Spring Branch Education Foundation's (SBEF) mission is to provide resources to enhance the quality of education for every student in the Spring Branch Independent School District. The Foundation also provides the vehicle for approved, tax-deductible gifts by donors.
Thank you, SBISD community! With your help, Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) has had a successful first semester. Please take a moment to read about ways SBEF has helped Spring Branch ISD and its 33,000 students.
Awarded Exciting Grants to Campuses and District
The Foundation granted more than $64,000 to SBISD schools and programs this fall:
· District-wide – SBISD Spelling Bee support
· Bendwood Elementary – Wonder and Wisdom: A Spring Branch Education
· Cedar Brook Elementary – Action-based Learning
· Cornerstone Academy – Team CSA Cycling
· Edgewood Elementary – Reading and Math Together—Expanding Peer Tutoring
· Frostwood Elementary – Kindles for 21st Century Third Grade Readers
· Houseman Elementary – Reading and Math Together—Expanding Peer Tutoring
· Memorial Drive Elementary – Empowering Primary Grades with iPads
· Northbrook Middle – Sharing Sand, Sculpting, and Lots of SBISD students
· Ridgecrest Elementary – Weather Wise Roadrunners
· SBISD Council of PTAs – Scholarships for Seniors
· Stratford High – Student Planners
· Thornwood Elementary – Fourth Grade Goes to JiJi Math
· Valley Oaks Elementary – Valley Oaks Connect Program
· Spring Branch Education Foundation – Fund for the Future endowment
SBEF’s next call for grants will be in February 2012.
Conducted a Successful SBEF Employee Campaign
More than 800 SBISD employees contributed to SBEF’s 2011-12 Employee Campaign. The Foundation has increased scholarships to $1500 for students who graduate from SBISD and whose parents are SBISD employees. We anticipate awarding more than $60,000 in scholarships to May 2012 graduates!
Continued Building the Fund for the Future Endowment
Fund for the Future (FFF) Endowment will provide a perpetual source of income for SBEF. The endowment principal will be preserved, while earned Income will be used to fund future programs for SBISD students. SBEF has raised $705,386toward a $1 million goal. This year, the Board of Directors allocated a generous gift of $50,000 from the Nancy D. Palm estate to FFF. Endowment funds are being conservatively invested with the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
Hosted a Successful Golf Tourney
The 16th annual Fall Classics golf tournament, chaired by Roy Montalbano, attracted 36 teams and grossed $113,000! Revenue from this event helps fund grants that are awarded to the district and individual schools in the fall (see above) and spring.
Hosted the First – and Most Likely – Annual Style Show & Luncheon
SBEF’s inaugural fashion show was a huge success with 348 people admiring the latest styles modeled by SBISD moms. Wendy Moreland chaired the event with help from Dimensions, Norris of Houston Hair Salon and Stella & Dot, Kim Morse. Proceeds benefit the 19th annual Crystal Awards Gala.
Partnered with the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum to Create Holiday Cards
SBEF and AYAM introduced holiday cards to SBISD shoppers. Five designs, selected from student artwork, were made into greeting cards that honored recipients while contributing to SBEF and AYAM programs. Congratulations to the students whose designs were chosen: Georgia Harper, Wilchester Elementary School; Caroline Kelly, Stratford High School; Odalis Medellin, Hollibrook Elementary School; Lizbeth Lopez, Hollibrook Elementary School; Maria Ponce, Northbrook Middle School.
Save the Dates for 2011-2012 Special Events - You are invited!
· Friday, March 2, 2012 – 2012 Crystal Awards Gala, co-chaired by Becky and Mike Robertson, Hyatt Regency, Houston, 1200 Louisiana St. Crystal Awards are presented to four outstanding educators nominated from throughout eight Gulf Coast counties; the Gala also recognizes Teachers of the Year from each SBISD campus. Revenue from the event benefits special programs for SBISD students and the Houston Chronicle’s Readers are Leaders program.
· Saturday, April 28, 2012 – 20th annual Running for the Arts, chaired by LaSondra Frenza. Proceeds from the community festival provide cultural arts field trips for SBISD students in elementary and middle schools and benefit the Health Fitness Teachers Association, which sponsors college scholarships for students, teacher scholarships for professional development, community awareness programs and more.
As you are planning your end-of-the-year giving, please remember SBEF and the students it serves. Our mission is to enhance the quality of education for every student in SBISD. In doing so, the Foundation provides donors like you with a vehicle for making tax-deductible gifts to SBISD. You may send a check to SBEF, 955 Campbell Road, Suite 206, Houston, TX 77024, or
click here to make a donation electronically. Thank you!