The Albany Education Foundation ended 2013 with a bang. Early in December, members of the board visited classrooms in various schools bringing holiday cheer of mini grants. Teachers from all grade levels from the Children’s Center to the high schools apply for grants ranging from science and math projects to literacy, art and creative dance and visits from the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and Oakland Zoomobile.
It is the highlight of the year for the AEF board members to visit the various classrooms delivering grant checks to the teachers. Both they and the students are thrilled and appreciative to receive the awards. Their smiles and thanks make all of the efforts raising money to provide the grants worthwhile.
AEF funded 47 mini grants for $22,119.64. Also donated was a Sally Outis Block Grant for $1000.00 to support the Writer Coach program at Albany Middle School. Funds from the Elizabeth Bell bequest, http://albany.patch.com/groups/peggy-mcquaids-blog/p/albany-education-foundation-puts-elisabeth-bell... were donated to AHS for a revival of their traditional photography dark room. The Albany Community Foundation partnered with AEF on a dance program grant for special needs students.
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On December 7, AEF held a book fair at the Barnes and Noble in the El Cerrito Plaza, receiving $1700.00 in book credit to spend. Parents and community members also bought over $1,000 in books requested by teachers and librarians. Particular thanks to the Albany Rotary Club, for their purchase of nearly $400 worth of books which they donate to the school libraries as a thank you to their weekly speakers. Special thanks to the 8th grade Community Service students and the Albany High Key Club members who came to wrap packages and to the AEF board members who were on hand to assist them.
Funds for the mini grant and other Albany Education Foundation programs come from donations by parents, school staff and community members. Two upcoming and fun events to benefit AEF are the 5th Annual Chocolate and Champagne Gala on February 1, http://albany.patch.com/groups/peggy-mcquaids-blog/p/5th-annual-chocolate-and-champagne-gala-tickets... and First Monday Pizza (every month) at Little Star Pizza, 1175 Solano Ave. where 10% of the day’s proceeds are donated to AEF. Your support at these events will help to ensure AEF continue its work for the Albany Schools.