OUR MISSION . . .

The Stowe Education Fund (SEF) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support and enrich education in the Stowe public school system.  Through fundraising and community involvement, we will collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators and the community to achieve the short and long term educational goals of the Stowe schools.  SEF shares the belief that strong public schools are an essential asset to the quality of life and future well-being of our community.  Together we can help our children become productive, responsible and caring citizens.

WHAT SEF DOES . . .

By working collaboratively with the school administration, faculty, parents, members and businesses of our community, SEF's funding will enhance the existing educational opportunities for all Stowe students without increasing our local school budget, tthereby helping to suppress increases in community wide property taxes.   

OUR VISION . . .

In Stowe, the quality of education, the spirit of the community and the health of the economy are inextricably intertwined.  With the belief that an outstanding education is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, we will strive to provide grants for projects that promote excellence and an expanded educational experience.

Additionally, to ensure that our graduating students are able to comprehend and appreciate the complexities of a global economy, as well as contribute to and excel in their chosen field, the SEF will conduct ongoing research to identify additional skills that students will need to be successful.  An example of areas that could be explored are: expanded multi-lingual offerings that would include Asian studies, enhanced math and science programs, and additional team focused initiatives.

OUR PLAN . . .

Working with the community through increased school awareness, participation, pride and support, and relying on the commitment of its Board of Trustees, the Stowe Education Fund will embark on a three-year campaign to:

• Raise $1,500,000 over three years for an Endowment Fund through major and planned gifts (to yield $100,000 in annual grants when combined with existing endowment funds);
• Raise $200,000 per year for Annual Grant Allocations and operating costs through major gifts, sponsorships, special events, alumni and the resale shop, BeStowed.

Stowe Education Fund . . .
Our Chance to Make Things Better

Great news! In the past two years, the Stowe Education Fund has raised $270,000 toward the fundraising goals identified by a parent, teacher and administrator survey conducted in June 2005.  The generosity of many parents and the Stowe Community at large, has provided funding for the following important programs:

      1.       A reinstated Spanish language program at the Stowe  Elementary School for the 2006-2007 & 2007-2008 school years.
2.       A Summer Math Lab Program for 4th - 7th graders

      3.   Renovation of the 3 High School Science Labs

Our continued fundraising success depends on community support through monetary donations, merchandise donations to BeStowed, grants, volunteering on committees and/or in BeStowed.  

We wish to thank you for past support and look forward to a new year of working together to help our community’s children! 

This is our chance to improve our schools without affecting our taxes.  Please help us help Stowe students!  We want to hear from you.  Please contact SEF at 253-9300, stowfund@together.net or mail in the enclosed volunteer insert.

Sincerely,

Denise K. Gutstein, chair

SEF Funding enhances the existing educational opportunities for all children without increasing the local school budg et .

www.stoweeducationfund.org

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS 
(click on special events tab for more information)

• ANNUAL GALA DINNER & FUNDRAISER! -  "CASABLANCA"  We are now preparing for a spectacular Gala Dinner/Dance/Fundraising Event to be held on Saturday, May 17th, 2008 as the Opening Event for the magnificent Stowe Mountain Lodge.

THE STOWE EDUCATION FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer, Executive Director and Manager of BeStowed

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS: Jeff Dacales (SES Teacher), Jeff Maher (SHS Principal), Lisa Mihan (Parent), and Richard Smiles (SES Principal).

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS:  Donna Carpenter,  Terry Dwyer,  Elaine K. Nichols, Sara Slaymaker Yoskin, Alan  Thorndike