Fall 2011 (pdf) - Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

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The Learning Foundation from a newcomer 's point of view... I have been working in The Learning Foundation for just over a year, and it truly has been a learning experience. I have worked in school settings for most of my twenty-seven year career and was not aware of the existence of The Learning Foundation. I became aware of the funding available to students in need just before I began working in the Learning Foundation office. I knew that the schools received funding for school nutrition programs, assuming it came from the Board of Education. I did not know that The Learning Foundation was a separate entity housed at the Education Centre. At the school where I worked, we had a student in need of medical treatment, which the parent could not afford. I found out that the school could apply to the Student Emergency Fund to help with these costs. This is when I became aware of the Learning Foundation and its vision of providing opportunities for all students to be successful. I was impressed how quickly our request was processed and that we actually had a venue to help students in need. After coming to work in the Learning Foundation, I was able to pass along my new found knowledge to my peers in school offices who I knew were looking for ways to help students in need. Many of my peers welcomed this information, since they also were not aware of The Learning Foundation and the role it plays in helping the students of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. I was, with the support of Maribeth, able to put together a package for all school principals to share with their staff to educate them in the vision and mission of The Learning Foundation. I believe that we play an important role, as we believe that all children deserve to have the same opportunities. I know that most schools will endeavour to support their students as best they can, but funds are not always available. Having the support of The Learning Foundation, whether for nutrition programs, sports equipment, or monetary assistance for students in need means that we are fulfilling an important role and the responses received for our support speaks for itself. What the Learning Foundation does is extremely important, especially in these economic times. Knowing that I can contribute to the Foundation along with many generous people in our local communities to help students in need, makes me feel good about where I work. Marg Walker Fundraising Assistant STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND REQUESTS 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 # of requests as of June 25 77 155 208 # of requests for food (at home) 27% 21% 15% # of requests for clothes/shoes 27% 21% 28% # of requests for team/trip fees 38% 38% 28% # of requests for eyeglasses 8% 8% 4% # of requests for essential items (includes soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.) Student Emergency Fund 10% 18% 14% # of requests for medical needs - - 11% TOTAL FUNDS DISTRIBUTED $14,339.00 $32,549.00 $33,220.00 2
The Importance of these Programs! Working with The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation has provided me with an unexpected education. When my family moved to the area nine years ago, I didn’t know what to expect. Getting to know the community has opened my eyes to the various situations children and their families are living with, and the resilience they have to continue moving forward. It is astonishing how much food is purchased, and served to children and youth, through our Food for Learning programs each year. Acknowledging that children do not have access to enough healthy food was the first step, because we don’t always ‘see’ hunger. We now provide food, at school, to over 11,000 students every year. We know that children cannot learn effectively if they are hungry, and that their hunger may also impact their behaviour, social interactions and even attendance at a school. Food for Learning programs are there to provide nourishment to any student, so that they can all reach their full potential. The Student Emergency Fund is also a program of the Learning Foundation and is in place to help level the playing field for local students and ensure that they can participate fully in everything their school has to offer. Through the Student Emergency Fund, immediate basic needs are met, food at home, clothing, glasses, medication and much more. Also through the Student Emergency Fund, the Learning Foundation continuously collects personal hygiene products for high school students – everything from soap, shampoo, and deodorant to laundry detergent and feminine hygiene products. I have learned that once people in our area are aware of the needs, they are eager to help. For example, I shared this need with the members of my sorority chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in Trenton. Realizing that local students were going without some of these everyday items really touched their hearts. These ladies are very generous and cannot bear to think that young people in our community do not have access to some of these items that most of us take for granted. For the past three years we have collected an impressive amount of various personal hygiene products and donated them to Trenton High School. Last year, a second chapter heard about what we were doing and they too wanted to help so they collected items for Bayside Secondary School. On a regular basis Beta Sigma Phi members will approach me and ask – What do the schools need this year?, my answer is usually ‘Everything’. This year, both chapters will continue to support this worthy cause. I have learned many things from The Learning Foundation: • Many local children are living without and this impacts their self esteem. • There is a distinct difference between rural and urban poverty. • In our rural area there is a great deal of pride associated with caring for our families and asking for help is difficult. • There is a gap between what is really happening in our community and the general awareness of that reality. • Members of our community are generous and eager to help • The Learning Foundation’s programs are making a difference. It is a pleasure to work with The Learning Foundation – every day we help students and every day I count my blessings. Kellie Brace Student Nutrition Program Coordinator Food for Learning programs continue to thrive in Hastings and Prince Edward counties. Through our breakfast, snack and lunch programs, students can access healthy food throughout the school day. Every day, the staff in our local schools experience the benefits of having their students receive the nutrition they need to learn – they see behaviour improve, positive social interactions, increased self esteem…. and lots of smiles! Last school year, 2010-2011, Food for Learning: • Helped to support 151 breakfast, snack and lunch programs • Provided 691,588 meals and snacks • Involved 79 Schools and alternative education sites • Had 11,624 students participate • Is grateful to the 979 volunteers who gave 23,365 hours of their time to make it all possible 3
Page 1: A Learning Experience I’ve learne
Page 5 and 6: 2011 Holiday Appeal Dear Friend, On
Page 7 and 8: Working Together Through funding pr
Page 9 and 10: Thanks to All of Our Donors Friend

Fall 2011 (pdf) - Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

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