Dear Summit Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year! As we embark on another academic year, the Summit Educational Foundation (SEF) is reaffirming our annual commitment to support Summit public schools as safe, welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environments where our children can thrive and excel.
Our Mission – Creating Possible. Our vision at SEF is to maintain educational excellence in Summit Public Schools by supporting innovative initiatives that elevate and enhance the academic experience for all Summit students at every learning level. Thanks to generous community donations and a close partnership with the school district, SEF is able to fund equipment, technology, programs, and staff development that would otherwise be impossible with current budget constraints.
Last year, SEF enriched the educational experience for Summit students at the elementary school level with numerous creative and progressive grants. You can view a full list of approved grants at www.sefnj.org/grants-in-action.
A Few Highlights of Elementary School Grants Funded in 2023-24:
● Science/Math Support – math kits & manipulatives, Reflex Math app funding, mobile math workspaces, hands on science program funding
● Literacy Support – decodable text books, ESL & ELL books and support, Science of Reading professional development for educators
● Classroom Environment Support – sound systems for classrooms and music department, sit/stand desks, flex furniture
● Enrichment Programs – history department assemblies and multiple author visits● Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Support – funding for therapy dog visits, sensory centers &
spaces● Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Support – bilingual communication boards at primary centers,
support for inclusion classrooms & special education needs
SEF District Highlights include:
● 38 Years of Partnering with Summit Public Schools
● 4,000+ Students Positively Impacted Every Year
● $11.3M in Science, Literacy, Math, Technology and Arts Education Grants Since 1986
● 373 Grants Funded in the Last 5 Years
● $1M+ for STEAM Initiatives in All Elementary Schools & Middle School in the Last 3 Years
SEF Relies On Your Support! We are grateful to all of the generous families who support SEF – every donation is important and appreciated. We hope you’ll join us by contributing to SEF for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. You can donate online at www.sefnj.org/donate or click the QR code in this letter. If you prefer to donate by check, enclosed is a return envelope for your convenience – either drop it at your school or mail it directly to us.
SEF Needs Your Help! In addition to financial contributions, we also need volunteers! Please consider volunteering your time at an SEF event or serving as a board member. To get involved, please contact us at info@sefnj.org.
We wish your family all the best for a successful and enriching school year. Thanks for your support,
Melissa Madden & Heather Thomas
Co-Presidents
PS – Our annual fundraising event – Spring For Excellence is happening March 8, 2025! We hope to see you there!
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