No April foolin’, EEF has a new website! The EEF Team is thrilled to celebrate this big accomplishment! If you missed the Launch Party, I encourage you to visit the website and look around. The website address is the same, but the site is updated with the latest internet protocols and gives our team the capability to easily update photos, news, and activities. We want our site to be your one-stop-shop for all things EEF. The website is FOR YOU, so please let us know your thoughts and contact us with your suggestions, questions, and ideas.
 
EEF recently partnered with Cox Communications, TUSD, and Raytheon to offer free internet service to nearly 1,000 qualified TUSD families who did not have internet access. This program will be offered through July for students who have summer classes to complete. A press release should come out soon. Much appreciation to Cox and Raytheon for initiating this opportunity for TUSD students.
 
I’m also proud to share that EEF is funding authentic mariachi instruments for Secrist Middle School’s new Mariachi group, Mariachi Escorpiones (named after their mascot, the Scorpions)!  Studies show students exposed to music have improved listening and math skills leading to increased test scores, and higher graduation rates. Music also increases self-esteem, nurtures creativity, and relieves stress. Congrats to Secrist and I am looking forward to enjoying a beautiful performance next fall!
 
Nothing makes me happier than achieving these victories, sharing them with all of you, and seeking more opportunities to support student needs today for successful tomorrows. That’s the reason EEF exists and we have so much more to do! We appreciate you taking this journey with us and celebrating our victories!

“Take your victories, whatever they may be, cherish them, use them, but don’t settle for them.” - Mia Hamm
Sincerely,

Dawn Bell
Executive Director
A STATEMENT IN SOLIDARITY
The recent tragic shootings that took the lives of Asian Americans, once again, reveals the racial divide in our country. Sadly, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are experiencing increasing racial incidents.

We at EEF stand in solidarity with all communities who face prejudice and persecution. We extend our support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, along with all other communities working toward true equality and unbiased representation.

As the organization that provides services for TUSD, EEF has witnessed the impact of racial, social, and economic inequalities on the students, teachers, and families of our community. We at EEF are committed to addressing these barriers and fostering an environment where equity, inclusion, and belonging are realized.

EEF’s support for students and teachers will continue to move our community and our country away from racial and economic inequality. Education can do this. EEF will help.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY (TAP) HIGH SCHOOL GARDEN PROJECT

The idea of the serenity garden was the brainchild of teacher Connie Transue. She informed me that some of the conditions that our students live in and through were challenging. Many of our students have experienced traumatic circumstances. So, based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, it was important to ensure that when students attend school, this should become their haven. Once they feel safe and relaxed, their minds are open and ready to learn. Through grants, EEF, and TAP staff support, we were able to make the serenity garden a reality.
"The student's reaction to the Serenity Garden caused my eyes to swell. After a while, we just sat there in the quiet and listened to the calming sound of the chimes while soaking up the scene. It was a wonderful lesson in helping our students notice how they feel in certain environments." TAP Educator
THE HYGIENE PANTRY

Hygiene supplies are always appreciated and needed to keep our shelves fully stocked. Donations can be dropped off at any TUSD Family Resource Center or contact EEF's Program Manager Drisana by email at programs@eeftucson.org  

  • new wrapped toothbrushes
  • new unopened tubes of toothpaste
  • new bottles of hair conditioner
  • new bottles of shampoo
  • new soap and body wash
ARIZONA GIVES DAY IS APRIL 6TH

Arizona Gives Day is next week! Arizona Gives is a collaboration between the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers that began in 2013. This partnership has helped raise more than $23M for Arizona nonprofits. While giving is available on AZGives.org 365 days a year, Arizona Gives' statewide online giving campaign takes place on Tuesday, April 6th. 
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPEN
CLASSROOM GRANTS DEADLINE EXTENDED
WE ARE $14K AWAY FROM OUR GOAL
Your Arizona Gives Day donation can also count as a tax credit donation. Any donation made by April 15, 2021 may be included in your 2020 taxes.
Your donation counts any time before April 15, 2021.
APRIL TO DO LIST
  • Bookmark our new website HERE
  • If you haven't done so already, make your tax credit donation.
  • Encourage TUSD teachers you know to apply for a classroom grant.
  • Share EEF's good news and successes with friends!
  • Enjoy victories no matter how small!
DO YOU SHOP AT FRY'S?
Fry's Community Rewards
This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Fry’s and swipe your Shopper’s Card. Here’s how it works:
CHOOSE AMAZON SMILE
Thank You For Your Support