Q & A: Why I Give - Donna Halow

We're shining a light on the people who make our work possible — community members who believe in the power of public education. Through their stories, we hope to celebrate our shared commitment to Sonoma Valley students. To nominate a community member for a future Q and A, email [email protected].

SVEF: How long have you been an SVEF supporter, and what prompted you to become involved?

Donna Halow: My path to becoming a supporter is probably a bit different from the norm. I raised and schooled my children in San Francisco, so when I later retired to Sonoma the schools were not my first priority.

However, I found that my overriding takeaway on just about any social issue was “It all starts with education”, as that is the foundation for logical thinking, pragmatic approaches, insightful voting and, basically, the ability to discern the truth. That made me reconsider my priorities.

Why is SVEF's mission, and investing in local students, important to you?

It all begins with our students’ ability to think. They must learn to manage increasingly difficult challenges, be able to think for themselves, and trust their own judgment. They also must prepare for an ever-changing work environment. We need to get the entire community behind solid, practical, traditional education. We also need to focus on STEM, and support students with social and emotional challenges. SVEF is doing this.

You recently visited the Empowerment Academy at SVHS and the Altimira Wellness Center - what were your impressions? From your perspective, what is the value of these programs and how do they benefit local kids?

I was impressed as I learned the degree to which these programs are directly relevant to students’ success. Every staff member seemed totally committed, knowledgeable and experienced. The students persuasively communicated how they had benefited greatly from the programs.

Thirty percent of the high school students have used or are using the Empowerment Academy for ready-to-work training, financial education, study groups and more. At the Wellness Center at Altimira, with a student body in that difficult transitional stage to adulthood, student reports and evaluations were impressive.

What would you say to others who are considering joining SVEF's community of supporters?

Sonoma is a demographically older community with a declining student population. But that doesn’t mean those of us who do not have children in the schools don’t have a role to play.

Every adult, regardless of age, should help tackle our school system’s issues, which include budget shortfalls, language challenges, lowering of standards and the many social changes our students face. We need to support those with learning difficulties or family issues. We also need to foster rigor, responsibility, and structure to promote achievement.

All of these needs are important and SVEF has programs addressing them all—from the wellness and empowerment centers to the summer Elevate [Math] mastery program. Supporting SVEF is the best means of addressing all of these critical needs.

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