Back to School Info and Opportunities

August 4, 2023 Back to School Edition

As the summer vacation comes to an end we're circling back to recognize some of the 500+ student artists who participated in the Animals on Stamps art contest in the spring. We have several volunteer opportunities, and we are thrilled to share the Teacher Innovation Grants impact report.

Thank you for your interest in the ASD Foundation. Enjoy the newsletter.

ASD Artists Celebrated at Stamp Art Contest Awards Celebration

The Stamp Art Contest Awards Celebration for Allentown School District students in honor of the Allentown Philatelic Society's 100th Anniversary was wonderful!

Thanks to all of the families, teachers and guests who attended.

Read to the end of this email for the list of winners.

Visit our booth at Art in the Park on Saturday, September 16 in West Park, Allentown to see student art from the Animals on Stamps art contest.

Framed prints and notecards from student art will also be available.

Art in the Park

3 Ways to Give or Volunteer to Start the School Year

Back to School Bash

The ASD Foundation is participating in the Allentown School District's Back to School Bash on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Beach Park.

Donations of school supplies are welcomed.

Please call Vicki at 484-765-4121 to arrange delivery or to volunteer at the event.

Contact Vicki

We also seek 2 volunteers to assist with collecting the school supplies at the Iron Pigs Game on Saturday, August 19th beginning at 4:40 PM.

Volunteer

Literacy Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?

Did you know that children learn to read between kindergarten and third grade, and from fourth grade onward, they read to learn?

Do you want to help children succeed in school and in life?

The Allentown School District Foundation is seeking volunteers to assist with literacy activities in kindergarten or first grade classrooms for just one hour per week or more. As a literacy volunteer, you'll make a real difference in the lives of young students. Plus, you'll build rewarding relationships along the way.

Parents, retirees, college students, and anyone living or working near an ASD school are welcome to apply. Child protection clearances and attendance at an orientation session are required, and we'll guide you every step of the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact the ASD Foundation Administrator at 484-765-4121 to learn more about this amazing opportunity to help children read and succeed!

Teacher Innovation Projects reached 5318+ students

Students learned to play ukuleles (click here to listen!), perform CPR, and build furniture.

Students mentored each other, held the sun in their hand, read new texts, and curiously explored scientific and engineering topics (in 2nd grade!).

Students grew plants in traditional gardens and indoors with hydroponics, they learned career and leadership skills, and shared their historical research with the community in the schools and at the Jewish Community Center of Allentown.

These impactful outcomes were due to their teachers who received Teacher Innovation Grants from the ASDF and did phenomenal work with the students.

Read the TIG Project Summary Report

ASD Educators: Click Here to Apply for a TIG

TIG Grant Fundraiser

Help us continue to inspire and fund Teacher Innovation Grants for the 2023-2024 school year.

Our goal is to provide $20,000-25,000 in awards to ASD educators this fall. The maximum award is $1200 - and any gift of $1200 or more will receive a named award when the grants are given.

Gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!

Donate to TIG

Students pictured below received recognition and awards at the Allentown Art Museum and also had their art displayed at the Allentown Philatelic Society's Annual Meeting. Learn more about the Stamp Art Contest.

Contest Winners:

Elementary (k-5)

1. Shark: Josmely Santana, Grade 5, Jefferson Elementary, Ms. Rhoads

2. Swan: Jayliana Thomas, Grade 5, Sheridan Elementary, Ms. Kleppinger/Ms. Sterner

3. Squid: Falisha Briggs, Grade 5, Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary, Mrs. DeTurk

Middle School (6-8)

1. Black Panther: Brooklyn Rubero, Grade 8, Harrison-Morton MS, Mrs. Landis

2. Palmchat: Nevaeh Thomas, Grade 8, Harrison-Morton MS,

3. Butterflies: Leah Triunfel Garcia, Grade 6, Newcomer Academy, Ms. Ferreira

High School (9-12)

1. “Arrow Birds”: Alexandrea Ramirez, Grade 11, William Allen HS, Ms. Berger

2. American Mink: Morgan Jackowski, Grade 10, Louis E. Dieruff HS, Mrs. Karol

3. Sea Turtles: Jada Culbreath, Grade 10, Louis E. Dieruff HS, Mrs. Karol

Honorable Mention (K-5)

1. Wildlife Montage: Arabella Thalassinos, Grade 5, Ritter Elementary, Ms. Nacci/ Ms. Kleppinger

2. Racoon: Jariel Albino, Grade 3, Ritter Elementary, Ms. Nemes/Ms. Kleppinger

3. Wildlife Montage: Valerie Alarcon, Ritter Elementary, Grade 5, Ms. Nacci/ Ms. Kleppinger

4. Bird: Tyshan Riddick, Grade 4, Muhlenberg Elementary, Mrs. Craig

5. Butterfly: Isabella Sosa, Grade 4, Muhlenberg Elementary, Mrs. Craig

6. Racoons: Carmona Tejada, Grade 2, Sheridan Elementary, Mr. Hydro/ Ms. Kleppinger

7. Butterfly: Imer Nunez-Rivera, Grade 5, Jefferson Elementary, Mrs. Rhoads

8. Owl: Mildagie Bonilla, Grade 4, Muhlenberg Elementary, Ms. O’Brien

9. Owl: Aluim Fenneina, Grade 5, Jefferson Elementary, Miss Rankins

10. Lion: Alina Tarafa, Grade 5, Jefferson Elementary, Mr. Giorlando

11. Butterflies: Priscila Perez, Grade 4, Muhlenberg Elementary, Ms. O’Brien

12. Dog: Kailey Stewart, Grade 4, Muhlenberg Elementary, Mrs. Craig

13. Kitty Cat: Zoey Stocker, Grade 3, Muhlenberg Elementary, Mrs. Emberger

14. Rabbit: Zoey Rodriguez, Grade 3, Muhlenberg Elementary, Ms. Bednarski

15. Owl: Secure Thompson, Grade 4, Muhlenberg Elementary, Mrs. Mort

Honorable Mention (6-8)

1. Bird Montage: Amani Mahmoud, Grade 6, Newcomer K6, Ms. Ferreira

2. Dog Montage: Yehoshuah Colia Lopez, Grade 6, Newcomer K6, Ms. Ferreira

3. Cat Montage: Tatiana Montoya Marquez, Grade 6, Newcomer K6, Ms. Ferreira

4. Shark: Allan Esteven Cediel Cruz, Grade 6, Newcomer K6, Ms. Ferreira

Honorable Mention (9-12)

1. Griffin: John Kingsley, Grade 10, William Allen HS, Ms. Berger

2. Moose Montage: Yaniel Fonseca, Grade 11, Dieruff High School, Mrs. Karol/ Mr. Draper

3. Koala Montage: Jessica Nunez, Grade 12, Dieruff High School, Mrs. Karol

4. Otters: Ayden Hernandez, Grade 11, Dieruff High School, Mrs. Karol

5. Python: Matthew Canfield, Grade 10, Dieruff High School, Mrs. Karol

6. Husky: Anabella Florentino, Grade 12, Dieruff High School, Mr. Draper

7. Fox: Jaden Gomez, Grade 11, William Allen High School, Mrs. Rabenold

8. Wolf: Eddy Pena, Grade 11, William Allen High School, Mrs. Rabenold

9. Goldfinches: Chris Sallit, Grade 12, Dieruff High School, Mrs. Karol

10. Peacock Montage: Mia Monet, Grade 11, Dieruff High School, Mrs. Karol

11. Parrot: Valerie Nunez, Grade 10, William Allen HS, Ms. Berger

Learn More about the ASDF