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In This Issue
President's Message
SEF Cheers & Charity Event
Community Spotlight
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Volume: 29
May 2020
Issue 23
President's Message
Dear Valued Friends of SEF,

We hope you and your loved ones are all safe and healthy. At this time when the news is dominated by the Coronavirus, we want to reiterate our commitment to the health and safety of our students, administrators, teachers and San Gabriel community by continuing to operate the Foundation remotely. Continuing with the last 34 years of service to the San Gabriel Unified School District and the community, the mission of the San Gabriel Educational Foundation does not waiver. We persevere. During these times of crisis, we are honored and humbled to be surrounded by empowered SEF board members, administrators and teachers stepping up and leading our organization and community with grace, compassion, and integrity. 

The past few months have been incredibly challenging for us all, stressing all aspects of our home, work and school lives. Activities we took for granted in February now seem like distant memories.  Life has changed drastically and in a time where staying inside is the norm and social distancing is more of a standard than a request, now more than ever we're learning what it means to be a community. With some ingenuity and the support of our incredible foundation partners, we have been able to adapt and continue to serve the students of San Gabriel public schools in the following ways: 
  • We partnered with PopRock Academy to offer our families a free online performance academy program for elementary school students AND a master class academy program for middle and high school students. The artistic and collaborative classes were developed by PopRock Academy and their team of professional performers, who are all trained in their respective fields of music, dance and acting. 
  • Thanks to generous grant funding provided by the Kids Need to Read Foundation, approximately $3,100 worth of literature has been received in support of the Mandarin & Spanish dual language immersion classrooms at Wilson and McKinley Elementary schools. This donation will impact approximately 155 students between the two campuses respectively.  
  • We have partnered with valued supporter Author Julie Berry to develop a live Facebook stream reading of her children's book, Happy Right Now on Tuesday, May 5th. Happy Right Now is an illustrated picture book that teaches the best way to be happy is to embrace the circumstances we find ourselves in each day. The book brings a much-needed message to kids: it's great to feel happy, but it's okay to feel sad sometimes too.  

In addition, the Board of Directors are meeting regularly online to continue the good work of the Foundation. The SEF Board members have already started their transitions to plan and prepare for next year. We are always looking for board members to help us on a project by project basis or as a volunteer board member. If you or someone you know is interested please call our Executive Director, Adela Angiuli at the SEF office at (626) 451-5465.


For now, while we are saddened that our annual fundraising event "Cheers & Charity" had to be postponed to the Fall, please know that there are ways for you to financially support and to help continue the good works of SEF. If you have the means, please consider making a fundraising donation to help us meet our existing fundraising needs to better prepare us for the Foundation of tomorrow. Click here to make a fundraising donation in any amount.

As we navigate these uncertain times, we want to remind you of the good that remains and encourage you to remind yourself why we need you to say "yes!" to the Foundation. It is because of friends, and members of the community like you, that we are able to continue to do good FOR our students, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Together with our community we remain committed to serve. We are a strong organization serving a strong community and we will all get through these difficult days together. Conversations will not be canceled. Hope will not be canceled. Love will not be canceled. 

Please give as your heart leads you - thank you!

Best always, 
Alison DeVriendt
President 2019-2020
SEF 2020 Annual Fundraiser  "Cheers & Charity" Postponed to the Fall

We are sad to announce that SEF's annual fundraiser, Cheers & Charity  event  will be postponed until further notice. As we continue to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19, we will provide updates and answer any questions  the community  may have involving  our  event. It is our hope that we will be able to bring a fun fundraiser in line with social distancing practices that will allow us to fund future programming that provides the students of the San Gabriel  Unified  School  District unique and enriching opportunities to grow and learn. 

It is especially important that in the upcoming year our students continue to receive an engaging education no matter the circumstances. Any support you can give to SEF will  greatly benefit us in our endeavor to do this. Please visit  seffor8schools.org  to donate and to find out more information surrounding community engagement in these uncertain times.
Justine Morales and Genesis Ponce
Co-Chairs, Cheers & Charity 
Why SEF Matters - Understanding Impact in the Community ~ The One Thing! 


Diane Tse,
Jefferson Middle School, Teacher
1. Why do you support SEF?
I support SEF because it builds a stronger community between our schools, city businesses and our local residents.  Through various fund-raising events and the generous donations of private citizens and businesses, SEF is able to provide extra curricular activities and enrichment programs for our students.

2.   In your opinion, what is the One Thing that SEF does that enriches students lives? 
SEF provides enrichment opportunities for our students across all grades.  Students can participate in programs that will enhance their individual growth and interest.  In addition, SEF offers programs that promotes the diverse population we serve in our community.
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Paul Kwo,
Pop Rock Academy, CEO
 
1. Why do you support SEF?
Being a part of the first graduating class of Gabrielino High School, the San Gabriel Unified School District has a special place in my heart. And over the years I have seen the growth of the San Gabriel Educational Foundation and the wonderful opportunities it has provided the students of the school district. I believe that the foundation has done wonders towards providing all the students of the school district equal opportunities to learn and grow. It is by far one of the most important resource the school district has and so I believe it is also a part of my responsibility to give back where I can. I want the students of the SGUSD to have all the advantages possible when we send them off into adulthood. I believe SEF is an indispensable part of this.

2.  In your opinion, what is the One Thing that SEF does that enriches students lives? 
SEF does so much and that's the most wonderful part. SEF makes an effort to leave no student behind. I love the fact that SEF believes in a well-rounded education that values a holistic approach to education, valuing performing arts as well as academics. I think all the wonderful afterschool programs and summer programs is one of the most important things SEF does.
This email created by Board member volunteer, Kacie Bauzon. 
San Gabriel Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 1175
San Gabriel, CA 91778
626.451.5465
www.SEFfor8schools.org

The San Gabriel Educational Foundation (SEF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to partnering with parents and the community to give San Gabriel Unified School District students unique learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Since its inception in 1986, SEF has donated more than $1,000,000 to the SGUSD to provide funding for a variety of educational programs, curriculum and materials that benefit all students and schools. For more information, go to www.SEFfor8schools.org, and follow SEF on Facebook. ©2019 San Gabriel Educational Foundation.