Smile Program

The Smile Program is dedicated to enriching the educational experience for RCSD elementary school students. With a mission to bring smiles to the faces of over 11,000 students, the program operates on two key fronts:

  • This initiative provides funds to parent/teacher organizations at all RCSD PreK-6 schools. It supports activities and events that nurture a sense of community and bring smiles to students' faces, creating an enriching and supportive school atmosphere.

  • Focused on enhancing the K-6 STEM curriculum, this initiative offers dynamic and imaginative learning opportunities. It aims to make STEM education captivating and enjoyable, helping students engage with the material in creative and memorable ways. 

  • REF is thrilled to partner with Rochester Ecology Partners to pilot a new initiative aimed at opening doors for autistic students in Rochester via a unique combination of nature-based education, educator training, and collaboration with an outside advisor, who is himself, a thriving, nature-loving, non-speaking person living with autism.

Through these efforts, the Smile Program ensures that every school day is filled with excitement and wonder, giving students countless reasons to smile, enjoy learning, and thrive.

Local philanthropist Dave Beck created the Smile Program. The program is in its 13th year. It has grown from supporting one Pre-K-6 school to, as of the last school year, supporting all 25 RCSD elementary schools. REF seeks community support to grow and sustain the SMILE Program.

    • Science cruises on the Genesee River (with instructors from local colleges) for all RCSD 5th graders

    •  Nature-Based Learning Programs

    •  The Whalemobile (a life-sized whale model comes to school; lessons are 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) 

    • Science Museum field trip for all RCSD 4th graders

    • Visits from Lollypop Farm

    • 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)

    • Flags/Banners

    • School gardens

    • Classroom rugs

    • Buddy Benches

    • Tee shirts

    • “Calming environment” items

    • Student Council support

    • Learning Lab: science equipment, aquariums, terrariums, hydroponics, student lab coats

    • Parent/Family in-school events