May 2023 Edition

Welcome to our information-packed May newsletter! Make sure to dive into the exciting updates about the remarkable achievements of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF).

SRVEF serves as the overarching organization for 35 school affiliates, each independently operating a school based non-profit Ed Fund. As we conclude the 2022-2023 school year, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional individuals who have generously dedicated their time, effort, and passion to support public education at their respective school sites. Our volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring our success, from organizing fundraising events to engaging with donors and supporters.

Parent donations received through school Ed Funds make a significant contribution to our individual schools and the school district each year. These funds are utilized for various purposes such as technology upgrades, teacher grants, support for classroom educators, funding school music and library programs, and other initiatives that are currently underfunded by the State. We all recognize the importance of high-quality schools in fostering a high-quality community, including enhanced property values and safer neighborhoods.

At the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, we are actively assisting our school Ed Funds in preparing for the upcoming school year. As parents transition to the next level or conclude their K-12 school journey, our organization provides continuity and training to the new Ed Fund boards. We offer guidance and training on meeting management, fundraising strategies, event planning, financial controls, and more. Additionally, we celebrate our Affiliates through the annual Night with the Stars event as a final recognition of their outstanding contributions.

In addition, we are excitedly preparing for a summer filled with engaging Imagineering Classes. This exceptional program offers students a chance to participate in outstanding classes taught by professional educators. I encourage you to explore further details about our amazing Imagineering program. 

Lastly, we are thrilled to announce that the Run for Education is turning 40! Yes, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of this incredible event. We are currently planning various interesting and enjoyable activities to celebrate this milestone. You won't want to miss it! Register today at srvef.org/the-run.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, our Board is always eager to learn from our community. Feel free to share them by contacting us at info@srvef.org.

Have a great summer!

Gary Alpert

President

San Ramon Valley Education Foundation

40th Annual Run for Education

Best Pricing Extended to Tuesday, June 6!

We are a few months away from the 40th Annual Run for Education on Sunday, October 8th, but the best pricing is NOW. 

Join the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation’s 40th Run for Education on Sunday, October 8, 2023. We are planning a full day of activities for serious runners, casual walkers, parents and caregivers pushing strollers, adults, and children alike. Come for The Run and stay for the fun: live bands, kids’ zone, school choirs, food, refreshing drinks, and more to celebrate Excellence in Education in the San Ramon Valley USD!

The 10K run starts at Charlotte Wood Middle School, in Danville, and the 5K starts on Camino Ramon, near 2700 Camino Ramon, across from City Center Bishop Ranch.  

The Run for Education includes events for the youngest runners ages 2-6 - the Mini Run! We also have the Friendship Run for students with special needs and their supporters. These events will all take place on Sunday, October 8th during our Expo for Education at 2700 Camino Ramon (BR 2700) in San Ramon, after the 5K and 10K events.

And remember, that your school will receive 70% of the funds donated via your personal pledge page!*

Can't join us on race weekend? You can still support your school and SRVEF by registering as a Virtual Runner!

The Run for Education, as part of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, supports the education of all students in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

*70% of Net donations will be returned to the school of choice. 30% of Net donations will be used by SRVEF to fund district initiatives. Donation processing fees are subtracted from total donations for the purpose of calculating revenue sharing

The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) is proud to offer Imagineering, a beyond school enrichment program primarily for SRVUSD students. The goal of Imagineering is to spark student interest STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math). 

This Summer we will be offering a variety of classes that will appeal to young scientists, engineers, coders, zoologists, programmers, chemists, techies, artists, and mathematicians starting June 12 and running through July 21, 2023. With weeklong classes for incoming students from 2nd grade through high school, you are certain to find something for your student. Offered classes may include:

Culinary Arts

Intro to Raspberry Pi with Python

Discover your Inner Artist: Brushstokes and More!

Chemistry of Suds, Smells & Bubbles

Zoology: Create Your Own Habitat

Introduction to Engineering

The Magic of Sculpture

Introduction to Engineering

Coding with Raspberry Pi using Python

Advanced Bio Lab for High School Students

Coding with Sphero - The Ball That Does it All

Intro to Computer Graphic Arts

Creative Writing and Design

Stop Motion Animation: Lights Camera Action

3D Modeling & Printing

Creative Coding with the O-mazing Ozobot

Web Comic Design Workshop

CSI: Forensics

Your Brain! How it Works & How Can You Use it Most Effectively

Anime, Sketch, and Color Fun

Marine Biology- Exploring California's Oceans

Public Speaking Practice: Become a Confident Speaker

Survivor! Home Economics Edition (Cook, Sew, Budget, and more)

San Ramon Valley Unified School District staff receive 20% off any Summer Imagineering Class! Click HERE to request your discount

We are looking for SRVUSD high school students who need volunteer hours during summer 2023.

The Imagineering Program needs Volunteer Mentors for our Summer 2023 Imagineering STEAM enrichment classes that are offered to incoming 2nd grade through incoming high school students. 

Volunteer Mentors will need to commit to a 3.5 hour daily class for one week. Time slots are 8:15 am to 11:45 am and 11:45 am to 3:15 pm

Email imagineering@srvef.org to be considered for a Volunteer Mentor position.

Program Details:

• Class Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am with a break for a snack
• Class Dates: Five Weeks of Classes June 12 - July 21 (no class on June 19 or the week of July 3 - July 7)
• Location:
• Pine Valley Middle School (June 12th- July 15th) AND
• California High School (July 17th- 21st)
• Grades: For students ages 7 - 17
• Tickets will be available for purchase for our Evening Performance scheduled for Friday, July 21st at 7:00 p.m. at California High School
• Instructors: Jennifer Brown, Charlotte Wood MS Choir Teacher & Heather Raines, Iron Horse MS Drama Teacher

During this five-week course, students will be cast in the inspiring, coming-of-age tale Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. In addition, students will learn about conceptualizing, designing, and technically constructing a show.

Due to the cumulative and collaborative nature of performance, students would need to commit to the whole of time and to all performances.

You can also check out the website for the production:

https://sites.google.com/srvusd.net/theatre-production-class/home

We are sending our best wishes to the students of the class of 2023 as they embark on their journeys post grade school. 

The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation is celebrating a special high school senior: Catherine Johnson. Catherine has been our intern this school year though the California High School iQuest program. While at Cal High, she has been on the women’s volleyball team since 9th grade. In the fall Catherine will be attending North Central University in Mnneapolis, Minnesota. There she will play collegiate volleyball and plans to major in Secondary Education-Mathematics, and minoring in Christian Studies. Catherine has helped us with several different projects and we have not only appreciated her support, but also enjoyed her presence in our office and her cheerful disposition.

Congratulations, Catherine! We know you will do great in college. 

Civics Day was an incredibly exciting and inspirational event. Like a science fair for civics, students from schools across SRVUSD gathered to present their action projects on issues affecting their community or school to local officials, community members, and guests. Generation Citizen and San Ramon Valley Unified School District co-hosted Civics Day on May 17th at the California High School Library. Students from three schools participated: Del Amigo, Windermere Ranch Middle School, and California High School. It was exciting that students had a chance to showcase their Action Civics projects and share their civic journey directly with community members. Being heard by adult members of their community is a validating experience for young people that builds civic leadership and a sense of belonging. These adults listened, encouraged, showed curiosity, and provided valuable, actionable feedback. 

This program was funded by the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation Major Gifts and Endowment. We are grateful to the SRVUSD teachers who embraced the Generation Citizen curriculum in their classes and to the students who participated in Civics Day.

To learn more about Generation Citizen you can visit www.generationcitizen.org

On Monday, April 17 we celebrated the individuals who make our school district shine! Please join us in congratulating again the 2022-2023 San Ramon Valley Education Foundation Shining Stars:

At the event we also celebrated the SRVUSD Teachers of the Year:

Ashley Fabro - Golden View Elementary

Chris Connor - Monte Vista High School

And the SRVUSD Classified Employee of the Year:

Shubhra Bhatnaghar - Coyote Creek Elementary

We are excited to announce the 2022-2023 Affiliates of the Year:

For Building School Community

Bollinger Canyon Elementary

For Fundraising Success

Gale Ranch Middle School

For Innovative Ideas

Green Valley Elementary School

Save the date for the 2024 Night with the Stars to take place at Blackhawk Country Club on April 24, 2024! Can wait to see you there!

News from SRVUSD

As one of the highest performing school districts in the nation, SRVUSD is a destination for families to ensure their students receive an exemplary education and also protect everyone’s property values. Our strong local schools are supported by voter-approved local parcel tax funding, which helps shield our schools from the instability of State funding. Our schools count on these stable, locally controlled funds that cannot be taken by the State.

However, this existing voter-approved local school funding is set to expire unless voters act to renew it. In addition, the loss of additional State funds threatens our efforts to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically. The Board of Trustees of SRVUSD is considering future ballot measures to renew existing local funding and also protect other instructional programs. We invite you to learn more and encourage you to reach out to communications@srvusd.net with any questions.

Would you consider making a donation to support public education in the San Ramon Valley? We welcome you to become a Friend of the Foundation. SRVEF accepts donations via check, through PayPal, or our website. Thank you for your support!

To donate via check, please mail a check to:

SRVEF

3280 Crow Canyon Road

San Ramon, CA 94583

To donate through PayPal (no extra fees for SRVEF), please click the picture above

To donate through our website, please click the picture above

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