President's Message
Dear Friends of SEF,
Welcome back to the 2021-2022 school year, it is so good to be back at school with all of you! It has only been a month, but the summer break seems like a fond memory and our families have already settled into the "new normal" hectic pace of the school year. Supporting our children at school, in after-school activities, as well as our commitments to work, family and other areas, makes for a busy day-to-day schedule!
I am excited to begin my 4th year as SEF President, as my oldest attends Gabrielino as a junior and my youngest is attending Jefferson as a seventh grader. We are so proud to be a part of this exceptional district and community. I am looking forward to working with you, our administrators and teachers, and the dedicated SEF Board this year!
The entire community benefits from public education and supporting a great public school district requires participation from all stakeholders. Since 1986 SEF has made such a significant impact in our schools for our students. This legacy is really something we should all be proud of, and must continue to build upon as we look towards the future. Moving forward, I am delighted to share that the board welcomed a new member to join as sitting director, Hugo Correa appointed to the board as Treasurer. I want to offer my public gratitude to all of these individuals on the SEF board for their willingness to serve our students and our community. Their dedication and passion will enable us to continue to advance in our work and we are very appreciative of the time and devotion to our cause they so generously give.
Understanding that Volunteer Board Members are critical to the success of any non-profit, SEF needs to have a continued focus on attracting prospective individuals who can provide purpose, direction and motivation to the leadership of the board. We are still growing and need you to help us shape 2021 and beyond.
We are recruiting new Board, Chair and Committee members and especially now, we need you! I ask you to stand with me today and please consider donating your time or be willing and available to develop and maintain community relationships on behalf of our students.
Please calendar the evening of Wednesday, October 27th. We will be Uniting the Hands and Hearts of our community through volunteerism and excitingly please see below as my fellow board member VP Events Rosiris Paniaugua shares the details with all of you!
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue in my role as President for one more year and to partner with the executive board, board of trustees and YOU to chart the future of our organization. I look forward to deepening our commitment to providing funds and resources to help meet San Gabriel public school students' needs, and to providing opportunities for students to find joy as they develop academically, socially, and emotionally today and everyday. I hope you will look favorably on your past investment in the foundation and support us in our efforts to meet immediate needs for our schools and students each year. I am confident that with your continued financial and volunteer assistance together we can unite the San Gabriel community to stand behind each and every student to discover their inherent brilliance through the use of engaging, relevant and meaningful activities and programming and thank you in advance for rising to the challenge when called upon.
Please mark your calendars for our monthly board meetings which are the third Thursday of every month at 7pm. We'd love to have you join us!
Together we can and will make a difference,
Alison DeVriendt
SEF President 2021-2022
P.S. How do I get more information about SEF? For the latest information on programs, family resources, workshops, and events visit our Facebook page or website often!