Skaneateles Education Foundation launches Experiential Learning Fund
The Skaneateles Education Foundation (SEF) was established in 2008 to enrich learning.
“The value of the additional learning opportunities and experiences that our donors are providing through SEF to our students cannot be overstated. We have seen significant forward progress in our schools: in improved technology, in enriched curriculum, and in better-prepared teachers,” Heather Carroll, executive director, said.
“Each day, programs and initiatives supported by donors and volunteers are touching the lives of our students, all made possible by our wonderful community. Every contribution of money, time or talent helps to improve another classroom, strengthen another teacher, inspire another child,” Kelly Leahy Whitney, board president, said.
Experiential Learning Fund
SEF recently announced its new Experiential Learning Fund that will provide each grade, each year, a consistent source of funding to be used for a grade-wide enrichment experience.
This program is available annually to each cohort of students (grades K-12) at Waterman Elementary, State Street Elementary, Skaneateles Middle, and Skaneateles High School. Funds are to be used for a meaningful experience for the whole grade that enriches or enhances the curriculum.
“For students, classroom lessons come alive with meaningful real-world experiences”, Beth Caraccio, SEF board member, said. “Examples of ways the fund could be used might be a fieldtrip to a museum or live performance; a visiting lecturer, author or artist; a service-learning project; an activity related to a grade-wide read; or the launch of a new program.”
“What was so appealing about developing this fund is that by the time each student graduates, the fund will have enhanced his or her educational experience in some way, every single year, from Kindergarten through grade 12,”Carroll said.
Funding provided by SEF will equal up to $800 per grade per year; donors to SEF may specifically earmark donations to this fund. The process for grant dissemination is that Skaneateles Schools teaching teams (by grade) will come together annually to discuss the best use for funding, apply to the SEF Experiential Learning Fund, and then the Programs and Grants committee will review for approval.
In November, the 8th grade teaching team applied for and was approved for the first of these grants. They planned a tour of the Seward House Museum in Auburn, followed by a screening of the new film Harriet, an inspiring biopic of the life and courage of Harriet Tubman.
“What I liked about this field trip was how many artifacts and preserved things there were at the William Seward House, like a piece of beading with blood on it from Seward’s attempted assassination,” Stephanie McClintic wrote in her thank you note to the foundation.
Fundraising Events for 2020
SEF is excited to share plans for two community fundraising events:
First, SEF Stroll for Education is an event regularly sponsored by the SEF since 2015. Designed to be a casual but festive evening to learn about the Skaneateles Education Foundation’s efforts, the event has typically been held in the middle of winter to provide some merriment and cheer.
“Featuring a ‘progressive appetizers and drinks’ design, attendees move from one Skaneateles Village venue to the next, where they are greeted by different board members and volunteers, and learn about different aspects of the Foundation’s work – but in a fun and not overwhelming way,” Board Member Molly Elliott said.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8 and the venues will be Howard Hanna Realty, Emma + James, and The Cake Shop CNY. Generous donations have been made by each venue. Tickets are on sale now for $35 per person and may be purchased via skanedfoundation.org/events.
SEF will also host a Toast to the Arts, our first annual Recognition Dinner, to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the Skaneateles Country Club. We will be honoring two key partners who have brought the joy of creative artistic expression to our students: Patience Brewster and the organizers of the SEF Art Masterpiece Program—Anne Salzhauer, Kelly & Whitney Barnes, and Katrina Zepp.
Patience Brewster, the special honoree, has long supported arts education in Skaneateles schools, inspiring volunteers and dazzling our young students. The SEF Art Masterpiece Program is a fine arts enrichment initiative for grades K-5 that introduces them to important artists (including Patience Brewster) and great works of art, leading them in a discovery of their artistic talents.
The donations received from this annual event will not only continue to help fund transformational projects and programs in the Arts, STEM, the Humanities and Wellness — they will also help launch the SEF Experiential Learning Fund. This new fund will provide an enrichment experience to every grade, every year that will impact every student.
This event is currently seeking sponsorship. Tickets go on sale on February 10th for $75 per person and may be purchased via skanedfoundation.org/events.
New Strategic Plan & Board Members
The SEF board has approved and begun implementation of a new three-year strategic plan aimed at improving its educational impact and outreach to the community. The SEF board spent the 2018-19 year refining the SEF Mission and developing the plan, approving it unanimously at the first meeting of the 2019-20 year.
“This plan focuses on continuing to provide high quality educational enrichment and innovation in our schools, and adds goals of improving communication and community outreach, as well as ensuring financial growth to meet our ambitious goals. We believe this builds on the vision of enhanced learning benefiting the Skaneateles community that was established by our founders,” says Dr. Leahy Whitney.
SEF is also pleased to announce five new board members and two new committee members. Of our new members, 5 currently have children or grandchildren enrolled in Skaneateles Schools, 1 is a current teacher, and 2 raised their children in Skaneateles Schools.
Rich Allen has been a middle and high school science teacher in the Skaneateles School District since 2000. He is actively involved with extracurricular activities including coaching the Modified Boys Basketball team and acting as an advisor for the newly formed Solar Panel Club. Rich has been fortunate to receive multiple grants through the SEF and the Jean Graham Fund.
Erica Barnes Thomas and family moved to Skaneateles in 2016, drawn, in large part, by the exceptional school system and amazing sense of community. Erica spent more than 20 years as a financial/marketing consultant and business development executive for the Advisory Board Company in Washington, D.C. Locally, she is thrilled to give back through positions with SEF, the Skaneateles Vincent House Guild Board, and the Board of Managers at our YMCA & Community Center.
Gary Campbell, his wife Rhonda and 3 children moved to Skaneateles in 2004. Gary’s background is in electrical and computer engineering, and he is currently working toward an MBA in finance while developing his consultancy. The value, benefits and importance of community involvement, diversity and inclusion are of great significance to the Campbell family, proven through many hours of service. Gary is honored to be part of the outstanding team at the Skaneateles Education Foundation and plans to continue the exceptional work that so many before us have undertaken.
Nancy Murray is a longtime resident of Skaneateles. She raised her 7 children here, all of whom attended Skaneateles Schools. Nancy gives back to this community in so many ways; she is actively involved at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, the American Legion and Auxiliary, tutoring high school students, and more. Nancy has supported SEF since its early days and looks forward to further supporting its mission as a board member.
Peg Whitehouse is a 30-year resident of Skaneateles where she and husband Doug have raised their children, Stephanie (’02) and Tristan (’06), and now a granddaughter, class of 2032. Peg recently retired after 15 years as the Director of the John D Barrow Art Gallery and as a Skaneateles Library Trustee.
We also welcome two new committee volunteers, Jennifer Bolster (Finance & Legal) and Tara Colvin Page (Marketing & Communications).
With gratitude and heartfelt thanks, SEF bids farewell to board members John Mashia (3½ years), Valerie Jerabeck (3 years), Sophie Keefer (3 years), Molly Phillips (3 years), Dannie Taylor (3 years), Sandra Scott (2½ years), and David Zapata (1 year).
Continuing to serve on the SEF Board of Directors in 2019-20 are Kelly Leahy Whitney, Ed.D (President), Kathleen Witter, SCS ’95 (Vice President), Courtney Alexander, SCS ‘94 (Treasurer), Cristy Winkelman, SCS ‘80 (Past President), Beth Caraccio, SCS ’94, Molly Elliott, SCS ’94, Jill Girzadas, SCS ’92, Kelley McQuiggan, Karen Tallerico, and Joshua Williams.
Continuing to serve on the Jean Graham Fund Committee are Connie Bohrer (Chair), Romy Callahan, David Graham, Daniel Labeille, Jessica Murphy, Betsy Smith, and Patty Weisse.
SEF’s district liaison is Sue Murphy.
Heather Carroll is in her fifth year as executive director.
For additional information, please visit us at www.skanedfoundation.org or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
