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Thank you, donors!

A generous community kicks-off a campaign

RBC Foundation USA also supports Project School Supplies

RBC Foundation USA has gifted SBEF with a $15,000 grant for Project School Supplies. Funded by Royal Bank of Canada’s Capital Markets businesses, the Foundation has a heart for children and education. Thank you

Barbara Bush Foundation gifts books to young readers

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation awarded a grant of $25,000 to SBEF to provide new books to the home libraries of each SBISD first and second grader. In addition to the fun of reading, the books will support at-home and summer learning. Read more about the gift here.

After a very successful GivingTuesday, the Foundation officially launched Project School Supplies.

“This year, we want to provide all students in our Title 1 schools with the supplies they need to be successful during the academic year,” said Cece Thompson, SBEF executive director. “We don’t want the financial uncertainty that is arising from the COVID-19 crisis to affect a student’s classroom achievements.”

Click here to read more about the program or to make a donation.

SBEF awards Scholarships

... and Grants

SBEF approved $150,090 for 28 innovative grants that will benefit SBISD’s students and teachers. The grants are as diverse as hovercraft building and nutritional programs for athletes. Read more about the grants here.

A Note(book) about one special grant

In support of SBISD’s priority of literacy and its ReadSBISD initiative, SBEF is awarding a grant that will put a journaling notebook in the hands of every K-5th-grade student in the district. The goal is for students to read on or above grade-level by 3rd grade.

Thank you, Teachers and Principals of the Year

When its annual Bright Stars of SBISD, Celebrating Academic Excellence event was cancelled due to COVID-19, SBEF chose to thank 2019-20 Teachers and Principals of the Year in another way. Read how the Foundation honored these educators here.

Grants in Action

(In each Progress Report or Report Card, we share information about your grant donations at work. Grants enhance education at every grade level. In this issue, Nina Rubinsky, a teacher at Cedar Brook Elementary, shares her thoughts on a grant that provided new headphones for all students, Pre-K through fifth grade.)

“The students have been so happy to have headphones that are comfortable to use. By providing each student with his or her own set, we are able to personalize instruction with technology while also having fewer hygiene concerns created by sharing headphones. Our students are excited to use them and say the sound is clearer through these than our old ones. They are more engaged and focused during individualized use of technology.

“Thank you for your help in providing quality learning experiences for our students.” – Nina Rubinsky

Did you know?

Thanks to the new CARES Act Charitable Giving Incentives, individuals who do not itemize their deductions can deduct charitable contributions, up to $300, from their annual gross income (AGI). Additionally, cash contribution limits have been raised for gifts to public charities: individuals are now subject to a limit of 100 percent of AGI (up from 60 percent). You may be able to offset significant amounts of your income if you contribute to Spring Branch Education Foundation.

In Memoriam

The SBEF family is saddened by the loss of HPD Officer Jason Knox, son of Mike and Helen Knox. Mike served on the SBEF board for several years and is currently a Houston City Council Member. Helen created SBEF’s first video. Jason, 35, who died in the line of duty, leaves behind his wife, Keira, and a son and daughter, Cooper and Eliza. He served for eight years with the Houston Police Department, most recently in the Air and Marine Division, and for six years as a Harris County deputy.

Photo: Steve Gonzales, Staff Photographer/Houston Chronicle

Save the dates (and we suggest you use a pencil)

Style Show springs forward
SBEF typically kicks off its events season in style when district faculty and volunteers take to the runway in fashion-forward outfits. But nothing is typical about 2020, so the Style Show and Luncheon will close out the season in May 2021. The Show will be as exciting as ever, and you’ll be ready to shop and pack for vacation!

Sunday, October 25, 2020 – Golf Classic – BlackHorse Golf Club
(This is a rescheduled date for the Classic originally planned for April.)

Saturday, November 7, 2020 – Gala:
Saturday Night Fever – Omni Woodway

May 6, 2021 – Style Show and Luncheon – Royal Sonesta Houston

Our Mission

Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting our students and educators. We partner with Spring Branch ISD and the community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare our students for the future.

We sent this message to people who have expressed an interest in SBEF.