February 2006
  
Contributions to Help Foster
Excellence in Education

Just after the New Year the El Segundo Educational Foundation (ESEF) reached the $100,000 milestone in our campaign to Foster Excellence in Education. Your gifts are making a difference as we strive to raise $300,000 for El Segundo schools by the end of the academic year. Please help us reach $200,000 by February 28, 2006. Make your contribution today!
Our next milestone is $200,000
The Foundation's pledge to Foster Excellence in Education will fund programs in the School District that will help preserve the high standard of education for which El Segundo schools are known. Specific areas of funding include technology, writing, art, and music for students in the El Segundo Unified School District.

There will always be need for improved technology, but the decision to designate part of this campaign's funds for technology was more about providing adequate equipment than it was about bells and whistles. Shannon Wilkins, Principal at Center Street School, describes the dismal state of their computers at the end of the last academic year. "The screens are fading and the batteries no longer hold a charge; they are dying a slow death," Mrs. Wilkins said. As is often the case, the cost of repairing the computers would be greater than their value. Thanks to the community's support for our Fostering Excellence campaign, some of Center Street's computers can be replaced with more effective machines.

This is just one example of the important role that Foundation dollars play in supporting our public schools. At the end of the year, when the fundraising goal of $300,000 has been met, the Fostering Excellence in Education grant will be funded to the ESUSD and apportioned: $150,000 for technology training, support, and equipment; $102,000 for K-12 art and music programs; and $48,000 to fund teacher participation in UCLA's nationally-acclaimed Writing Project, which will enhance teaching methods at all grade levels and better prepare El Segundo High School graduates for the rigors of collegiate English courses. "By funding these specific areas, the Foundation enables the District to continue providing our students a well-rounded education," said Bruce Auld, ESUSD Superintendent.

As we continue to make progress toward our $300,000 goal, we will update the colorfully painted Fostering Excellence in Education signs that are posted in front of all four ESUSD schools. The Foundation will add 'books' to the signs to celebrate progress as each $100,000 fundraising milestone is reached.

With the school year half over we are already one-third of the way to reaching our Fostering Excellence in Education goal, and our campaign is still going strong. As the second half of the school year begins, we look forward to gathering the community together for a gala fundraising night at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant to help us reach the next milestone in our Fostering Excellence campaign: $200,000 by the end of February.

El Segundo students count on your ongoing support. If you have given to the Foundation in the past, we are grateful for your commitment to providing an excellent education in El Segundo schools. If you are not currently a donor or have not given yet this year, your gift will make a difference. Please consider an online gift today.

Many companies match employee charitable contributions, which is an easy way to double your contribution at no additional cost. Please see the matching gifts article in this newsletter for more information. Tax-deductible donations can be made online; mailed to ESEF, PO Box 591, El Segundo; or dropped off at the District Office, 641 Sheldon Street.