubei Manchi math contest.

"It's been years since I felt so excited about teaching," he said. "I owe so much to the (Packard) Foundation."

Among 1997 Packard Foundation grant awards in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills are:

American Leadership Forum, $105,000 support for Project INVOLVE;Bus Barn Stage Company, $25,000 support marketing;Center for the Future of Public Education, $24,000 for science content training;City of Los Altos, $31,00 support for volunteers;Earthwatch, $21,190 support for assessment and planning;Foothill-De Anza Colleges Foundation, $25,000 for facility upgrades to the Smithwick Theater;Los Altos Community Foundation, $10,000 for improvement of Los Altos school playing fields;Los Altos Hills Historical Society, $19,444;Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District, $5,000 for the U.S. First robotics team at Los Altos High School and $24,460 for the art therapy program at Alta Vista High School;Music for Minors, $15,000 for general operating expenses;Pilgrim Haven, $133,129 to provide home health care for seniors;Sempervirens Fund, $300,000 for Gazos Creek Forest purchase;Trust for Hidden Villa, $500,000;Veterans memorial Association of Los Altos, $25,000; and West Ed, $200,000 for the Techscape project.