Friday, April 24, 2026
A Big Win for Math:
Columbia Elementary Receives $2,000 Grant from D & PS Restaurant LLC
We are thrilled to share some incredible news with our Columbia Elementary family! Our school has been selected as a recipient of a $2,000 grant from D & PS Restaurant LLC to support our new Counting Collections Math Initiative. D and PS Restaurant LLC is a locally owned and operated McDonald's. Owners, Jennifer and Ben McLaren, work hard to invest in the community, especially for students, through grants and donations.
D & PS Restaurant LLC is a dedicated community partner with a mission to help K-12 students reach their fullest potential. Each year, they provide vital funding to schools across four key areas: Academics, Athletics, Arts, and General School Support. This year, Columbia Elementary is proud to represent the "Academics" pillar.
What is the Counting Collections Math Initiative?
The $2,000 grant will be used to transform how our students engage with mathematics. Counting Collections is a hands-on program that moves beyond worksheets and into active learning.
Through this initiative, students will:
- Build Number Sense: By organizing and counting physical objects, students develop a deep, intuitive understanding of quantity.
- Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Students must strategize the most efficient ways to group and track their collections.
- Collaborate with Peers: This initiative encourages students to talk through their mathematical thinking with classmates.
A Partnership for Potential
This donation is more than just a check; it is an investment in our students’ futures. The team at D & PS Restaurant LLC believes that every child deserves the chance to shine, and their generosity ensures that our classrooms have the high-quality resources necessary to make that happen.
"We are so grateful to D & PS Restaurant LLC for their commitment to local education. This grant allows us to bring a level of excitement and tactile learning to our math curriculum that will benefit our students for years to come." — Jen Havig, Principal of Columbia Elementary
Thank You!
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and—most importantly—the students of Columbia Elementary, we want to extend a heartfelt Thank You to D & PS Restaurant LLC. Your support helps us ensure that every student at Columbia Elementary is reaching their fullest potential!