September 2017 Newsletter – Welcome Back!
Message from the AEF President
Dear Friend,
Welcome back to the 2017-18 school year. The entire AEF Board and Staff wish the students, parents and staff a very successful and enriching school year. The “enriching” part is our AEF speciality!
Last school year our enriching efforts included Middle School Sports, Adopting 192 teachers (our all-time high), giving 1,000 new backpacks and school supplies to students in need, preparing 76 students preparing for college through our ACT/SAT prep classes, providing students with kits so they could participate in a Robotics program, displaying student art across Alameda through “Art Across The Island” and, of course, our many after school and summer Enrichment classes and camps. We hope you take advantage of our many opportunities.
It continues to be an honor and pleasure to serve as President of the Alameda Education Foundation Board.
All the best,
Bill Sonneman
AEF Spotlight
Equipped 4 Success Partnership in Full Bloom
Since 2012, AEF has taken the lead on the Equipped 4 Success school supply drive, working with community partners to identify students in need, fundraise, and distribute new backpacks filled with quality, grade level appropriate school supplies to kindergarten through 12th graders throughout our community. This year we supported over 900 youth. Since 2012, we have supported close to 7,000 students!
Thank you to the many organizations, businesses, and community members who support this drive. Grants were received from the Alameda Community Foundation, Alameda Welfare Council, Kiwanis Club of Alameda, Rotary Club of Alameda, and Windermere Foundation.
AEF Announcements
Last Chance for the SAT!
The last SAT test that can be used on college admissions is October 7th. AEF is offering a SAT Crash Course Sept. 22, 23, 29 and 30 to prepare students to do their best on the test. This course is open to seniors and juniors. Also for seniors, we are offering a Personal Statement workshop to help students learn how to write a strong college admissions essay. Space is limited, so register soon by clicking here.
Adopt A Classroom and Make A Difference!
Want to make a direct impact on an Alameda classroom? Then consider donating $500 to AEF’s Adopt A Classroom program. Thank you to our 2017-2018 program sponsors: Alameda Landing, a Catellus Development, Star Harbor (a proposed Tim Lewis community at Encinal Terminals), and Bill and Lois Sonneman. Because of their support, 100% of your donation goes to the teacher, enabling them to use the money as they know best to support the unique needs of their classroom. Learn more about Adopt A Classroom and donate here!
AEF is seeking a few more program sponsors for the 2017-2018 year. If you are interested in supporting this vital program that makes an impact on learning for thousands of Alameda students, please contact Vicki@AlamedaEducation.org
Enrichment class registration is underway!
This fall we are offering 117 after school classes at 10 school campuses / locations in subjects including art, music, athletics, coding, animation and much more. Our classes offer high quality instruction in small class settings, giving students the opportunity to explore new frontiers and develop new passions. Check out the full selection here.
Kill it – in Volleyball, that is!
AEF’s middle school volleyball season began this week. Volleyball is part of AEF’s Middle School Sports program that is funded and managed by AEF. Although it used to be a school district program, the district cut it for the 2017-2018 school year due to State budget shortfalls. AEF began to run it in 2009. In addition to fall volleyball, we offer girls and boys basketball in the winter and track & field in the spring. You can check out the volleyball schedule and results here.
Eat, Drink and….Run?
AEF would not be successful without support from local businesses and organizations that help generate vital funds to support our programs – they put the fun in fundraising! Please join us to eat, drink and run:
- Alameda Running Festival, Sept. 16 – 17 – The Alameda Education Foundation (AEF) is a beneficiary of the Saturday 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run/Walk events! These are great events to introduce younger students to the fun of running or to run together as a family. Learn how you can support AEF at this event.
- SPIN! Pizza – “Ciao” down with us and raise “dough” for AEF! Join us for AEF Dine & Donate at SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza on Sep. 27, Oct. 25 and Nov. 9 between 5:30 and 8:00 PM. SPIN! will donate 15% of proceeds during these times to AEF programs. Supporting AEF has never been tastier!
- Friday Night Flights at Angela’s on Oct. 13th – Raise a glass or two and raise funds for AEF! Join us on Oct. 13th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM on the patio at Angela’s Kitchen. Enjoy two glasses of house wine for $20 along with complimentary appetizers from Chef Zafari and his wife Maria. All proceeds from wine tasting benefit AEF programs.
Saluting Our Educators!
We had a wonderful time honoring our teachers, volunteers and schools at this year’s Salute to Education event on April 21st! Be sure to check out our photo album from the event.
Thank you to Al Wright for the photos and the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine for the wine donation. Our “Top of the Class” sponsor was Tim Lewis Communities/Star Harbor. Other sponsors were Alameda South Shore Center, Catellus/Alameda Landing, Frank Ghiglione/Rodgers Trucking Co., Pacific Union/Alameda, and State Farm Insurance/Team Kelly Lux.