By Larry Caballero
What school couldn't use more funding in these difficult economic times, and while Fedde Middle School in Hawaiian Gardens is no exception, it does help to have a city council and the Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation on its side. For years the school needed an athletic field to be proud of, and now it's becoming a reality thanks to their generous donations.
The Foundation has already donated $1.5 million toward the completion of a Sports Complex on the school site, and the City Council has also approved additional money.
Phase 1, at a cost of $3.8 million, will be completed in the next six months. It includes additional parking, stadium area, synthetic turf, rubberized running track, bleachers that seat 500 persons, a scoreboard and relocating the basketball courts.
Phase 2 is scheduled to begin as soon as Phase 1 is completed and will include a concession stand, playground for children and baseball fields.
Recreation Director Steve Gomez presented an update on the Sports Complex Sept. 13 to ABC Superintendent Dr. Gary Smuts, Board President Celia Spitzer, city and school officials including Principal Carol Castro, and Cherna Moskowitz and family.
The Irving Moskowitz Foundation also donated $30,000 for new Apple I-Pads that students will be able to take home to do their homework.
The best, kept secret in Hawaiian Gardens is Fedde Middle School's Academy with the International Baccalaureate Candidate School's winning magnet program entitled Fedde's International Studies Academy.
The program's emphasizes strong study skills, research, communication, and intercultural awareness that prepare students for advanced programs in high school.
Spitzer thanked the Irving Moskowitz family for their generosity and said, "You could have just written a check, which would have been nice, but you took the time to visit the school to see for yourself, and we thank you."