News From LEF
Spring 2010

We've been very busy at the Lexington Education Foundation  this spring reviewing our Program Grant and Summer Fellowship requests along with celebrating at our annual Gala where we raised more than $70,000 for grants.   We are also happy to introduce our Executive Director, Deb Jackson.  Read about our past and on-going activities and how to support LEF.

Sincerely,
Elisabeth Donahue and Deb Rourke
LEF Co-Presidents


Deb Jackson hired as Executive Director

We are delighted to announce that Deborah Jackson has accepted the position of LEF Executive Director.

Many of you have already had the pleasure of working with Deb in her many Lexington incarnations, such as leading the Cary Library strategic planning process, consulting to the Dance Inn, co-managing the Lexington Farmer's Market, serving as a member of the Lexington Human Rights Commission, and co-founding and facilitating "Lexington Listens," to encourage town-wide dialogue,   not to mention her stint sourcing and securing restaurants and caterers for Educated Tastes!

In addition to her clear commitment to Lexington, Deb brings a broad background in organizational effectiveness, human resources, marketing, and operations to her new position. Deb has a talent for building and maintaining relationships, supporting cross-organizational partnerships, and building consensus.  

Please join us in welcoming Deb! 

 

LEF Grant Update

The Grant Review Committee reviewed 25 applications for LEF Program Grants. Program Grants fund dynamic classroom and curriculum projects and professional development opportunities for educators. LEF evaluates each application to determine whether the proposed grant meets LEF's funding criteria and is an effective use of its limited funds. Partial funding may be rewarded when sufficient funds are not available. All applicants were advised of funding decisions in May.

 

For more information about all Grant options, criteria or application forms, "Click here" 

STARs - THE PERFECT GIFT
When you donate $20 or more to the Lexington Education Foundation's Staff Teacher Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) program, we send a handsome certificate to the educator you wish to honor. STAR certificates tell your favorite educators you appreciate them in a way that benefits all the children of Lexington Public Schools. 
The certificate includes your name without specifying the dollar amount of the gift. STARs can be awarded to individuals or teams. 

 Contribute online or by mail through the LEF Website by clicking on the Star

A Celebration for Education Raises $70K for Grant Programs
 
Thank you to generous community members and area businesses whose contributions and support helped make the event a great success.
The Westin Waltham rocked as the Lexington community came out for a good time and a great reason-supporting our wonderful schools. 

 

The evening of dining, dancing, and donating was a great success-resulting in net proceeds of approximately $70,000 from the live and silent auctions, program book sponsorships, and ticket sales!   

 

 

In addition to the significant funds raised, spirits soared as friends and neighbors hit the dance floor to the fabulous (and free) tunes of French Lick with our very own Michael Tzannes on keyboard.

 

Please share the news of LEF with a friend.

 

Please consider forwarding this e-newsletter to friends and community members and encouraging them to join the list.  

In an effort to use our resources more wisely and to be environmentally sensitive, LEF will be relying on e-communication to share the good news of the support for the Lexington Public Schools. By encouraging your friends and neighbors to join the e-newsletter list, we will be able to dedicate more of the LEF resources to the competitive grant programs that fund innovative initiatives outside the school operating budget. Thank you!

Founded in 1989, the Lexington Education Foundation is an independent 501 (c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to funding high quality grants that bring fresh ideas, new technology and innovative instruction into the classrooms of all nine Lexington Public Schools.  Since its inception, LEF has awarded more than $2.9 million to Lexington educators through our competitive grants program.  For more information about LEF, please visit our website at http://www.lexedfoundation.org or call 781-372-3288.