Upcoming Events
Program Advisory Committee Underway
SEF has launched the Program Advisory Committee. This team of Teachers, SUSD Administrative Staff, Parent and Student Representatives continuously assess and evaluate the efficacy of SEF-funded programs as well as anticipate the need for new programs. Watch for more information coming soon...
Focus On
Lawrence Hall of Science
The Lawrence Hall of Science, a public science museum and research center for K-12 education at the University of California, Berkeley, continues to bring their expertise and excitement to our children through hands-on, curriculum-based programs. Read more...
News
SEF Steps in Where State Falls Off to Fund School Programs
- Saratoga News, February 26, 2008
During tough budgetary times in California, school programs in art, science, physical education, technology and music are usually the first to be affected. Even though Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneger's proposed budget cuts could limit state funding for education, the Saratoga Education Foundation wants to ensure that these programs remain stable in Saratoga schools. Read more...
Other Events
Thank You for Supporting Donation Day! And the Winning Grade is...
First Grade! Way to go First Grade families! Your grade level has the highest participation rate. Each classroom wins a movie and popcorn party! Drawings for individual prizes will take place during upcoming school assemblies.
Over 225 elementary school families contributed to the Community Chest. A total of $58,703 (and counting) was raised in just four days! Thank you for helping keep SEF-funded programs like P.E, Science, Art, Technology, and Theatre alive in our schools.
It's still not too late to donate. Any contribution makes a difference. 100% participation is our goal!
Gift Wrap is Still Available
Wrap yourself up and support SEF programs at the same time! Get your Gift Wrap orders in soon and 50% of your order will go directly to SEF! Make sure to use your School Code below and register at Innisbrook.com so that your order is tracked to your SEF Leadership donation. Gift bags, ribbons, tissue paper, magazines and chocolate are easy to order, and best of all, orders are delivered directly to your doorstep!
Order online here:
Argonaut - 103860
Foothill - 103859
Saratoga - 103858
Redwood - 113107
or go directly to the Innisbrook website and manually enter in the school code.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Gift Wrap Coordinator of your school.
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Focus On
Lawrence Hall of Science
The Lawrence Hall of Science, a public science museum and research center for K-12 education at the University of California, Berkeley, continues to bring their expertise and excitement to our children through hands-on, curriculum-based programs.
Students in grades 1-5 will have five sessions in the areas of Physical, Life, Earth, and Space science, such as Electrical Connections, Earthquakes, Volts and Jolts, Chemical Reactions, Reptile Style, Dinosaur Defenses, Bugs, Beetles, and Butterflies, and What’s Up There (in a portable planetarium). Kindergarten children will enjoy Finding Animal Clues and Slime.
These quality programs enhance the science curriculum and provide the type of hands-on experiences that would be difficult or impossible to duplicate in the classroom.
Parents keep these programs alive for their children through their contributions to SEF. Thank you for your support.
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News
SEF Steps in Where State Falls Off to Fund School Programs
(Saratoga News, February 26, 2008)
During tough budgetary times in California, school programs in art, science, physical education, technology and music are usually the first to be affected. Even though Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneger’s proposed budget cuts could limit state funding for education, the Saratoga Education Foundation wants to ensure that these programs remain stable in Saratoga schools.
SEF, an all-volunteer organization established in 1983 to provide funding for schools in the Saratoga Union School District, needs $273,000 in the next few months to reach this year’s goal of raising $1,270,000 to fund next year’s school programs.
On Jan. 16, the foundation held its annual phonathon, the largest fundraising event of the year. More than 120 parents, school employees, and community members made more than 1,000 phone calls during the five-hour event. They brought in $180,453 in pledges, and about 40 percent of the donations have already come in.
"We have a committed parent body and fully anticipate reaching our goal this year," said phonathon co-chairwoman Kristi Petters.
In total, SEF has raised $816,000 this year through community appeals, matching gifts, fundraisers, car donations, business donations, and investments.
SEF provides the necessary funding for physical education and science specialists as well as counselors in the school district.
"Yes, public education is free, but for Saratoga schools to continue providing an outstanding education we rely on our district families to help keep these programs alive," said district superintendent Lane Weiss.
"Computers, PE, library, music, art, and science are the highlight of my child’s day," said Foothill Elementary School parent Susan Vukovatz.
"The foundation has a big impact," said Saratoga Elementary School parent and SEF volunteer Marybeth Smails. "Whether you experience it at the spring art show, hearing your child talk about hands-on science classes, or by watching our children learn to use their bodies and voices in ways they’ve never experienced before in theater arts, this is what a well-rounded education is all about. It wouldn’t be possible without parents’ support of SEF, and, as a parent in the District, I’m grateful for that."
In 1978, when Proposition 13 passed and capped property tax rates in California, less money was available for school budgets and many school boards had to cut programs such as music and art. Education foundations such as SEF were created in communities around the Bay Area in the early 1980’s.
While some communities passed parcel taxes to make up the difference for state budget cuts, Saratoga did not, and schools depend on donations from SEF.
Saratoga Elementary School principal Diane Smalley said, "(SEF) is an essential vehicle in the delivery of a balanced and vibrant curriculum to our students’ educational experience. Aligning programs with our classroom curriculum and state standards, our foundation provides staffing for the library and counseling services as well as enrichment programs."
"Working side by side, our classroom teachers and SEF staff members provide the richness and support of student-centered learning."
"It would be wonderful if every child in the world could have the many learning experiences that SEF programs offer here in Saratoga," said Foothill Elementary School principal Nancy Ondrejka. "Supporting our district’s mission of providing three-dimensional success for every child, SEF offers a balance to the state standardized curriculum. Without SEF, students would not receive instruction from specialists to further engage them in their learning, and this would be a great loss."
SEF welcomes individual and business donations. For business owners, you can choose to advertise in our business directory, please contact our Business Development Manager for details.
Or Click here to donate.
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