JSEF Signal Article: March 2020

Happy April Fool’s Day.  I’m sure your day is filled with fun and frolic.  (Predictably online)  

Our monthly meeting was remarkably short.  We did cover a lot of topics, but because we managed to communicate from the computer-comfort of our home-based computers, we didn’t have the wherewithal to have all the fun joviality we usually do.  The online opportunity limited our conversations to only one speaker at a time—and that’s certainly not the way we usually enjoy out discussions. Thank you GoToMeeting!  

Nonetheless, we did have a funds-seeking guest!  Ms. Hayden joined us online to make her annual request for resources to help pay for the John Swett senior’s Advanced Placement tests. Man! Those tests are expensive, and many of the students take more than one of these AP tests.  It is always a brief discussion to approve investment in the future for our students. 

Also, we checked Mr. Odyniec’s request on Donors Choose for art supplies for his History/Geography classroom. His description of the circumstances of the class’s needs was almost poetry! He made it obvious and straightforward to see the importance of bringing art and artistic expression to the understanding of history.  All students need multiple methods exploring their understanding of the world—past and present.  And (as George Santayana wrote), “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. 

Every year in January students from Rodeo Hills Elementary take part in the “Reading Challenge” program. At the launch of the challenge, students submit ideas for a picture to be printed on the shirts—so every year has a unique design.  The PTA is proud of the accomplishments of the students; the kids are so proud to be awarded their prize for taking part; and JSEF is proud to be able to fund these T-shirts. 

We are taking part in a new fundraising opportunity – The Shoreline Festival sponsored by the Contra Costa County Resource Conservation District. The festivities, taking place on the Shoreline by the old Nantucket, will be held on May 30th.  It’ll be a chance for you to enjoy our world famous, delicious, delightful, debilitating lemonade. 

And, of course, the next big event will be Crockett’s Sugartown Festival on July 19th.  It’s the first fundraiser of our next fiscal year; You will be able to find us in our usual spot—halfway up Rolph on the west side of the street. We will offer beautifully refreshing lemonade for the youngsters, and “Pink” lemonade for those over 21 who like to spruce up their cups with something invigorating!

I encourage you to come to our next virtual meeting on April 20th, at 7:00 PM. If you’re interested please send a quick message to our President, Emma Sutton at emma.jsef@gmail.com for your GoToMeeting link. If you’re aware of anyone who wants to take a more active role in our efforts, encourage them to take action.  Our JSEF needs adults who care about education whether in or out of our district, with or without kids. We’re actively recruiting responsible residents to focus on the health of our community.  Check it out.  It’s rewarding.

Or visit us on our soon-to-be-updated website at www.johnsswettef.org  

Billie Davis, Director

JSEF Signal Article: February 2020

    The JSEF directors had a chance to meet on Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Once again we reflect on the impact Dr. King made on our country over 50 years ago. Now, of course, the John Swett School District can be proud that we teach students from all over the world, giving opportunity to kids from so many different backgrounds to “Have a Dream”.

    The Dream of JSEF is to be sure all our students have the support that is needed for them to have a successful future.  How do we do that? Well, we have fundraisers, of course. And you can see the results of the support you’ve given us.  We got the “lead” our of our mercury—and now you can see how the thermometers shot up to highlight how much you’ve donated to help our students achieve their dreams. 

    We’re in the second half of the school year, and we have a chance to fill those thermometers. You can easily donate by going to our website (below) and clicking on the “donate now” section. Although we won’t have that (grueling) fun run this semester, things are in the works for a 2021 springtime jog/walk/run that will be on a much more friendly course. Keep your eyes and ears tuned in for more information about that event.  

    However, we will be launching our 2020-21 school year fundraising efforts at the Sugartown Festival.  Of course, we’ll be there offering the lemonade you love.  You’ll be able to quench your thirst while supporting our schools.  

    And then there’s the Prom.  Mark your calendars for November 14th; you’ll be swept back to the “British Invasion” of the ‘60’s. Do you remember The Mod Squad?  Yellow Submarine? Alice’s Restaurant? The height of fashion can be found in antique clothing shops! It’ll be a Gas!     

    So, we are busy planning how best to support all the schools in our district.  We’re so proud that our small district is such a pearl of the bay area. It’s a blessing to be in such a unique setting. Huge oversized districts may be able to boast about their budgets. But we’re able to boast that over 80% of our net proceeds go back into our schools!   

That’s a Dream in which we can all take part. 

Come join us on February 17th (the third Monday as usual). (7:00PM in the district office.) Or visit us on our website at www.johnsswettef.org  

Billie Davis, Director