The Richardson Independent School District Adopt-A-School program, Partners in Progress, allows Lake Highlands businesses to become involved in public education.
More than 60 businesses in the Richardson area have adopted 42 RISD elementary, middle and high schools.
JC Penney, Northern Telecom and Burger King are just a few of the companies that provide volunteers, supplies and money to the schools.
American Federal Bank, 8608 Skillman, has adopted Northlake Elementary School, 10059 Ravensway.
“We adopted Northlake because we feel businesses need to help the local schools, and we want to reinvest in the community,” says American Federal’s Beverly Barrage.
American Federal employees visit the elementary school weekly and read with the kindergarten, first and second graders for one year. The company’s employees also participate in and attend many of the school’s functions, including the cultural arts fair and carnival.
They donate supplies and handle bulk mailings, and each month, the bank treats two Northlake teachers to lunch. During the school year, students’ art work hangs