SAUCON VALLEY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

TOTALS NEARLY $80,000 IN CHARTER DONOR CAMPAIGN

 

For immediate release: Contact Susan Kennedy, suzntk@aol.com, 484-894-6779

 

                HELLERTOWN, PA. (Oct. 1, 2009) – In its inaugural Charter Donor Campaign, the Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation raised nearly $80,000.

                The Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation (SVFEI) awarded more than 20 grants since the fall of 2007, to support innovative and creative classroom programs for students in all grades. 

One such grant, for $1,300, was received by Karen Kemper, a fifth-grade teacher, for a podcasting project.

                “Students and educators are quickly catching on to the value of integrating podcasting technology into the classroom,” Kemper said. “This interactive audio tool stimulates creative learning in reading by helping students with plot summation, vocabulary and character analysis. It can be used to improve fluency skills. The purchase of this site license, by the SV Foundation, can be used school-wide and is applicable to other subject areas such as science social studies and foreign languages. We would not have this valuable tool without the generosity of the Foundation.”

                The Foundation, an autonomous organization with its own bylaws and a 501(c) (3) tax exempt status, separate and distinct from the Saucon Valley School Board, is comprised of more than 20 community leaders.

                SVFEI’s mission is to widen the scope of learning with a host of quality innovations for Saucon Valley students. Financial grants were issued to district-generated requests in the following areas: Technology and Learning, Arts and Education, Scholastic, Enhancement, Cultural, Health and Wellness, Entrepreneurship as well as Professional Development.

                “In a short time, the Foundation, through its generosity, has already made a difference by impacting what teachers do and use in their classrooms to enhance students’ experiences,” said Dr. Sandra Fellin, Saucon Valley School District Superintendent. “The Foundations involvement with the district for our students has strengthened and enriched what we do and what we have to offer. Extending, enhancing, and realistically participating with the content is stimulating and motivating for students and staff.”

Joe Savage is Chairman and supervises all Foundation activities. Francie DeSalvio is Vice Chairman; Shelley Redding is Secretary; and David Velho is Treasurer. All officers are parents in the Saucon Valley School District.

 “The Foundation is particularly pleased that we were able to gain the support of many donors in this difficult economic time,” said Foundation Chairman Joe Savage. “We sincerely hope that the quality and quantity of what we are providing to our students shines particularly when the good folks of the Saucon Valley District are having a tough financial time.”

For more information on the Foundation, please contact Susan Kennedy, SVFEI Public Relations, suzntk@aol.com, 484-894-6779 or visit www.svfoundation.net.

ABOUT THE SAUCON VALLEY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

The Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation (www.svfoundation.net) was established in 2007 by a group of community and business leaders who recognize that the quality of an education system and the vitality of the community it serves are intertwined. These residents want to ensure the continued success of our current students, as well as that of future generations. The Foundation’s mission is to achieve and maintain innovative excellence by employing private resources to supplement traditional classroom funding.

                The Foundation’s vision is to provide creative and innovative learning opportunities for students and teachers that are beyond the scope of the school budget.  The Foundation will raise private funds to be used by the schools for projects and creative learning opportunities for all students. 

                The Foundation funds are not intended to substitute or replace existing taxpayer funding.  Instead they are meant to supplement programs and give teachers the opportunity to expand their curriculum with items that don’t fall under the school budget.

                Primary funds have been created to encourage innovative achievement in seven target areas: The Technology & Learning Fund; The Arts & Education Fund; The Cultural Enrichment Fund; The Scholastic Enhancement Fund; The Health & Wellness Fund; the Entrepreneurship Fund; and the Professional Development Fund.

                                                                 Saucon Valley Elementary students show off their Foundation-funded student-made

                                                                 mosaic mural.

-30-