2016 2017 Enhancing learning experiences for Upper Dublin students OUR IMPACT Cardinal Opportunities Eighteen high school students benefited from the Cardinal Opportunities mentoring program in 2016-2017. This year, the program had four graduates three who will be attending college in the Fall. The program strives to provide Upper Dublin High School students a better chance to succeed with the assistance of supportive, objective and caring community volunteers. The mentors help the students prepare for the world of high school, post-secondary education or employment. The goals of this program include: empowering students to use their potential, exposing students to options and opportunities, helping students focus on the future, assisting students in exploring realistic goals, helping students develop self-esteem and encouraging enriching experiences. Cardinal Opportunities receives funding from United Way contributions and, this year, was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Greenfield Foundation. CentennialX This year, UDEF funded an Upper Dublin team for the CentennialX program, a summer incubator/accelerator for students to develop new ideas and products that solve "real world" problems in our communities. The students work in groups, under the guidance of teacher leaders and industry professionals, to generate ideas and potential solutions to challenges given to them by professional partners.
2 The Upper Dublin Education Foundation 2016-2017 Highlights Education Grants During this school year, we awarded 17 grants totaling more than $22,000 funding unique learning opportunities throughout the district. The UDEF Grant program encourages innovation and helps fund resources that are not addressed in existing school district programs. Programs funded 2016-2017: Marcia Cherry (MGES): Standing Desks for Enhanced Learning Trish Chialastri (JES): Focus-Seated Sensory Input Elementary Schools Art Departments: The Frida Kahlo Traveling Art Exhibit Lisa Fantini (Robbins Park/Elementary Students/UDHS): Technology in the Park Amy Gelman (JES): Xorbee Sensoree Loungers Nicole Gerhart (MGES): Students are on the Ball Ron Hillman (UDHS): Collaboration & Creativity Centers Gary Hite (SRMS): Locked Box Mysteries Mary Jane Lyons (UDHS): UDHS Innovation & Maker Space Eva Morrison (SRMS & UDHS): Yom Hashoah Survivor Speaker Jennifer Ruiter/Debbie Bonk (JES): Buddy Bench Doug Sample (UDHS): Resonance Patterns with Chladni Plates Richard Smith (UDHS): STEM Guitar Building John Tralie (UDHS - Elementary Schools): Elementary School Robotics Program Tina Tofel (SRMS): Special Olympics Banner Mitchell Will (All Elementary Students): Bill Harley Author Concert Randi Windheim (TFES): Keep Moving to Stay Alert, Engaged and Focused
3 The Upper Dublin Education Foundation 2016-2017 Highlights Greenfield Youth Film Festival This year, 20 high schools in the Philadelphia region participated in the Greenfield Youth Film Festival, a partnership between the Greenfield Foundation, UDEF and the School District of Upper Dublin. The program includes a full-day academic workshop led by industry experts and college professors and culminates with an Academy Awards-style evening. Designed to educate students about the many facets of filmmaking, the program supports and guides students as they create their own short films and gives them a platform for creative expression. The Greenfield Youth Film Festival (GYFF) is made possible through a $100,000 grant from the Greenfield Foundation. North Hills Education & Recreation Center With the help of a Community Development Block Grant ($30,000) and funding from the School District of Upper Dublin and the Township of Upper Dublin, the North Hills After School and Teen Program served more than 56 children ages 6-19, helping to level the playing field for children in need in our community. In addition, the Greenfield Foundation awarded UDEF a generous $25,000 grant to help fund this crucial program. In 2016-2017, our certified teachers and aides provided more than 1,300 hours of academic assistance and homework support; more than 1,260 hours of access to our computer lab, internet and printers; about 700 hours of reading and literacy support; more than 600 hours of supervised recreation; and almost 1,100 hours of mentoring services. The North Hills Summer Camp offers academic continuity through a 5-week summer program. In the summer of 2016, we provided more than 50 students with 2,000 hours of academic programing from certified teachers; nearly 1,000 hours of reading and literacy programming and more than 3,000 hours of supervised recreation and fun
4 The Upper Dublin Education Foundation 2016-2017 Highlights Scholarships UDEF awarded $11,000 in scholarships in 2017 to the following students: Cody Milewski, Cardinal Opportunities Scholarship Dylan Startzel, Cardinal Opportunities Scholarship Michael Cottom, Cardinal Opportunities Scholarship Daniel Klugman - UDEF Music Award Kingsley Stroh - UDEF Music Award Nina Cheng- UDEF Scholarship Eunjin Kim- UDEF Scholarship Brian Kaufmann- Bobby McIlvaine Award Emma Barsky UD Medal Winner Scholarship Philip Dowell UD Medal Winner Scholarship Upper Dublin High School Alumni Hall of Fame Twenty-one alumni were inducted into the inaugural class of the Upper Dublin High School Alumni Hall of Fame on March 24, 2017. The program, co-sponsored by the School District and the Upper Dublin Education Foundation, celebrates the success of Cardinal alumni while providing positive role models and promoting excellence and inspiration for our current students. The induction event included a forum for students to interact with the distinguished alumni during assemblies and classes throughout the day. The 2017 inductees were selected according to six categories: Arts, Entertainment and Communications; Business and Law; Education; Government and Military; Medicine, Science and Technology; and Philanthropy and Community Service. The creation of the Alumni Hall of Fame was first announced in March 2016. The community was encouraged to nominate alumni who have achieved distinction, an outstanding accomplishment or have made a significant contribution within their professions, in their communities or in the world. The next class of the UDHS Alumni Hall of Fame will be inducted in 2019.
5 The Upper Dublin Education Foundation 2016-2017 Highlights FUNDRAISING EVENTS We are grateful for your support Music in Our Schools Concerts (2/28, 3/2/17) More than 500 students, in all levels of musical instruction - elementary, middle, and high school - performed on the same stage, highlighted by a spectacular grand finale. The Choral Concert served as a tribute to popular music of the 1970s. The Instrumental Concert featured the music of famed composer John Williams. Proceeds from the concerts -- $13,530 -- benefit the district s music program through the purchase and repair of instruments, music accessories and software. Monte Carlo Night (3/11/17) Organized by the Upper Dublin Township Commissioners in partnership with UDEF, the 4 th Annual Monte Carlo Night benefitted UDEF with $21,640 in net income. The other half of the proceeds went to local charities selected by the Upper Dublin Board of Commissioners including the UD Committee on Teenage Alcohol & Substance Abuse (CoTASA), Friends of the Upper Dublin Public Library, and the UD Township Open Space and Cheston Funds. More than 250 guests enjoyed casino games with professional dealers, bidding on silent auctions, and wining, dining and dancing at the beautiful Mercedes-Benz dealership of Fort Washington. Top sponsors included Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington; Aquinas Realty Partners, The Goldenberg Group and Guidi Homes; BET Investments - Dublin Terrace; Boles, Smyth Associates; D Huy Engineering, Inc. and McMahon Associates; Toll Brothers - Regency at Upper Dublin; and Wisler Pearlstine LLP.
6 The Upper Dublin Education Foundation 2016-2017 Highlights Foundation Day (5/3/17) George s Market at Dreshertown hosted Foundation Day, an annual fundraiser that has been a community tradition for 19 years. Building awareness about UDEF, this fun-filled day for the community showcased Upper Dublin student performances and STEAM demonstrations, and featured beloved educators bagging groceries and scooping ice cream. Refreshments were provided at super low prices. George s generous support totaled $9,160 this year, which includes a donation from George s, vendor contributions and food proceeds. Upper Dublin Medals Program (5/17/17) Hosted with the School District of Upper Dublin, Upper Dublin Township and the Fort Washington Business Alliance, the 33rd Annual Upper Dublin Medals Reception and Ceremony celebrated extraordinary members of our Upper Dublin community. This inspirational event brought in a net revenue of $8,902. The 2016-2017 winners are: Citizen, Ken Foster; Non-profit, Community Ambulance Association, Ambler; Educator, Esther Miller; and Students, Emma Barsky & Philip Dowdell. Major event sponsors included BET Investments; George s Shop n Bag; Temple University Ambler, with additional support from the Ambler Area YMCA; Boles, Smyth Associates; Kirkland Printing & Business Solutions; and Timoney Knox, LLP. Triathlon (5/21/17) UDEF is grateful for the Upper Dublin Township Commissioners commitment to public education. The 2016 Upper Dublin Triathlon raised $13,750 for our Foundation.
7 The Upper Dublin Education Foundation 2016-2017 Highlights COMMUNITY SUPPORT We couldn t do what we do without our community s generosity In addition to the funds raised at our special events, UDEF relies on contributions from government grants, foundations, businesses, and individuals to support our wide range of programs. UDEF FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS (non-event) Annual Appeal $ 13,400 Bricks/Pavers $ 4,450 Staff Tribute $ 2,450 LARGE GIFTS (>$2,000) Greenfield Foundation $125,000 Joseph Alexander Foundation $ 10,000 Ben and Rebecca Kirshner Philanthropic Fund $ 10,000 Christine and Lawrence Smith Charitable Trust $ 10,000 Adam Warkow Memorial Fund $ 10,000 Joshua Lamburg $ 5,000 Upper Dublin Chinese Association $ 3,300 MISCELLANEOUS Community Development Block Grant $ 30,000 United Way $ 3,787 EITC: BB&T Bank $ 2,500 Company Match Programs $ 1,327 Recycle Bank $ 953 Amazon Smiles $ 223