| | Published August 18th, 2010
| Changes for Lafayette's Education Foundation
| | By Jean Follmer | | |
The Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation (LASF) - Lafayette's education foundation - will turn 30 during the 2010/11 school year. Thirty years ago, LASF was started to fill the state funding gaps in the arts and sciences. Over the years, LASF has grown to respond to the needs of the Lafayette School District and community. While staying true to the Arts and Sciences, LASF also provides extensive support in the areas of: Music and Drama, Health, Math, Humanities and Technology. Whether it's assisting Stanley students to create Egyptian sarcophagi, teaching California and Lafayette History at the elementary level or facilitating the Mock Trials and Academic Decathlon at Acalanes, LASF provides consistent support to meet the needs of Lafayette students.
For the last several months, LASF has worked diligently with the K-12 Parent Organizations (PTA, PFC, PC) to determine how to best meet the ever-increasing funding needs of the Lafayette School District. Annual reductions in revenue from the State of California have resulted in shortfalls that have left the District in the difficult position of making cuts to highly valued programs. That has made dollars from LASF and parent organizations increasingly more vital.
As formal Partners in Education (PIE), LASF and parent organizations are aligning their fundraising efforts by rolling out the Annual Giving Campaign this fall. At registration day this year, LASF and parent organizations will be side by side in a community effort to raise money for the Lafayette schools, answer questions and demonstrate the palpable strength of the Lafayette PIE. LASF President Maureen Bagley is heartily enthused about the cohesiveness of the PIE. "I think we're going to see a payoff this fall in more ways than just dollars donated...we hope to see more families contributing and we hope that our summertime publicity efforts give parents and the whole community a better understanding of how their contributions make an immediate impact on their children's school experience," said Bagley.
The parent organizations share Bagley's enthusiasm. "It's been exciting working with so many organizations within the community - LASF, the school parent organizations, and the Lafayette school district and board. The enhanced partnership will really benefit the kids and that's what it's all about," said Stanley PTA President Doreen deRoque.
This year, LASF plans to host a 30th birthday celebratory community festival right after the Lafayette Reservoir Run. The festival will include a variety of performers and activities for children and their families to enjoy. LASF will also be giving itself a 30th birthday present - a new name, which is being kept under wraps for now.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA