SEF is on your site
Each year SEF grants more than $150,000 to the 10 Sunnyvale schools, divided among sites for each to use toward educational enrichment in ways that work best for their students. Below are some of the ways student learning was enriched at each school site in 2022-23 thanks to SEF and its donors.
Columbia Middle
At Columbia Middle in the 22-23 school year, funds helped students expand their organizational and study skills through school agendas; explore new interests and build friendships in the school play and student clubs, including the Chess Club; glimpse college opportunities on a field trip to UC Berkeley; compose music with Music First software; and grow their language skills using brand new Spanish language books for the dual immersion (Juntos) program.
Sunnyvale Middle
At Sunnyvale Middle in the 22-23 school year, SEF grants helped create a new space in the library for homework and after school activities; funded instruments and materials for the music program; supported band students’ travel to Los Angeles to accept an award; and sent students on field trips to the Tech Interactive (8th and 6th grades) and the California Academy of the Sciences (7th grade).
On these off-site learning excursions, aspects of students that we do not see in a school setting shine forth and the passion that may not be present in a school setting breaks free.
Principal, Sunnyvale Middle School
Bishop
Students got to sing in choir and try out theater in after school programs at Bishop, thanks to 22-23 SEF funds. Funding also expanded the school library, adding diverse and culturally responsive books as well as bilingual and “you read, I read” style books that families can check out and read together.
Cherry Chase
At Cherry Chase, 22-23 school grant funds went toward the new science classroom, where students are getting hands on learning through experiments and more. Microscopes and kid-friendly lab equipment bring concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to life.
Cumberland
Cumberland students got to experience a mobile STEAM museum in the 22-23 school year, where part of their campus was transformed for a day into interactive science exhibits. We love seeing all the smiles generated by these engaging activities!
Ellis
At Ellis, 22-23 SEF funds helped welcome families to the country through a Newcomer Parent Support group. School grants also supported students’ literacy and math skills. Students found new culturally responsive books in every classroom and the school library, as well as a new collection of books and software (Lexia English) geared toward English language learners. Students in 4th and 5th grade also received after school math enrichment through Math Olympics.
Fairwood
Fairwood’s new field trip locker is stocked up, ensuring that all students have the equipment needed to participate in field trips and overnight programs. Students are also benefitting from 30 new culturally responsive books in every classroom, thanks to 22-23 SEF grants. One student’s favorite from the new collection is Zuri Ray Tries Ballet!
Lakewood
Lakewood students get to pick from a range of new flexible seating options while enjoying new books that reflect diverse experiences, cultures, and identities. Grants from SEF in 22-23 also funded new easels to allow students to see teaching points as well as outdoor furniture for Lakewood’s garden. We all learn better when we are comfortable, and we’re excited to support Lakewood students in having seating, books, and garden produce that makes learning feel — and taste– wonderful.
San Miguel
From 22-23 SEF grants, San Miguel Sharks received STEAM materials to help kit out their new Makerspace, JEDI books (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion), and new signage to support school goals of inclusion and safety for all students.
Vargas
Students at Vargas visit the Maker Lab “several times a month,” according to Principal Armstrong. SEF funds were an essential part of Maker Lab’s launch in 2019, and in 2022-2023, SEF funds ensured that this space stayed well stocked with materials for exploration and learning. SEF 22-23 grants also brought students new picnic tables in the school garden, giving a space to hear lessons and record garden observations; a Buddy Bench so peers can support one another; and field trip transportation so that all students “have access to museums, zoos or other learning spaces,” per Principal Armstrong.
Across the district support
SEF funds programs that benefit students across the Sunnyvale School District.
Last year we stocked new books focused on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) in every SSD school library. These books mirror the lived experiences of our students and provide windows that build empathy and understanding for the experiences of others. Thanks to Sunnyvale Rotary for partnering with us to fund books that tell our students, “you belong here.”
SEF continues to be a strong supporter of field trips, and science camp is the biggest field trip of all.
As a capstone fifth grade experience, Sunnyvale School District students travel to Walden West in Saratoga for a week of immersive learning in the redwood trees. We’ve been raising funds to support this experience every year since our founding, and in the 22-23 school year, we asked SSD to partner with us to fund every single student at the district level, putting an end to individual fundraising that was disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged students and school sites. Now students across the district can enjoy this amazing learning experience without the stress of funding it.
Support SEF -> support students
Want to help ensure the above and more great programs for all students? Donate (or volunteer). Thank you for your continued support of an excellent enriched education for every child.
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