“The Safe School Ambassador program has been a fantastic, eye-opening experience for me. It astonished me that after only two days together, a small group of students could band together and actually make a difference at a high school. The training was phenomenal and I know that through the hard work of ambassadors and students alike, we can make schools a safe environment for everyone.”

~ Las Lomas Student Ambassador

WCEF Program Showcase

Las Lomas Program Targets Intolerance While Promoting Student Safety

Each day, a subtle but pervasive disease affects our nation’s schools, one that causes 160,000 students to stay home in fear. The fear of being bullied, excluded, insulted, harassed, teased or intimidated.

Determined to change the culture of intolerance, a group of committed Las Lomas students and their advisors have embraced a nationally recognized program called Safe School Ambassadors (SSA). “Our goal in participating in Safe Schools is to train and empower students to intervene with their peers to make our campus more welcoming to all students,” explains Principal Pat Lickiss. “We are striving to give students the tools to help one another.” Visit our website to read the rest of the article.

Parent Fundraising Campaign Update

One Ringy Dingy. Two Ringy Dingy.

If you received “the call” during our recent phone bank and still haven’t made your 2007/2008 school year donation, we’re still counting on you to come through! Our volunteers did a great job making calls – not a fun job, trust us! – and raised an additional $12,000. With the tremendous support from our parent community, we’ve almost reached our parent fundraising goal of $600,000 but we’re not there yet and continued funding for this year’s programs are at risk. We’d like to stop asking, but can’t until we reach our goal! If you haven’t given yet, give what you can today — donate online at wcefk12.org.

Community Campaign Update

Thanks to Teachers & Staff!

This year WCEF’s fundraising goal is to raise $20,000 from the non-parent community – alumni, friends of families and others who support education. To date we are more than half way to that goal. Thank you to the Walnut Creek School District Administrators (Principals and District Office Senior Staff) for their generous support. Also thank you to the many teachers who contribute to the Foundation’s efforts.

Business Campaign Update

Business Team Doubles its Efforts!

WCEF’s Business Team has been hard at work. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 in business donations and sponsorships. This is an increase of $60,000 over last year! Our Business Campaign Director, Joanne Neuman, her associate, Beth Needel and members of the Action Team are meeting with potential major donors to showcase the importance of WCEF-funded programs and how businesses can help. Visit our website wcefk12.org to view a listing of our Business Partners. We ask that you support the businesses that support our schools. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a Business Partner contact jneuman@wcefk12.org

Business Partner Profile

Rob Stankus:
Robert Anthony Strategic Marketing & Design

Rob Stankus is a WCSD parent, member of the WCEF Board of Directors, and tireless volunteer for the Foundation. His Walnut Creek-based company, Robert Anthony Strategic Marketing & Design has donated hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars of in-kind services to WCEF's communication effort. Our Parent Campaign materials, the Street Smarts Business Directory, our website, our logo, this newsletter and ongoing communications strategy and consulting are just some of the ways Robert Anthony has supported WCEF.

When not working on WCEF matters, Rob's full-service marketing communications firm provides strategic marketing planning and creative design services for both print and electronic communications. In business for over 20 years, Robert Anthony serves a broad range of business-to-business, consumer products, government and non-profit organizations.

Rob saw a need he could fill in our school community and stepped up to the plate. WCEF would not be where it is today without Robert Anthony 's support and Rob's dedication to the Foundation.

Be as generous as you can. Give what you can. Every donation counts, so please invest in our kids today.
Donate Now at wcefk12.org

WCEF • P.O. Box 186 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597


November 2007 PROGRAMS FUNDED: Elementary (K-5) Art Vocal Music P.E. WCI (6 – 8) Visiting Artist Program Campus Safety Supervisor Band & Art Supplies Homework Program After School Programs Assemblies 6th Grade Orientation (WEB) Health & Safety Las Lomas High School Career Center Crisis Counseling Instructional Materials Technology Science Supplies Computer Lab Assistant Teacher Grants Academic Decathalon Stadium Sound System Read more about the programs we fund... WHAT WCEF MEANS... “Of course we love and appreciate all the financial support the foundation has given us throughout the years but WCEF is not just about fundraising. When kids know that the community comes together to support them in their education it is a huge boost to their morale. I believe this is the most important reason to give.” Joel Kurtz 3-D Art Instructor Visual and Performing Arts Dept. Chair Las Lomas High School For more information or to donate visit wcefk12.org	Welcome! Welcome to the first issue of the WCEF newsletter. We hope that you’ll take a few minutes to see how your support is helping our kids, and what we’re doing to partner with the parent and business communities to make sure there’s continued funding for valuable student programs. This edition showcases the Safe School Ambassador Program, a WCEF-funded program at Las Lomas High School that trains students to help make their school safe through increased tolerance. In future editions, we’ll highlight programs at our intermediate and elementary schools. Contact me with suggestions for topics or with questions about WCEF. Glynnis Cowdery, WCEF President gcowdery@wcefk12.org
	“The Safe School Ambassador program has been a fantastic, eye-opening experience for me. It astonished me that after only two days together, a small group of students could band together and actually make a difference at a high school. The training was phenomenal and I know that through the hard work of ambassadors and students alike, we can make schools a safe environment for everyone.” ~ Las Lomas Student Ambassador WCEF Program Showcase Las Lomas Program Targets Intolerance While Promoting Student Safety Each day, a subtle but pervasive disease affects our nation’s schools, one that causes 160,000 students to stay home in fear. The fear of being bullied, excluded, insulted, harassed, teased or intimidated. Determined to change the culture of intolerance, a group of committed Las Lomas students and their advisors have embraced a nationally recognized program called Safe School Ambassadors (SSA). “Our goal in participating in Safe Schools is to train and empower students to intervene with their peers to make our campus more welcoming to all students,” explains Principal Pat Lickiss. “We are striving to give students the tools to help one another.” Visit our website to read the rest of the article. Parent Fundraising Campaign Update One Ringy Dingy. Two Ringy Dingy. If you received “the call” during our recent phone bank and still haven’t made your 2007/2008 school year donation, we’re still counting on you to come through! Our volunteers did a great job making calls – not a fun job, trust us! – and raised an additional $12,000. With the tremendous support from our parent community, we’ve almost reached our parent fundraising goal of $600,000 but we’re not there yet and continued funding for this year’s programs are at risk. We’d like to stop asking, but can’t until we reach our goal! If you haven’t given yet, give what you can today — donate online at wcefk12.org. Community Campaign Update Thanks to Teachers & Staff! This year WCEF’s fundraising goal is to raise $20,000 from the non-parent community – alumni, friends of families and others who support education. To date we are more than half way to that goal. Thank you to the Walnut Creek School District Administrators (Principals and District Office Senior Staff) for their generous support. Also thank you to the many teachers who contribute to the Foundation’s efforts. Business Campaign Update Business Team Doubles its Efforts! WCEF’s Business Team has been hard at work. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 in business donations and sponsorships. This is an increase of $60,000 over last year! Our Business Campaign Director, Joanne Neuman, her associate, Beth Needel and members of the Action Team are meeting with potential major donors to showcase the importance of WCEF-funded programs and how businesses can help. Visit our website wcefk12.org to view a listing of our Business Partners. We ask that you support the businesses that support our schools. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a Business Partner contact jneuman@wcefk12.org Business Partner Profile Rob Stankus: Robert Anthony Strategic Marketing & Design Rob Stankus is a WCSD parent, member of the WCEF Board of Directors, and tireless volunteer for the Foundation. His Walnut Creek-based company, Robert Anthony Strategic Marketing & Design has donated hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars of in-kind services to WCEF's communication effort. Our Parent Campaign materials, the Street Smarts Business Directory, our website, our logo, this newsletter and ongoing communications strategy and consulting are just some of the ways Robert Anthony has supported WCEF. When not working on WCEF matters, Rob's full-service marketing communications firm provides strategic marketing planning and creative design services for both print and electronic communications. In business for over 20 years, Robert Anthony serves a broad range of business-to-business, consumer products, government and non-profit organizations. Rob saw a need he could fill in our school community and stepped up to the plate. WCEF would not be where it is today without Robert Anthony 's support and Rob's dedication to the Foundation. Be as generous as you can. Give what you can. Every donation counts, so please invest in our kids today. Donate Now at wcefk12.org WCEF • P.O. Box 186 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Welcome!