March 2020

Dear Oklahoma School Foundations Network Friends, I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones well. As we all navigate this strange new normal I just wanted to reach out and remind you that I'm here and available via email or phone to discuss any concerns or logistical challenges your foundation may be facing as a result of the statewide school closure. Many of you had big Spring fundraising and social events planned. It is so disappointing to see these cancelled. Of course the biggest impact of this situation will be on our kids. If your foundation finds a way to step in during this massive disruption to support your students, please share! We can all learn from one another. Our OSFN Facebook page is a great place to share successes and ask questions. The rest of this newsletter is dedicated to hopeful times ahead, and the return of normalcy whenever that may happen. Sending you my best, Katy Leffel Director, OSFN [email protected] (405)922-5420

Save the Date: Fall Forum coming Friday September 18, 2020! Oklahoma School Foundations Network is excited to announce the return of the Fall Forum! This one-day conference will be open to all foundation board members, leaders, executive directors, and volunteers. The Fall Forum will be held at the South Pennsylvania Avenue campus of the Moore-Norman Technology Center in Oklahoma City. More information is coming very soon. Mark your calendar now and make plans to attend!

National School Foundation Association Conference in Oklahoma City, Spring 2021! Oklahoma City has been chosen to host the 2021 National School Foundation Association Conference! This is an exciting opportunity for Oklahoma foundations to participate in training from national leaders. As you build your foundation budget for 2021, keep this conference in mind. We hope to have a great turnout from Oklahoma foundations. 

Foundation Feature: Metro Tech Foundation Zombie Dash

Metro Tech Education Foundation: Established in 1988 District Serves : High School and Post Secondary students of all ages Executive Director: Ashleigh Gibson Great Idea to Share : Zombie Dash Fun Run Metro Tech Foundation created the Zombie Dash as a way for the foundation to engage with students, make them aware of the foundation's services, promote student wellness, and to have fun while fundraising for the foundation. The Zombie Dash is a 3K fun run/walk with snacks, a costume contest, and a dance party. The Metro Tech cosmetology program and staff members offer free zombie makeup to all participants. This event is in its 4th year, and averages 300 students participating each year. Community sponsors help underwrite the event to sponsor all students that need help with registration fees. These sponsors also help provide all participants with a t-shirt. Executive Director Ashleigh Gibson shared, "Metro Tech Foundation encourages student success through wellness, engagement, and student support. The Zombie Dash lets us take time out of our regular work to give back to the students in a fun atmosphere. We have seen a morale boost for students and staff, as well as a renewed focus on wellness within our student body".

Become a PLUS Member and Access FREE Online Training!

Has your foundation considered starting a district employee giving program? Putnam City Schools Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Seal is hosting a NSFA webinar on the incredibly successful employee giving program in Putnam City Schools. NSFA PLUS members have access to Jennifer's webinar and all other NSFA webinars for FREE! While ALL public school foundations in Oklahoma have access to the free consulting and resources provided by the Oklahoma School Foundations Network, PLUS members will have the added benefit of membership in the National School Foundation Association. PLUS membership, based on your foundation size, is just half of what it would cost your organization to join NSFA separately. NSFA offers its members a large array of benefits, including discounted services and products as well as a large resource library and free webinars. Take a look at the membership application for more information, and contact Katy Leffel with any questions you might have. We would like to welcome the following foundations as 2019-20 PLUS members: The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools Clinton Public School Foundation Enid Public School Foundation Frederick School Enrichment Foundation Edmond Public Schools Foundation Metro Tech Foundation Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation Grove Education Foundation for Excellence Bartlesville Education Promise Foundation for Tulsa Schools Newcastle Education Foundation Sayre Public School Foundation Pryor Academic Excellence Foundation

School Foundations in the News

Spring Fashion Show to benefit Wagoner Education Foundation Oklahoma City schools among many that benefit from DonorsChoose program Edmond Public School Foundation awards $25,478 in classroom grants Miami Public Schools Enrichment Foundation hosts Blue Event Oklahoma School Foundations are doing great work across our state. Take a look and be inspired! We would love to feature YOUR foundation. Please send news article links to   Katy Leffel .

The Oklahoma School Foundations Network is a program of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Follow us on Facebook, and find more information at www.ofe.org.