Foundation Funds Elementary World Languages

Last month we reported on several district-wide Ann Arbor Public Schools programs that received support from AAPSEF in the form of grants to those programs. In addition, the Board of Directors of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation has decided to award $108,400 for the World Languages Program.

In 2009-10, Ann Arbor Public Schools launched the Ann Arbor Language Partnership (A2LP) collaboration between the Ann Arbor School District and the Teacher Education Program at the University of Michigan School of Education. For the 2010-11 year, this program provides twice a week Spanish language instruction to nearly 2,500 third and fourth grade students attending the Ann Arbor Public Schools. The program will scale up to include all fifth grade students in 2011-12. AAPSEF will support this collaborative effort to make the AAPS school system a leader in preparing students for work in a global economy. Funds contributed will cover the District's partnership contribution to the University of Michigan as well as costs for materials and supplies. For more information about the World Languages program, click here. Photo: Lawton Elementary students by Myra Klarman, myraklarman.com.

Alumni Reconnect with Ann Arbor Public Schools

We're excited to announce the launch of a new website designed to reconnect alumni of the Ann Arbor Public Schools with their former classmates and academic roots. The site, www.annarboralumni.org, is sponsored by the AAPSEF with funding support from the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"It's great to have one place to link to the different schools and different class groups. A lot of classes have their own web pages, but most of us have friends from other schools, other graduating years, and it will be nice to be able to find out what's going on with them," said Amy Pachera, a Pioneer High School alumnus who visited the site recently. In addition to links to independent class pages, the site will post information about reunions, alumni news such as births and marriages, and keep alumni informed about current events at their former schools.

Ann Arbor Community High School alumnus Kristin Howard (Kelley, class of 2001) is the website administrator for www.annarboralumni.org. She encourages you to send her your news, photos and links to class pages at aapsalumni@gmail.com. Pictured: Huron High School class by Myra Klarman, myraklarman.com.

Holiday Plans? Include the PTO Thrift Shop

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the oncoming influx of toys, clothes, and general holiday paraphernalia? You can proactively lessen your home clutter and help our schools at the same time by loading up a vehicle and donating your gently used goods to the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop.

When you donate items to the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, you help us support Ann Arbor's students. The money earned from the resale of your unneeded clothing, jewelry, household goods, furniture, etc., goes to help AAPS schools and their PTOs, which support student participation in the enrichment and extra-curricular activities of clubs, teams, classes, and organizations.

You may be surprised at the quality and variety of items for sale at the shop. One AAPSEF staffer picked up a perfectly beautiful cut glass punch bowl with cups for under $10. If you're expecting holiday company and need to pick up extra wine glasses, a spare sled, or even a few extra chairs, check out the store's offerings on "Resale Row" at 2280 S. Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor. You'll be helping your local schools and the environment. Print and use the attached coupon, and please mention that you are a supporter of the Educational Foundation when you visit! For more information, click here.

Endow Our Schools

We're excited to announce that in 2010 the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation became a certified Education Foundation by the State of Michigan.

So, what does that mean?

It means that Michigan businesses can contribute right now to AAPSEF's Endowment Fund and receive a business tax credit for up to $5,000. For details on the 2007 statute and its limitations, click here.

The Endowment Fund serves as a permanent fund for education, at a time when slashed education spending threatens the quality of our schools by reducing support staff, classroom teachers and elective courses. It allows us to help sustain the margin of excellence that has made Ann Arbor Public Schools a national leader and innovator in education.

AAPSEF's Business Endowment Campaign is steered by Jim Cameron, former AAPSEF Board Member and partner with Dykema, and Norman Herbert, retired UM treasurer and longtime Educational Foundation advisor. If you are a business owner and want to know how the Michigan tax credit can be utilized in your year-end charitable giving, please contact Wendy Correll, Executive Director, at wcorrell@aapsef.org or call (734) 994-1969.

In Your Mailbox this Month

Amid the profusion of catalogues and sales flyers in your mailbox this month is an annual appeal from the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation. As you consider your year-end giving, please consider a contribution to the best of what public education has to offer, right here in your home community.

Our children are the future teachers, parents, government leaders, employees and business owners of tomorrow. Our investment today, in the quality of their experience and the depth of their learning in their school years, will determine our community's future. Please give what you can – every gift makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. You may donate online through our website here, or send a check to AAPSEF, 2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Foundation Releases Annual Report for 2009-2010

2009-2010 was a watershed year for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation, and now we have our first-ever Annual Report to prove it. Visit our website here to download the report. Please email or call us if you would like to have a hard copy mailed to you.