• What is WEF?WEF is a Wellesley non-profit that raises funds from the community to invest in programs that enhance, enrich and maintain academic excellence as well as foster innovation in Wellesley's public schools. Funds are granted to teachers and administrators who have submitted grant applications that correspond with this mission. Last year WEF made over $120K in grants to schools (including a literacy program at Upham) plus $95K for iPad and strategic plan initiatives. Click here for a full list of WEF grants from last year.
• How does WEF raise funds?There are three primary ways WEF raises money -an annual appeal, Red Apple campaign and the WEF Spelling Bee.

1. Annual appeal - You can make a tax-deductible donation to WEF by clicking here:http://wellesleyeducationfoundation.org/donate.php 
2. Red Apple - You can honor teachers & administrators with a donation in any amount. Most of these donations come in during the holidays and at the end of the year. Each teacher honored receives a notice from WEF that you have recognized them. The amount is kept confidential. You can honor a WPS employee by clicking here: http://wellesleyeducationfoundation.org/donate.php 
3. Spelling Bee - The date for this year's Bee is Thursday, Nov. 7^th, 7:00pm at Sprague. Typically each of the Wellesley schools register a team for the Bee, generously contributing to this event. In addition, work places, clubs and alumni groups often form teams to participate. Approximately 50 teams compete each year.   Each team has 3 members so there is no "solo" spelling. The deadline for registration is Oct. 15^th

• Why should I donate to WEF in addition to the PTO? There are initiatives WEF can fund more effectively than an individual PTO (the iPad initiative, professional development, benchmark assessment tools, strategic plan initiative, etc.) Many things WEF funds affect all WPS students and schools. Children will benefit from things WEF funds for years down the road. You may donate money to WEF while your children are in elementary school and they will see the benefits in high school. We hope you will consider investing in Wellesley's public schools through annual donations to WEF, as well as your school's PTO.

NOTE: The WEF grant cycle is now underway with a 10/16 deadline for applications. So, if you've heard of a project your teachers would like to do, please help spread the word about WEF and encourage them to apply for a grant!

If you have any questions about WEF, feel free to contact WEF board member Stacy Braatz

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