April 2008

Click here to view WCEF's 2006-2007 Annual Report

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
- Winston Churchill

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

Elementary (K-5)
Art
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...

WHY I GIVE

“It's important to support the local educational organization. I like that all of the schools are included from elementary to high school. The foundation joins together the community in support of an important cause -- educating our kids. It's vitally important, especially because of the instability of the funding from the state.”
- a WCSD parent

For more information or to donate visit wcefk12.org

Why should I donate now rather than in the Fall?
If WCEF can raise the majority of our funds in the Spring we can commit to the Districts to fund the requested programs. Donating now will also reduce the size of the check you have to write in the fall when there are so many other items you have to pay for. Finally, there are extended payment options available now if you want to spread your payment out.

What if I can't afford to give the requested donation of $500 per family?
We realize that not all families are able to give at the suggested donation level. We appreciate any amount you are able to donate, especially at this time when our funding is so critical to our schools.

Why is it important to donate to WCEF rather than just giving money to my child's school?
WCEF funds programs at all school sites. This is important as it maintains a quality and equitable educational program across the District for all students. Students from all five elementary schools end up together in classrooms at Walnut Creek Intermediate and Las Lomas High School. It is important that they all have a similar educational background. In addition, a donation to WCEF can assure parents with younger students that the quality programs at the Intermediate School and High School will still be there by the time their children attend.

Why can't the WCSD PTA/Os help fill in the budget gaps at our sites?
This is a resource and equity issue for our students. At the March 17th Walnut Creek School District Governing Board meeting, the Board addressed resource equity and what program cuts may be backfilled with PTA/PTO funds, Site funds etc. The Board's statement includes the following:

Parents who wish to support schools are encouraged to donate dollars to the Walnut Creek Educational Foundation (WCEF). WCEF will provide equitable distribution at all schools.

If schools choose to keep additional funds at the school which raised the funds, the Board would like the sites not to backfill district programs which would include ongoing personnel costs: teachers, custodians, coaches etc. If all schools agree to backfill a particular program and use site funds, then the Board would be amenable to this augmentation.

Finally, the Board appreciates the unique culture and environment of each of our schools. Sites may choose to fund special programs for each of their schools as has been done in the past.

What happens to the money WCEF raises if the budget cuts aren't as bad as everyone thinks they will be?
The budget cuts to the Districts are deep. The dollars WCEF raises will not be able to save all programs and staff. No one anticipates that the budget cuts to education will be reduced to zero, however if the Districts do receive more money from the State of California than expected they will be able to bring back other items on their cut lists. The Acalanes District (Las Lomas) has told the Foundations that if they receive more money from the state the District will reduce the amount the District needs from WCEF. This will allow us to fund some of the programs we have previously funded at Las Lomas (listed under Tier 2 or Tier 3 on our list of Programs we would like to fund).

How come parents are the only ones who donate? What about businesses?
The WCEF business campaign is active and ongoing. Click here to see our current business partners. We have many benefits available to our business partners. If you know of a business that would like to donate please contact Joanne Neuman at jneuman@wcefk12.org. We are also developing plans to reach out to community members that do not have school-aged children such as Rossmoor residents and alumni.

How do I find out if my company will match my donation to WCEF?
Matching funds from your employer are a great way to make your donation go even further. Click here to see if your company matches.

Are there other ways to donate to WCEF?
Our website lists many other ways to donate to WCEF including car donations. Click here to see other options.

How can I help?
It takes thousands of volunteer hours from people like you to complete the work of WCEF. There are many volunteer jobs, both large and small. Click here if you would like to help.

Have a different question? Email gcowdery@wcefk12.org