Bill’s Word: Collaboration

Dear Friend,
Welcome back! It is an exciting time of year as the new school year begins. We at the Alameda Education Foundation (AEF) would especially like to welcome new staff, parents and students into our learning community.

Often there is a theme that defines the goals of a school year. For AEF, one has emerged loud and clear from our work over the summer as well as the last few years – collaboration.

For example, this summer we collaborated with several organizations to run a community-wide school supply drive called ” Equipped 4 Success.” This is the first time I can recall that there has been one comprehensive drive rather than several separate ones. Working together helped make it tremendously successful. We had an initial goal of supplying 800 low-income students with backpacks filled with essential school supplies, but thanks to our generous community, we have already distributed over 900 backpacks! In addition to our wonderful Alameda citizens, “Equipped 4 Success” the collaboration of many local businesses and organizations helped make it so successful. Please click here for more details and a full list of all our many collaborators.

We also collected several instruments over the summer that will now find new homes in the hands of young musicians. Remember, we are always happy to take that instrument gathering dust in your closet off your hands. Just email info@alamedaeducation.org.

Our Enrichment program has always depended upon the collaboration of the school district and charter schools in order to provide the space for classes and camps. Last summer, thanks to this collaboration, we were able to offer Summer Camps for the first time and had over 400 participants! This fall, we will be collaborating with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department to offer extended day care for our camp programs. We have many exciting after-school Enrichment classes this fall at both the elementary and middle school levels, including Mandarin Immersion, Robotics, Beginning Band and much more. In addition, I’m happy to announce that we will again be offering Enrichment Camps on October 19th (a non-student day) with extended day care available. Please visit here to learn about all our Enrichment After School and Camp opportunities.

Our Middle School Sports program also depends on collaboration. Volleyball kicks off later this month and we are fortunate to have players from the Alameda High Men’s Volleyball team (who compete in the spring) serve as referees for our matches. We also work with the Boys and Girls Club to hold the playoffs and championships in their new gym. Stay tuned to our website for details on upcoming schedules.

Power Up 4 Learning is another vital collaboration, this time with Alameda Municipal Power (AMP). This program enables AMP customers to designate an amount to be added to their monthly power bill, which is then collected to support technology needs at our schools. Technology can accelerate, enrich and deepen basic skills for students as well as be motivational and engaging. This program makes it easy to support technology with as little as $1.00 per month. AEF has established a goal this year of 125 new Power Up 4 Learning donors. Please consider helping our students Power Up 4 Learning by signing up here.

Last, but far from least, one of our longest running collaborations is with Bank of Alameda with our Adopt A Classroom (AAC) program. Founded in the year 2000 by Steve Andrews with the Bank of Alameda in partnership with the Alameda Education Foundation (AEF), AAC directs $500 donations to Alameda public school K-12 classroom teachers or program leaders who use the funds to enhance learning opportunities for their students. This year our goal is 130 adoptions. We direct Adopt a Class donations to teachers not yet adopted as determined by need, or donors may request a particular teacher or program leader for adoption. This program makes a direct and vital impact on student learning. You may make learn more about the program and make an adoption here.

Coming Up! Speaking of collaboration, we have some wonderful business partners in Alameda. Be sure to check out these events:

• Thursday, September 13th, from 4 – 8 PM – Lilac Boutique – The debut of Lilac’s Men’s Collection featuring designers such as AG Denim, Goorin Brothers Hats, Aviators, Jacks and Jokers and more. Ladies can enjoy the 2nd annual Hobo Handbag Trunk Sale! Fifteen percent of the proceeds will go to Alameda Education Foundation
• Saturday, September 22nd, 7 PM – Books Inc., 1344 Park St.
  Come celebrate the 75th anniversary edition of The Hobbit with a special birthday for our little friend. A portion of the proceeds benefits AEF.

I am thankful for all the collaborative efforts during the past school year and in the summer. As we enter the 2012-2013 we look to enhance those collaborative efforts and create more. I am hopeful and very optimistic that this school year will be a rewarding and positive experience for students and employees. Thank you again for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Bill Sonneman