November was a particularly fun month for students, thanks to school grants from the Sunnyvale Education Foundation (SEF) in action across the district. Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the ways SEF has enriched our schools and empowered our students already this year, from exploring the wonders of science camp to delving into the world of performing arts.
The week of November 12, SEF volunteers got a first-hand look at the lessons learned in Sunnyvale Middle School’s cooking class, whose students worked in small groups to prepare pasta alfredo, then clean up and eat together. Culinary Arts teacher Mr. Herrera noted that cooking skills nourish pathways to family and cultural connections, healthier living, and career opportunities. SEF has provided funding and encouragement for the SMS cooking elective since its inception, and it was delightful—and delicious—to experience first-hand how much students are learning from this class.
Congratulations to Vargas thespians: You shone brilliantly on stage! SEF helped fund the fall production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr” performed at Vargas on Nov. 14 and 15, along with other upcoming theater performances in SSD, some of which would not be possible without a $30k+ contribution from SEF. Seeing the performers’ proud faces reminds us how meaningful these opportunities are, and how important it is that they are available to students across the district. Bravo to all who worked so hard to make this possible — especially to this fall’s cast and crew at Vargas.
On November 18, Bishop’s 5th-grade Bobcats were the first of the year to attend Walden West for a week of inspiring outdoor adventures at science camp. From redwood hikes to wildlife encounters, students enjoyed a world of discovery on this super-sized field trip. Other schools’ fifth grades will go later in the year. SEF’s partnership with the District to fund science camp collectively takes the burden of fundraising off our schools, teachers, and families. If you, like us, love science camp and believe in equitably funding it, here’s where you can chip in:
www.sunnyvaleeducationfoundation.org/donate.
Thanks for helping enable exciting opportunities for students all year long, inspiring them to learn, grow, and achieve.
