 Dear Friends, I’m writing today because I want to share a wonderful story–about how you are helping both teachers and students! Your generosity to Sonoma Valley Education Foundation is making fully-subsidized preschool possible for 104 young students throughout our community. But your impact doesn’t stop there. You are also helping teachers. Kristen Carlson is a teacher at Sassarini Elementary School. We talked with her about how preschool not only prepares individual students for success, but also benefits their peers and their teachers–especially in kindergarten classrooms. According to Kristen, “From my experience teaching kindergarten, I could definitely notice some differences between children who had attended preschool versus those who had not. “The biggest difference I saw was social-emotional. The students that had attended preschool were less apprehensive and more so ready to jump in socially. They were able to communicate with peers and easily learned procedures because they had practiced in preschool.” There are also clear academic benefits as well. Kristen notes, “Students who attended preschool had been exposed to books, numbers, and letters, which was a big advantage. Also, they often had more developed fine motor skills because they had practiced cutting and gluing, pencil holding, and sensory play.” Kristen goes on to highlight the critical importance of preschool in our community. “If preschools weren't available it would be a huge loss for children, and for kindergarten teachers,” says Kristen. “Kindergarten teachers would essentially have to back up and teach all those essential skills students gain from attending preschool. It would be a tremendous step back in school readiness.” “Bottom line, preschool is IMPORTANT and needed! In my opinion, it’s the most important thing we should provide for our children!” Thank you for supporting local teachers like Kristen and their students. If you’d like to help another teacher today, you can click here. Thank you for helping both local teachers and our community’s youngest learners! With gratitude,  Angela Ryan, Ph.D
Executive Director
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 The Red and White Ball is the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, helping to fund Classroom Grants. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat) The following press release was published in the Sonoma Index Tribune December 3, 2021: The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation is well known for helping teachers out with grants to cover field trips, special projects and other classroom needs. This month, they decided to double the amount that school staff can apply for, from $500 to $1,000. The nonprofit also will expand the funding guidelines to allow teachers to apply for continuing education opportunities.
This longstanding grant program enables teachers a one-time grant to accommodate a creative learning opportunity or project that benefits students but falls outside schools’ standard operating budgets. “It’s no secret that teachers have carried an enormous workload over the past two years, both navigating distance learning during the pandemic and now working tirelessly to help students catch up,” said Angela Ryan, executive director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. “Which is why we are expanding this year’s grant process to include not only increased funding per teacher but also continuing education opportunities for educators. We hope our generous community in Sonoma Valley will join us in supporting this initiative to ensure that we can award every application we receive from our hardworking teachers.” Past Classroom Grant recipients have used funds for innovative projects, including a Sassarini teacher who invited a children’s book author to visit the school and give copies of her book to all students, El Verano painting its blacktop with bright and colorful games and labyrinths, Sassarini students who received trumpets to take home and use for online lessons during COVID, and a Prestwood teacher creating a calming nook in her classroom for kids with big feelings called a Peace Corner. This year’s expansion to include continuing education for teachers is a unique addition, with positive long-term impacts on both the teachers expanding their professional expertise, along with the students that benefit from the most up-to-date teaching and learning strategies and applications. In addition, the amount awarded to the recipient will double, making this the first time in Classroom Grants history that teachers will receive up to $1,000. Increasing the funds awarded creates a significant opportunity for teachers to dream big and secure funding for projects, resources and experiences that local youth would otherwise not receive. The donation period is officially open and through the generosity of two SVEF board members, all donations made during December will be matched, up to $20,000. For more information about Classroom Grants or to donate, visit svgreatschools.org or contact Gail Chadwin at gail@svgreatschools.org. Posted on November 17, 2021 by Sonoma Valley Sun  The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation went national this morning in a big way — a message of thanks on the huge Nasdaq Tower on Manhattan’s Times Square. Executive Director Angela Ryan coordinated the salute in honor of American Education Week.
“We know our educators, school administrators, and staff have been doing their jobs under extraordinary circumstances since the beginning of the pandemic and continue to face the aftermath of distance learning today,” Ryan said. “To express our gratitude for their sustained and tremendous commitment to students, we wanted to find the most public stage to express our appreciation, and what better place to do that than Times Square in New York City.” Ryan urged the Sonoma Valley community to “celebrating the many good people who work tirelessly to help our youth remain successful and engaged despite an unprecedented year of learning.” The following article was posted by the Sonoma Index Tribune September 28, 2021 Virtual Red & White Ball raises $400kMoney will benefit Valley’s public schools, teachers and students INDEX-TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT Raising $400,000 for Valley schools, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation wrapped its signature Red & White Ball fundraiser, surpassing the revenue generated in 2020. The marker is especially impressive as this is the second year the fundraiser was all virtual, instead of the beloved gala on the Plaza. 'As uncertainty remains ever-present in our lives, I'm moved that we continually find a steadfast certainty in our local community to show up for youth in Sonoma Valley,' said Angela Ryan, executive director of the education foundation. 'Hosting a cornerstone event like the Red & WhiteBall virtually for the second year in a row and still seeing such a generous output gives us the confidence to creatively reimagine fundraising moving forward. We are filled with gratitude for the generosity of our supporters who are making expanded programming a reality for students.' The virtual fundraising utilized double and triple match days, along with an online auction to raise funds. Donors who made a gift of $250 or more had an opportunity to pick up their Red & White Ball party bag in the Plaza horseshoe or donate the bag to a local teacher as a thank you for all they've done throughout the pandemic and for local students in general. The $400,000 raised will be “creatively and strategically” directed to areas where the pandemic has impacted students. That will include programs and opportunities to help recapture 'beyond the bell' learning and social-emotional development, including all-day preschool at Sassarini, expanded after-school opportunities and arts education. The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) was established in 1993 and has since provided over $20 million dollars to Sonoma Valley public schools through grants to teachers and administration, sponsored community initiatives, and meaningful programming such as Summer Literacy Academy, Preschool For All. and more. For more information, visit svgreatschools.org.  The following was posted by the Sonoma Index Tribune September 24, 2021 Eat at CaliForno, raise money for the Ed Foundation Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn’s Airstream food truck is giving back to public schools By KATHLEEN HILL INDEX-TRIBUNE FOOD AND WINE EDITOR CaliForno, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn’s Airstream “food truck,” will help the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation with a month long “Dine and Donate” program. The Fairmont will donate $1 for every entree purchased on Friday and Saturday evenings from CaliForno throughout the month of October. According to Michelle Heston of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, “The Education Foundation will use funds raised from this promotion to help fund classroom grants throughout public schools. These grants help teachers to purchase extra supplies, fund field trips and engage in personal development classes. “The shiny, Airstream kitchen serves seasonally inspired Sonoma street eats – bringing food truck cuisine to a whole new level. CaliForno serves on the resort front lawns, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. Live music is from 5 to 8 p.m., weather permitting.” Currently the menu includes roasted squash and green chili quesadillas, garlic prawn tostadas, salt and pepper calamari, Parmesan truffle fries, an artisan cheese plate with candied almonds and apples, charred corn Caprese, their very green grilled cheese with brie and avocado, a fried chicken sandwich with spicy coleslaw, char siu pork buns, Dungeness crab melt on Fridays, poke bowls, a s’mores kit and ice cream sandwiches. ($10 to $18). Guests can enjoy their purchases around fire pits or at socially distanced picnic tables. Call 938-9000 for more info.  CaliForno is the Airstream food truck that parks outside the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn on Fridays and Saturdays.
The following was posted by the Sonoma Index Tribune August 16, 2021 Red & White Ball goes back online for 2021  Without the typical Red & White Ball on the Plaza, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation is urging donors to go online. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat) INDEX-TRIBUNE REPORT August 16, 2021, 3:00PM The popular Red & White Ball, an annual celebration of our schools, is once again taking its fundraising goals online this year due to the pandemic, with activities to watch throughout August. Honoring the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, donations will benefit student-focused initiatives.
“The generosity of our community at the Red & White Ball has been significant over the years, and we are hopeful that this year will be no different, particularly as the needs of our children and students are more amplified coming out of the pandemic and distance learning,” said Angela Ryan, executive director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. “Revenue generated at this year’s event will be directed to helping students recover from a tumultuous past year, by making possible preschool, after-school and weekend programs. With the support of our generous community, together we can help ensure our kids catch-up, recover and thrive this year.” Beginning the first week of August, Red & White Ball sponsors are poised to match all donations up to $60,000, including some special triple match days. Individuals who make a gift of $250 or more before Aug. 20 will receive a special Red & White Ball party bag, which they can pick up at a festive Pick-Up Party in the Plaza horseshoe on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 3-5 p.m. An online auction will run the full week of Aug. 23-29, featuring unique lots, including local and remote vacation getaways, exclusive wine and spirits tasting opportunities, private events featuring food and entertainment and more. The Red & Wall Ball has historically benefited a wide array of student programming. On the heels of the federal and state COVID funding made available to school districts to bolster resources during the school day, SVEF has an opportunity to creatively and strategically direct revenue to other areas where students have been impacted by the pandemic. This will ensure that there are programs and opportunities to help recapture “beyond the bell” learning and social-emotional development. For more information about the event or to donate, contact Caroline Brown at caroline@svgreatschools.org. For more information, visit svgreatschools.org. Please enjoy the video below in which Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, the new superintendent of Sonoma Valley Unified School District, joins us in thanking all of the donors who supported students during this difficult last year. We welcome Dr. Palazuelos to Sonoma, and join him in thanking YOU for helping our students when they needed you most.  The following was posted by Sonoma Valley Sun July 12, 2021: A New Kind of Summer School Experience By Leslie Nicholson | Sonoma Valley Sun Sporting their new blue Teen Services/Intern shirts, 20 high school students reported for duty at the Flowery School campus on June 14 and have been busy working in classrooms to support teachers, staff, and students for the past four weeks. They are not only an essential part of the plan to make up for learning losses resulting from the pandemic shut-down – they are the first-ever group of paid interns to be part of the district’s summer school program. “Not only will this benefit the younger students with social and emotional learning, but the high school students also need this connection after a year in distance learning,” says Joe Hardeman, Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley vice president of program operations. What started as a brainstorming idea at the Sonoma Educational Foundation and SVUSD, blossomed into a community-wide collaboration to include Teen Services/Sonoma Valley Boys & Girls Club. “The Ed Foundation has raised funds to support Summer School programs for the past ten years,” explains Ed Foundation director Angela Ryan. “With COVID funds that the District had for funding Summer School, we were able to use Ed Foundation funds to start the Intern Program.”  But before the Interns set foot onto Flowery’s campus, they went through a full hiring and training process to give them real-life experience as applicants and new hires, making $15/ per hour. “They submitted applications, interviewed, and went through all of the required fingerprinting and TB testing for SVUSD employees. They were then required to spend a week in training that included training in child development,” says Eric Gonzalez, senior director of teen programs for Teen Services/Boys & Girls Club. Except for knowing that they would be working in the classrooms, he sayds, the Interns did not have specific assignments for student drop-off and pick-up time. “They jumped in and started helping with lunch distribution, crossing guard duty, and have really shown up as team players.” “A lot of the kids were very shy and reserved at first, and now I see them running groups in the classrooms and finding their ‘voices’ with the kids. We have had great reviews about the programs from the Summer School staff and I am very excited about how we can continue this program into the next school year and summer.”  Summer School Principal Sonia Castaneda is grateful that the Intern program came together and has supported the entire elementary Summer Literacy and Math program. “The interns filled the gaps where we were in need of staffing. Initially many of the teachers had never met the Interns and no one knew what would develop as the teens moved into their new classroom roles,” Castaneda explains.
Looking beyond the summer, Hardman sees the Intern program as something that will continue into the upcoming school year and next summer. “We are already thinking about how we can make the interns an integral part of our Power Hour during our after school programs and expand our tutoring efforts. There are so many opportunities for small groups, one-on-one tutoring, and for kids who need extra help with focusing,” says Hardman. “Giving these kids more real life work experiences and helping them with their career paths is such an important continuation of what we have established with this summer’s program.” See below for the Sonoma Index Tribune's article on the pandemic's impact on preschools and child care. Sonoma's Child Care Shortage Hits Home  Local author and mother Jennifer Churchill and her son's father Kenta Gilmore stand behind their son Weston, 7. When the pandemic hit and childcare became scarce, Gilmore quit his job and took over Weston's schooling and care during the day while Churchill worked. Churchill and Gilmore do not live together but worked together to create a strategy for Weston's care. (Photo: Jennifer Churchill) By JANET PERRY
INDEX-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT June 17, 2021 The pandemic has brought into sharp relief the struggle of local parents to find adequate, affordable child care. As preschools and day care centers closed down under COVID, parents scrambled to find ways to keep working while they cared for their children and oversaw their education. Many families found there wasn’t enough child care before the pandemic. After COVID hit, the situation became dire. In 2019, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) undertook a study of the preschool landscape of Sonoma Valley. It looked at the availability of care for children ages 3 to 5 in centers and family child care homes. The study concluded there was a gap, particularly in subsidized care for families that couldn't afford tuition-based programs. Sonoma, Calif. (May 26, 2021) - The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) today announced a unique summer school internship support program that will be hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley. This new initiative will benefit both youth attending Sonoma Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) summer school, and teens involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley’s Teen Services Ready to Work program.
“The generosity of our donors has created a powerful opportunity for our organization to think critically and creatively about where funding can be most impactful, which in this case, is building upon the good work of the Boys & Girls Club, and adding a significant dimension to SVUSD’s summer school offering,” said Angela Ryan, Executive Director of SVEF. “Knowing we’re serving both teens and grade school level youth in the Valley with one program inspires us to continue to use our resources to create additional opportunities for kids outside of the core programming being offered.” Hosted in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, the program offers teens who will be Juniors or Seniors in the 2021-22 school year the opportunity to gain work experience and build their resume by assisting in middle and elementary summer school classes. They will support students with one-to-one and small group guidance in subjects including reading, math and language development. There is no experience required for teens to apply, and once hired, the teens will be given training and compensated for both the training itself and the time spent in classrooms. In addition to the unique work experience this program creates for teens, it also enhances the experience and instruction students attending summer school will receive by lowering the ratio of students to support and educational staff. With educational interns available in classrooms, students looking for additional aid and assistance will have access to more targeted help throughout their school day. “This partnership marks an important trend we anticipate seeing in the coming months and school year where our partner organizations - working closely with SVUSD - find strategic ways to amplify and build upon what each is doing to best serve the youth in Sonoma Valley,” said Dr. Palazuelos, Superintendent of SVUSD. “This is a tremendous display of creativity by SVEF in how our nonprofits can elevate the strides we’re making at the District level, and how we can support kids both in and out of the classroom.” The program is currently open and accepting applications. Interested teens can apply at https://www.bgcsonoma.org/careers/ For additional inquiries or questions, please contact Angela Ryan at angela@svgreatschools.org About Sonoma Valley Education Foundation The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation was founded in 1993 by public school parents seeking to support and enhance their students’ educational opportunities. Throughout 28 years of providing support to SVUSD schools, SVEF has invested over $20 million dollars in Sonoma Valley public schools. Our mission is to enrich the student experience by partnering with the Sonoma Valley Unified School District as the primary fundraising and volunteer resource for innovative programs. We focus on results and report to our donors and community. About Sonoma Valley Unified School District Sonoma Valley Unified School District is a public school district serving grades K-12 in Sonoma, CA. The district is comprised of five elementary schools, Dunbar Elementary School, Flowery Elementary School, El Verano Elementary School, Sassarini Elementary School; two middle schools, Adele Harrison Middle School and Altimira Middle School; two charter schools, Woodland Star Charter School and Sonoma Charter School; one high school, Sonoma Valley High School and a continuation high school, Creekside High School. About Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley Founded in 1962, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley currently serves more than 2,600 children and teens annually across seven Sonoma Valley locations. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley serves approximately 60% of the total student enrollment in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District with afterschool programming, athletic leagues, and summer camps. Our mission is to provide positive opportunities for youth and teens to learn, succeed and discover their full potential. |
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