Millions of Ways to Help

We’re just off the starting block for our 2011 One Million Reasons to Support Ann Arbor Public Schools campaign, and to date we’ve raised $70,000 from 197 donors. Are you one of them? If so, thanks a million!

There are lots of other ways to help the campaign, too. Here are a few:
•    Host a house party. Invite friends and colleagues to join you in supporting programs in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. To find out how, look here under "Get Involved."
•    Put up a yard sign. Contact our office at 994-1969 and we will drop one off for you!
•    Staff a table for AAPSEF at your school’s end-of-year events. The ice cream socials, fifth grade concerts, etc. are great gatherings for us to spread the word about AAPSEF. Please call our office and we’ll get you everything you need!
•    Post campaign info and a link on your social media site.
•    Ask for a matching gift from your employer.
If you haven’t made a donation yet, you can do so easily online here; call us with credit card info at 994-1969; or send a check to AAPSEF, 2555 S. State St., Ann Arbor, 48104.
Other ways to support the Educational Foundation:
•    Register your Kroger card. A percentage of your purchases will go to AAPSEF.  Find out how here under "News and Publications."
•    Open a new account at DFCU. DFCU will make a $25 contribution to AAPSEF. For details, visit www.dfcufinancial.com.
•    If you work for the Ann Arbor Public Schools, enroll in payroll deduction through the HR office.

What we’re doing with your donations

This year, the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation has been able to fund many important initiatives in our schools, thanks to your support.  Most of these programs have been reported on in detail in this newsletter, but to remind you of how important your gift is, here is a partial list of what we’ve accomplished in 2010-2011:

We’ve supported our World Languages Program at all our elementary schools.
We’ve sent kids out to the woods with support for Environmental Education field trip transportation.  We’ve bought document cameras and Latin percussion instruments, and repaired musical instruments for our fifth graders.  We’ve helped high school students figure out their paths with the Plan and Explore tests.  We’ve provided middle school health teachers with the tools they need to implement Project Healthy Schools.  We’ve coordinated enrichment programs through our elementary schools.  We’ve given children experiences with the farm life cycle.  We’ve helped our teachers with multiple projects that permit them to use their innovative ideas without using so much of their own paychecks.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation is what we all do together for all of our children.  Thank you for your support in 2010-2011!

Party in the house: Yours?

Sometimes a simple instrumental solo can make a melody soar better than a full orchestration. Last campaign, we discovered that a great way to celebrate our cause is the house party hosted by an AAPSEF supporter. In an intimate setting, people can really hear about what our schools are facing. We raised significant funds and community awareness at the same time.

We’d like to thank board members Christy Perros, Marie Deveney and Sheila Carpenter who have already hosted parties this spring. Board member Omari Rush and supporters Christina and Charles Kim have events slated soon – thanks to them, too!

If you are interested in hosting a party, it doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Think about coffee and bagels on a weekend morning, or after-dinner dessert on your deck. For more information on how to host a fundraising house party, look under "Get Involved," here.

And thanks for all you do for our students.

DFCU launches new program to raise funds for schools

Dearborn Financial Credit Union is determined to be a good new neighbor in Ann Arbor.  Earlier this year, DFCU Financial donated $10,000 to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation as part of the credit union’s commitment to support public education in the communities where it has branches. Through the Schools and You (SAY) program, DFCU Financial has committed another $10,000 to the foundation for 2011.

From May 16 to August 30, 2011, DFCU Financial will donate $25.00 for new deposit accounts opened or loans closed at one of its five Ann Arbor area branches. Loans must close prior to August 30, 2011; accounts must remain open until August 30, 2011.  Maximum donation is $50 per member.  For more information, visit www.dfcufinancial.com.

Sponsored by your donations to AAPSEF:

Photos, from top: 1) Scarlett music student. Teacher Deb Katz runs Scarlett's Band Day.  (2) Students celebrate March is Art and Music Month with a field trip to Hill Auditorium to hear Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.  Photo courtesy of Czarnecki-Dempsey Photos .  (3) Rosalie Koenig's students at Mitchell have new Latin percussion instruments through a teacher grant. (4) Another of Deb Katz's lucky Scarlett students.

Save the date

Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation's 17th Annual Golf Outing

Monday, August 29, 2011, Stonebridge Golf Course