Smile Program

The Smile Program is a two fold program - supporting "Just Plain Fun'' by providing funds for parent/teacher organizations at K-6 schools to help build community and smiles within the school; and “Learning Is Fun” by providing creative student experiences that complement the K-6 STEM curriculum and make learning fun. At its core, the program is intended to help Rochester’s elementary school students enjoy their day in school and have fun while learning, and give them plenty of reasons to smile.

The Smile Program was created by local philanthropist, Dave Beck. Over the past eleven years, the Smile Program has grown from supporting one PreK-6 school to supporting ALL RCSD elementary schools! REF plans to grow this program by inviting foundations, businesses, and community members to support it.

Historic examples of “Just Plain Fun”

  • Puppets/Theater tech items 

  • Art supplies; Art room refurbishment 

  • Library renovation; Book vending machine 

  • School murals

  • Math Tutoring

  • Playground equipment 

  • Events (Bingo Blast; Sundaes for Success)

  • Cotton candy; Snow cone machines

  • Mission to MARS field trip

  • Flags/Banners

  • School gardens

  • Classroom rugs

  • Buddy Benches

  • Tee shirts

  • “Calming environment” items

  • Student Council support

Historic examples of “Learning is Fun”

  • Science cruises on the Genesee River (with instructors from local colleges) 

  •  Zoo - Behind the scenes field trip 

  •  Nature Based Learning Programs

  •  The Whalemobile (life-sized whale model comes to school; lessons taught inside the whale) 

  • Hot air balloon science comes to school 

  •  RIT Professor – showing how to take pictures of Snowflakes 

  • Video conferences/Remote learning: (examples: Reasons for Seasons; Transfer of Energy; Rescuing Sea Turtles; Life as an Astronaut) 

  • “Learning Lab” equipment, support: Aquariums, terrariums, hydroponics, hands on science equipment, student lab coats

  • Science Museum field trip for all RCSD 4th graders