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 August 2009
The Official Newsletter of the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation
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Event Highlights
August 4 National Night Out: 6-10pm
August 5 First Wednesday: Where the Sidewalk Begins "Dancin in the Streets"
Featuring our newest member partner,
Mz. Jitterbug - Debra Seeck.
She will be demonstrating and giving FREE mini swing lessons from 5-8 pm.
- Showcasing Geometry and Health/Science projects provided by Washington Elementary third, fourth and fifth grade students.
- Be sure to visit our First Wednesday Grill in proud partnership with Sodexo. Open 5-8 pm - Serving hot dogs, cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches.
August 10-13 Enrichment Academy: Crossler and Parrish Middle Schools
Spaces still available. Sign up now!
http://skeducationfoundation.org/summercamps/form
To view other programs within our Enrichment Academy, follow our link to: www.skeducationfoundation.org
August 15-16 Summer in the City: Downtown Salem
Be sure to stop by Where the Sidewalk Begins for a refreshing smoothie/snack and to check out the newest fall deliveries. Great new vendors coming your way!
August 21 Salem Area Chamber of Commerce BBQ: Salem Waterfront
August 31 Willamette University Student Community Outreach Volunteers
3:30-5:30 Salem-Keizer Education Foundation
September 1 Crystal Apple Awards®: Nominations Open
September 2 First Wednesday: Where the Sidewalk Begins
"Welcome Back to School"
September 7 Labor Day: Where the Sidewalk Begins closed
September 8-9 First Day of School
September 15 Great Educators' Luncheon: Salem Conference Center 12-1 pm
September 24 Teachers Grant Ceremony: Location to be determined
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Save The Date
September 15th at noon
Great Educators' Luncheon
at the Salem Conference Center
For more information, click here
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Join the Gator Brigade!
Do you love to act? Love to get hugged? Do you dare to wear green year-round? Then you are needed to help the beloved SKEF mascot, GEO, visit our area schools and attend community events.
SKEF is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to "be" GEO. Duties include wearing a fuzzy green suit, receiving and giving hugs, posing with adorable children for photographs, waving a lot, and spreading the word of the foundation.
If you are interested or know of a great student who could earn some community service hours, please contact us at (503) 364-2933 or Click Here to E-Mail us.
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Schedule Geo for a Visit
If you would like GEO to visit your school, or event, please send your request Here
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Volunteer Spotlight
The dedicated educators of Delta Kappa Gamma
They are hosts to thousands of visitors, tens of thousands of books, and a glorious, musical energy at the annual Books Across Borders tent at the World Beat Festival. 'Books Across Borders' supports SKEF's multi-cultural literacy initiative and wouldn't have been possible without the organization, commitment and passion for learning of the local chapters of Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional association for educators. The regional efforts are led by Salem-Keizer teaches, Susan Wade and Marie Cramer.
"It is a natural partnership because both groups have a vision that supports educators, student, and literacy," proclaimed Linda St. Pierre, Nu chapter member and Principal at Washington Elementary. Alpha Epsilon Chapter President, Kathy Martell adds, "I like what they (SKEF) do to help support the classrooms and special projects in the district. I believe in their philosophy. With the high volume of grants that come in each year, we are sometimes able to match funds from DKG to go with a grant from SKEF to support special projects."
Delta Kappa Gamma was established in 1929 for the purposes of improving opportunities for qualified women employed at every level of education as well as in advancing the status of women educators. It is a true honor to become a member of Delta Kappa Gamma due to its 'member by invitation' status. The invitation is extended only to those women educators whose distinguished contributions and achievements in the field of education and to their communities are identified as outstanding.
This united family of women educators' genuine spirits driven by past purposes that continue today. The DKG ladies have seven different purposed or goals they are committed to;
- To honor women who have given or who evidence a potential for distinctive service in any field.
- To advance the professional interest and position of women in education
- To initiate, endorse and support desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors in the interests of education and of women educators
- To endow scholarships to aid outstanding women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant fellowships to women educators from other countries
- To stimulate the personal and professional growth of members and to encourage their participation in appropriate programs of action
- To inform the members of current economic, social, political and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society.
Delta Kappa Gamma has numerous chapters throughout the Salem area. Each is involved in different beneficial activities; all of which support the purposes or goals of Delta Kappa Gamma. Linda St. Pierre shared that the Nu chapter has given scholarships to classified staff who are working on their teaching certificates. We also sent money to support women educators in Afghanistan and continue to promote literacy worldwide.
Delta Kappa Gamma has been a wonderful volunteer partner! The Foundations is excited to continue such a wonderful and fulfilling affiliation with a great Education Society. We are also grateful to have such excellent teachers and role models right here in our school district.
Thank you so much for all of your volunteer efforts. All of your hard work helped put books into thousands of children's hands!
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Sponsor Spotlight
Garten Services & Bliss Sequoia Insurance
Garten Services has been a long-standing partner of the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation. Over the years, Garten Services has contributed to the Crystal Apple Awards and the Awesome 3000.
Beginning 2009 Bliss Sequoia Insurance agreed to partner with Garten Services as a proud sponsor of the special needs run at Salem-Keizer's annual Awesome 3000.
Garten Services' involvement started four years ago when new Executive Director of SKEF, Krina Lemons, came on board. Krina knew about the wonderful work Carolyn Bolton, Resource Development Manager at Garten and her team, were doing throughout our Salem-Keizer Community with the developmentally disabled. Krina also felt strongly that the partnership with the Awesome 3000 Special Needs Run and Garten would be a natural and successful fit.
Garten Services, Inc. is a successful not-for-profit organization that provides customized vocational, day activity and retirement services for people with developmental disabilities and long-term mental illness.
The Salem-Keizer Community is in agreement that year after year, the joy of watching the special needs run, and the pure excitement on the children's faces as they cross the finish line is what makes all the time and effort of this event worth it. It is a crowd favorite event and a tear jerking sight filling people with pride, excitement and encouragement.
The last couple years, employees from Garten Services have had the pleasure of placing the finishing medals around the necks of each child and it is without question on of the greatest parts of being a sponsor.
This year's Awesome 3000 Special Needs Run was enriched even more, with the co-sponsor Bliss Sequoia Insurance. Brian Bliss explained "Carolyn called me up and told me about the opportunity to be co-sponsor of the special needs run. She knows of our support for the developmentally disabled and hoped we could step in and help out." With little hesitation, Brian jumped on the opportunity to get involved.
As an Awesome Sponsor, Brian Bliss had the joy of returning to McCulloch Stadium after watching his children participate years before. Like previous years, the Awesome was a huge success. "It is an extremely fun event and the tradition throughout the years is important to the community. It is also a fun way to be able to support the Salem Keizer Education Foundation," Brian proclaims.
Salem-Keizer Education Foundation is proud to have the returning sponsorship from Garten Services, and looking forward to the growing relationship with Bliss Sequoia. Thank you for all your contributions to the Awesome 3000 and the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation. It truly would not have been the same without your generous donations and work.
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Grants / Programs
Enrichment Academy
The July session of the Enrichment Academy Summer Camps prove educational and fun for students of all ages. July camps were held at both Crossler and Parrish Middle Schools. Between the two sites, a total of 19 sessions offerings took place and served over 175 participants. Sessions offered included; an art class titles, Exploring Movements With The Masters, a poetry writing class where students authored their own books, an introduction to Lego Robotics session, and introduction to drama class, The Magic of What to Say and How to Say it, a session that helps students learn to present captivating speeches on any topic, Sleuthing Logic and Mysteries, a session for young detectives, Smoothies and Snacks for cooking enthusiasts, The Loving Lens for budding photographers, a Young Inventors session and finally Babysitting Boot camp were students going into grades 6-9 were instructed by American Red Cross trained instructors and upon successful completion of the camp, earned their First Aid/CPR certification and American Red Cross Babysitting Certification.
The Enrichment Academy will be offering these sessions and more at Crossler and Parrish from August 10th - 13th. There is still time to sign up for the August camps, so don't miss out! Sign up today online at skeducationfoundation.org or drop by our office, Where the Sidewalk Begins, located at 233 Commercial St. NE.
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WHERE THE SIDEWALK BEGINS
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233 Commercial St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-364-2933
Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:30
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Directions
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First Wednesday at Where The Sidewalk Begins
AUGUST 5th 5-8 PM
Showcasing: Geometry and Health/Science projects provided by Washington Elementary third, fourth and fifth grade students.
Featuring: Please join us for a guest appearance by our newest member partner Mz. Jitterbug - Debra Seeck
She will be offering dance demonstrations and teaching FREE mini swing classes from 5-8 pm. Come down and join the fun!
Be sure to stop by our First Wednesday grill in proud partnership with Sodexo, where you can find hot dogs, cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches. Then step inside to grab a refreshing smoothie at the Smoothie Bar and check out the newest merchandise.
Great new Vendors arriving daily.
Student Gallery
Geometry and Health/Science Projects
Washington Elementary Students
Third grade students participated in a unit of study that integrated science and health curriculums. After learning about the body functions and systems, students demonstrated their understanding by writing reports and designing labeled diagrams.
Fourth and fifth grade classes created an artistic display after learning to identify and classify triangles by their angles and sides as well as finding and justifying relationships among formulas for the areas of triangles and parallelograms. In this project, students were able to create an artistic representation using geometry.
August Specials
New Vendors at Where the Sidewalk Begins -
Take the time to stop by and check them out!
Just a Few:
Pretty Tools - Tools designed with a woman in mind
Asian Eye - Unique wool, cotton and silk scarves
Jazzed - Handbags, boxed wallets and jewelry cases
The Box Girls- (Game style) Cards to create conversations
be.ology and Bella tee's - Fun prints and sayings
NEW VENDOR:
Asian Eye
Distinctive Scarves and Shawls
We are pleased to offer you a collection of exquisite textile arts. Asian Eye has searched the far corners of the world to select unique, one-of-a-kind items not available through mass market, conventional channels. In their devoted quest for universal beauty, they seek to bring a perfect harmony between traditional artistry and contemporary elegance.
Scarves, shawls and hats are Asian Eyes' specialty. They focus on the natural fibers of silk, fine quality wool and cotton. They have also developed relationships with many producers and workshops where scarves, shawls and hats are created with care and artistry. They select and specify styles, colors and designs based on the unique capabilities and traditions of the crafts-men and women.
Asian Eyes' broad selection of distinctive scarves, shawls and hats guarantees a delightful discovery for even the most discriminating tastes.
Another reason we are so proud to bring you this product is that Asian Eye believes in giving back as much as we do. A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to the Hope Project India, to support its education and health programs.
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GEC Member Partner Spotlight
Debra Seeck, Mz Jitterbug
GEC MEMBER PARTNER
The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation is pleased to welcome our newest member partner,
Mz Jitterbug.
Debra Seeck is joining our wonderful partnership and is offering our members a 20% discount when you sign up for a private lesson. This offer is good for a single or couple dance of your choice.
Debra has been teaching social dance to teens and adults, locally and across the United States since 1993. She is known for her articulate instruction and finesse in dancing. She teaches at workshops, festivals, and camps, as well as private and scheduled classes. Anyone is welcome to take lessons, from the double left footed beginner, to the world champion competitor; Debra will cater to any skill level.
She began her dance career as a child dancing to the polka, waltz, and fox trot. "I got my love for dance from my parents," Debra recalls. "I remember growing up in a small town where it was considered the norm to dance. Sadly, these days it is unusual to dance."
Before she started teaching dance, Debra was a very involved and successful fitness instructor for 20 years. Knowing she had a passion for being active and having fun doing so was what ultimately drove her to teach dance. "I love to entertain. That is why I loved teaching fitness. They are all very similar, but my true passion is dance," explains Debra. "Fitness shouldn’t be a chore. My motto is; 'Fun Fitness,' you should find something you love and do that to stay active."
"I moved to Salem in 1989 and continued to work as a fitness instructor. I was really interested in learning 'Lindy Hop' at the time because it was a dance on the rise and through the grape vines I found a wonderful teacher in Corvallis." It didn't take long until Debra was his lead partner and as a dance couple they started offering classes.
As a dance instructor, Debra has reached out to communities' nation-wide and transformed the contemporary mind to respect the art of dance. However, she wants to reach further, she wants to take her skills and offer them to more children. Her ultimate vision is to get into the schools. "I would love to get into the high schools and offer dance as an elective and as one of the before and after school programs," Debra explained. "Dance offers a lifelong talent and activity. That is something that kids don't get in their P.E. classes anymore. They learn short term sports skills that end as early as middle school if they don't make the 'cut.' With dance, you can do it alone, at any level you wish, for as long as your heart desires."
Anyone interested in meeting our wonderful new Member Partner is invited to join SKEF at the store front "Where the Sidewalk Begins," on the First Wednesday in August. Mz Jitterbug will be giving free Swing Dance lessons to anyone who stops by. We also invite you to visit Mz Jitterbug's website www.mzjitterbug.com to learn more about what Debra has to offer.
Welcome onboard Mz Jitterbug!
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Community Focus
CALLING ALL AWESOME SUPPORTERS!!
Salem-Keizer Education Foundation has a huge request. We are trying to get an archive of all 27 years of Awesome 3000 t-shirts (any size is fine). If you have any t-shirts in the years listed below that are in good condition and you would be willing to donate, feel free to bring them down to:
Where the Sidewalk Begins at 233 Commercial St. NE or call (503) 364-2933 to arrange for a pick up.
We would prefer they be participant t-shirts but if you have a volunteer one, we won't be picky! We'll even trade: Your needed t-shirt for a free Otis Spunkmeyer cookie!!
Thank you for your continued support and participation.
The years we are still in need of are:
2007, 2006, 1998, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1988, 1985, 1983
Willamette University Freshman Orientation Community Outreach
As part of the Universities' opening week orientation, it is a requirement for all the freshmen to participate in community outreach projects. This year there are approximately 38 projects in all; including one at the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation.
Most of these projects are within walking distance of the campus, in order to hopefully stimulate a connection that encourages the students to continue to give back after the initial contact.
Each team of students is made up of 14 freshmen and 2 upper classmen to help guide them through the process.
If you are available, feel free to drop by and meet some of this years' freshman class and check out the new things being done at the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation and Where the Sidewalk Begins.
For further information or if you would like to find out about organizing a similar project, please contact Khela at (503) 363-1651 or email ksinger-adams@unitedwaymvw.org
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Be The Difference
BECOME A SKEF VOLUNTEER
"When the story of these times gets written, we want it to say that we did all we could, and it was more than anyone could have imagined." - Bono, U2 Lead Singer
It's the human factor that makes SKEF so successful. Volunteer your time to help make a difference to a student, a teacher, or another friend in the community. SKEF volunteers come from all walks of life, including senior citizens, retired professionals, service organizations, business partnerships, and students.
Volunteer opportunities can include clerical work, assisting with a class or workshop and preparing outreach class supplies, or working on one of our many great special events like the AWESOME 3000 or Crystal Apple Awards. If you have a special talent or skill you want to share, we will create an opportunity for you.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for SKEF, please contact us at info@skeducationfoundation.org or call (503) 364-2933.
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SKEF Wish List
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Plain white copy paper
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Gift Cards for printer cartridges
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Sandwich board for sidewalk - Call for details
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Adding machine (printable)
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Ice machine
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Stamps
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Summer camp supplies:
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Empty 2 liter pop bottles
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Cereal boxes
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Wine corks
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Straws
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Duct tape
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Masking and regular tape
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Styrofoam trays
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Aluminum foil
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Paper clips-small and large
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Wood dowels (very thin)
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Used CD's
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9 volt batteries
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Scrap book paper
Feel free to drop them off at Where the Sidewalk Begins gallery/gift shop at 233 Commercial St. NE Salem, OR. 97301 or call at (503) 364-2933 to make other arrangements.
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Thank you for Investing in Awesome Kids!
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