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In This Issue
President's Message
SEF Giving Challenge
Community Spotlight
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Volume: 31
August 2020
Issue 25
President's Message
Dear Friends of SEF,  

Welcome to the 2020/21 academic year! As I reflect on the recent events in our country that continue to highlight the struggles and inequities around us, I feel the magnitude of our collective battle for the continued health and safety of family, friends and all those within our community. Students have begun a school year that will look much different than any other time in our history. In class learning has been replaced with a virtual model and activities and events will take place in new ways. These changes are different than what we are accustomed to, but I can state emphatically that we will adapt to them together. 

We are a deeply caring and supportive community and I truly believe that this historic time will strengthen our connection to one another. We recognize that people of all ages are navigating very different life experiences and students certainly need all the support, encouragement, and opportunities we can provide. I want to reaffirm that the Foundation stands committed to continue to make certain that every action we take helps to ensure every student in San Gabriel public schools has every opportunity to thrive. We will continue to identify, develop and provide meaningful opportunities for all students to achieve academic success. 

The all-volunteer board has been working hard to identify and develop opportunities that support and enrich the lives of students and families in the community. At the onset of the pandemic we were ready to help and support where needed. We immediately mobilized to provide dynamic programs and workshops designed to connect and engage participants. Through spring and into the summer, we created many resources and collaborated with our community partners to proudly provide the following free virtual programs:   
  • College Essay Writing Workshop - College Torch
  • Performing Arts Enrichment Classes - PopRock Academy
  • Master Class Arts Enrichment Sessions - PopRock Academy
  • Mental Health Awareness Workshops - Department of Mental Health
  • Summer Camp Week  
The independent and passionate spirit of everyone who dedicates their time and talent towards the development of these types of programs is overwhelmingly amazing. However, the continued success of our organization depends on the strength of its partnerships and the support we receive from within the community. Your support is more crucial now than ever.  

SEF is kicking off our 2020 Giving Challenge and this is how YOU can help!

We are asking for your support of the foundation through this 2020 Giving Challenge. All you need to do is visit the SEF website at https://seffor8schools.org/give-2020/ to make your tax deductible donation of $20 or more today. It's that easy! Please give whatever amount you can to help SEF continue to serve every K-12 student in San Gabriel public schools. 

As we look ahead, I am inspired by strong leadership, exceptional teachers, and promising young students who will convene daily through a virtual environment to advance in their learning and gain skills and insight. I am confident what they learn over the course of this year will help shape their paths for success. They and their families will need our support. We must embrace a shared sense of responsibility for one another's well being. We must redefine engagement, reinvent connections and recommit to our mission. Together we can all help to create a year of excellence that meets the needs of all of the students we serve. 

Thank you in advance for your support of the SEF's 2020 Giving Challenge!!

With best wishes always, 
Alison DeVriendt
SEF President 2020-2021

How do I get more information about SEF? For the latest information on programs, family resources, workshops, and events visit our Facebook page or website often!
Join our 2020 SEF Giving Challenge Today! 
Why SEF Matters - Understanding Impact in the Community ~ The One Thing! 

1. Why do you support SEF?
Sandra Dunville
Principal, Washington Elementary
I support SEF because this organization is an integral community partnership that supports San Gabriel schools in grades TK-12. SEF has brought many programs and opportunities to our district providing a multitude of ways students can learn, feel connected and enjoy their educational experience. For example, Washington Elementary School has benefited from our SEF collaboration last year via the Book Giveaways and Author Series Presentations. How fortunate we were to have published author, Julie Berry, visit our school, read her book, and speak to the children in an open forum about a career in becoming an author and illustrator and open up about her journey in writing!  Not to mention, whenever you can put a book into the hands of children, the reward is abundant. The magical moment of them leaving campus and showing their parent the book they received is awesome.  

2.  In your opinion, what is the One Thing that SEF does that enriches students lives? 
SEF dives deep into our district needs and adds a touch of life into our student's educational journey. Children have many interests that go beyond what can be taught in a classroom setting. This is where SEF shines. It allows an additional learning opportunity for students who enjoy the freedom to explore and discover who they are. SEF offers experiences to students that will be cemented into their memory as fun and meaningful.  I look forward to learning how SEF will continue to augment the growth of the students in our district. 
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Dena Dragoo
Teacher, Wilson Elementary and 
SGTA President
1. Why do you support SEF?
I grew up in the city of San Gabriel and our family owned a home on Willard Avenue for more than 40 years. This community is extremely near and dear to my heart and always will be. I can remember roller skating through the halls of Wilson Elementary and playing softball with my team at Sunnyslope on Broadway. So many of my friends have fond memories of this city and continue to do so. Many times, I am asked by SG alumni if I can swing by an elementary school and pick up a couple school t-shirts for old time sake. San Gabriel schools were good to us, so in return, I feel the need to continue to support such a wonderful organization that helps shape the young minds of San Gabriel. 

2. In your opinion, what is the One Thing that SEF does that enriches students lives? 
The San Gabriel Educational Foundation provides opportunities for our students that may not have ever been possible. School assemblies can cost upwards of $1000 and are a luxury that not all public schools can afford to maintain. School sites do not have the expendable cash to fund these assemblies and this is one area that often gets ignored. Therefore, I am always grateful when SEF schedules an assembly for our students.   
 
Over the years, SEF has brought many amazing assemblies to our schools and has enriched our student's lives.  I can especially recall one assembly that was hugely entertaining and enjoyable for all. SEF had arranged for a barbershop quartet to come to all of our elementary schools. I remember seeing firsthand the smiles on the children's faces when the singers were performing. This was also greatly beneficial because after each song they taught the students about four-part harmony and the meaning of singing Capella.  I think most students and faculty would agree that a good time was had by all!  
This email created by Board member volunteer, Kacie Bauzon. 
San Gabriel Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 1175
San Gabriel, CA 91778
626.451.5465
www.SEFfor8schools.org

The San Gabriel Educational Foundation (SEF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to partnering with parents and the community to give San Gabriel Unified School District students unique learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Since its inception in 1986, SEF has donated more than $1,000,000 to the SGUSD to provide funding for a variety of educational programs, curriculum and materials that benefit all students and schools. For more information, go to www.SEFfor8schools.org, and follow SEF on Facebook. ©2019 San Gabriel Educational Foundation.