Welcome to the MEF Newsletter, Spring 2025

A thank you card from teachers and staff at Marfa ISD

With spring around the corner, let's take a look back at the past few months, and a look ahead to the events we're excited about.

College Community Career (CCC):

The Marfa ISD Graduating Class of 2024

Kathy Rose of CCC guides a student through the FAFSA process

Scholarship Recipients:

Scholarship recipients Kaci Flores and Rebecca Ontiveros work as aides in Marfa Elementary's Special Education classroom while taking college classes online

Each year, Marfa Education Foundation awards scholarships to graduates of Marfa ISD who are currently enrolled in a college, university, or trade school at the Sophomore or higher level. The intention is to help students complete college by easing the financial burden.

Since many students receive financial gifts and scholarships at high school graduation, we focus our scholarships on students who are further along in their path to completion.

MEF received many outstanding and inspiring applications this year and ultimately awarded ten scholarships to Marfa ISD graduates who are working towards a degree in colleges across Texas.

Teacher Grants:

Marfa Elementary School Interventionist, Janet Enriquez, used her grant for classroom supplies

All teachers at Marfa ISD are invited to apply for small grants up to $1,000 per school year. Grants can be for classroom items, teaching aids, training, or anything else that fits into MEF’s mission.

This year MEF has allocated $15,000

for teacher grants.

Students assemble new desks for the math classroom

Teacher grants lessen the amount of out-of-pocket expenses teachers make to support classroom items that may not be budgeted.

Among the grant awards this year, MEF has provided teaching aids to the Elementary Interventionist, funding toward a field trip for the 8th grade class, and subscriptions to online learning platforms that increase curiosity and provide fun projects in math and science for 4th and 5th graders.

High school math teacher, Mr. Salgado, wanted more accessible desks for his classroom. "The existing desks have a mounted writing surface that can not be adjusted. This makes it uncomfortable for students with disabilities or big or tall students." With help from his grant award he was able to purchase 18 new desks.

Career Day:

Participants from Career Day 2024 enjoy each other's company in the lounge

Marfa ISD High School students study the schedule for Career Day

Phil Boyd of Dixon Water Foundation presents to students at Career Day

Upcoming: Career Day at Marfa ISD

March 19, 2025

Marfa Education Foundation began participating in Career Day as a partnership program with Alamito Foundation in 2024, and this year we have taken the reigns and are leading the event ourselves.

We have been working with Marfa ISD staff to sort out logistics and connecting with local professionals to include them in Career Day. Our goal is to showcase the wide range of careers available in our region, let presenters connect with students and share the unique ways life led them to their career.

Meals and refreshments will be served to all participants, where they can mingle with other community members before and after sessions, and snacks will be provided to students throughout the day.

At the end of the event, students will complete a survey to let us know what they would like to see in future events and programs.

Marfa Live Arts:

Performers and writers soak in the applause at the performance of middle school Monologues at Planet Marfa

Marfa Live Arts was back in the classroom for the 9th year teaching Monologue writing to middle schoolers and One-Act playwriting to high school students at Marfa ISD.

Each year, stand out authors are chosen to have their piece read or acted out by locals from the community.

Middle school Monologues were presented at Planet Marfa on February 27 and One Acts will be performed at Crowley Theatre on March 5. Performances are free to attend and oh, so entertaining. Don't miss this opportunity for one of the most feel-good community come-togethers.

MEF is a proud supporter of Marfa Live Arts work with Marfa ISD students.

High school One-Act winners

Rematch:

Strong women duke it out while the whole town watches at last year's arm wrestling contest

It's official! The second annual Arm Wrestling competition supporting Marfa Education Foundation has a date: May 4, 2025 at Planet Marfa. Start working out and pick your opponent. This feat of strength for a good cause will bring eternal glory to two lucky townsfolk. We look forward to seeing you all there, and May the fourth be with you.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading about some of what we've been up to. As you can see, we have a lot to be proud of. Thanks to the teachers, admin, staff, and volunteers who bring out the best in Marfa's kids.

Our work would not be possible without our generous grantmakers, donors, and supporters.

Until next time...

The Marfa Education Foundation supports and enhances the work of the Marfa Independent School District, and is committed to facilitating enrichment projects and to augmenting the education of the District’s students, as well as supporting the education of MISD graduates who are attending an institution of higher education or a trade school.