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What is the Tewksbury Education Foundation?
Founded in 1996,
the Tewksbury Education Foundation is a non-profit community
organization established exclusively to provide charitable
and educational funding in Tewksbury Township. Funds
are used to directly support our schools, teachers and
students in a continuing effort to achieve educational
excellence in Tewksbury. The Foundation operates under
the direction of a board of community volunteers.
Why does Tewksbury
need an education foundation?
In the past, tax
dollars and state funding covered the basic school programs.
However, that is not the case today. The TEF seeks to
fill in financial voids in our schools’ operating
budgets when necessary and aims to fund supplementary
innovative educational opportunities with private donations.
The Foundation wishes to actively partner with businesses,
schools, parents, alumni, teachers and the community
to enhance the educational experience in Tewksbury.
How long has the Foundation
been in existence?
The TEF incorporated
in February 1996. The first Board of Directors consisted
of the following dedicated individuals:
Patricia Boungiorno*
Geoffrey Close
Joseph Falk
Jean Frankel*
Bonnie Freeman*
Kenneth Gross (Superintendent)*
Kevin Howard
Martin Levion
Shelby Mellick
Robert More
Russell North
Edward O’Brien
Margaret Pagano*
Michael Rothpletz, Jr.
Arthur Snyder III
Judy Weisman
*donotes ex officio member
How does the Foundation
operate?
The TEF operates
under the direction of a board of community volunteers,
and is not affiliated with the Tewksbury Board of Education
or any related administration or association. The TEF
board includes non-voting members from the Board of
Education, school administration, teacher staff and
the PTA.
How does the Foundation
raise money?
The TEF holds two
major fund raising activities per year. Our annual Barn
Dance is held in the spring each year, and our annual
donation campaign is held in the fall. The Foundation
also seeks grants, gifts, and endowments from corporations,
associations, private individuals and other foundations.
Will money gifted
by the Foundation reduce the taxpayer’s obligation?
No. The mission of
the TEF is to supplement the basic school program through
programs which are funded by private donations. Therefore,
the taxpayer’s obligation to fund basic school
education is not reduced.
How much money has
the Foundation raised so far?
The TEF has raised
more than $900,000 since its inception in 1996.
What are some of
the projects that have been funded by the Foundation?
A
brief sampling:
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$310,000 |
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Technology |
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(Synergistic Lab, Smartboards, laptops, software, etc...) |
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$170,000 |
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Cultural Art Programs |
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(Inkheart, Perseus, Arabian Nights, Poetry in Motion, Musical Infusion) |
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$152,000 |
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Endowment Program |
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$95,500 |
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Teacher Mini Grant Programs |
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(Telescope Night, Force & Motion: Rocketry, Podcasting, etc) |
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$48,000 |
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Professional Staff Development |
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(Science Institute, Conferences, Lectures, Workshops, Training, etc) |
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$36,400 |
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Music Programs and Instruments |
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(Music Technology Lab) |
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$32,500 |
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Grant Writing |
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$25,800 |
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Educational Materials |
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$18,000 |
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OTS Lockers |
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$8,000 |
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Student Mini Grant Programs |
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(Artwork and Literacy Magazine,Published books, etc) |
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$896,200 |
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TOTAL* |
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*Includes funds approved for this school year 2008-2009. |
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Who decides how funds
are allocated?
The Board meets with
teachers, principals and the superintendent throughout
the year to review the ever-changing needs within both
the elementary and middle school. The Board discusses
the proposed budget set for the school year and then
votes on its final allocation. The Board is open to
any and all input from the school community and that
of the entire Tewksbury community as well.
How can I get involved?
You can help the
TEF by getting involved as a donor or a fundraising
volunteer. Make a donation, seek matching gifts from
your employer, volunteer to serve on the board or on
a committee, share your ideas, or attend TEF sponsored
events.
Who should I contact
for more information about the Foundation?
For more information,
send an email to Robert Wittpenn at
Robert@tewksburytef.org or
call us at 908-832-0978.
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