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| A newsletter from the Amherst Education Foundation • December 2011 |
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Amherst Education Foundation
The mission of the Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) is to support Amherst area public schools in providing a challenging and enriching educational experience that maximizes the learning potential of every student and prepares them to succeed in the 21st century.
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| The 2011 Trivia Bee was once again a phenomenal success, garnering praise and significant contributions towards AEF’s development goals. |
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| 2011 Trivia Bee a Wonderful Night! |
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| “I can’t believe I couldn’t think of that….,” chuckled one audience member.
Another whispered, “Do you know the answer to this one?”
“EXPELLIARMUS!!” hollered one Amherst Animagi contestant.
The whole auditorium was buzzing as the 2011 AEF Trivia Bee got underway.
Master of Ceremonies State Representative Ellen Story read the questions and kept the competition moving with the help of local pianist Susan Lowenstein. Judges Stan Ziomek, Judy Brooks, and Sharon Sharry made final decisions and selected teams with best costumes and best spirit. About 300 people watched, laughed, cheered, purchased raffle tickets and enjoyed refreshments throughout the night. There were 31 teams of 124 trivia players answering 15 unique questions during 3 rounds. |
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| Joe Latowski created challenging trivia questions like “What does the T stand for in James T. Kirk?” and “Brontophobia is the fear of what?” The winner of each round advanced to the finals responding to only 5 questions. This year’s Trivia Bee Champions are Greenfield Savings: Planning Board reps with team members Jonathan O’Keefe, Rob Crowner, Stephen Schreiber and Bruce Carson. Congratulations to all the participants for making the night a super success!
This 17th annual event raised over $7,000 led by an excellent committee of AEF members: Clare Bertrand, John Coull, Melinda Reid, Diana Spurgin, Sheila Heyer, Amy Brodigan and Mary Donoghue. The Trivia Bee was so much fun and a huge success.
T is for Tiberius and Brontophobia is fear of thunder. If you knew the answers, then start getting your team ready for next year! |
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| President's Greeting |
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 On the heels of AEF’s fun and successful 17th Annual Trivia Bee, I wondered about the etymology of the definition of the word “bee”, used to mean “community event.” We all know the bee – an insect worried about for its sting on playgrounds everywhere and referred to as a friend in an Emily Dickinson poem (“Bee! I’m expecting you!”). We admire the bee for its sweet honey and for its everlasting sense of collective responsibility. Yet, how did the word bee come to be used for community gatherings?
Wiktionary.com notes that “bee” has been used metaphorically for “busy worker” since the 1530s. Another meaning, “meeting of neighbors to unite their labor for the benefit of their number,” first appeared in American English in 1769. This was eventually extended to other meanings (e.g., spelling bee, which was first used in 1809).
The AEF Trivia Bee is certainly a “meeting of neighbors!” It’s an exciting event where hundreds of community members come together to support our schools. In this sense, almost everything AEF does is a bee! Everyone involved with AEF, from board members to volunteers to our donors, is a member of our hive and we are so proud to be a part of this community.
AEF is working hard to support our schools by raising funds and making grants. We invite you to join us in that effort. In this season of appreciation, it’s your enthusiasm for high quality education that continues to cheer us on. So on behalf of the AEF board and volunteers, thank you for your support and best wishes in this Holiday Season.
With best wishes for the New Year,
Erika Zekos
AEF President |
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AEF Donor Profile Julie Bermant
AEF: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your life in Amherst?
JB: I am a Nurse Practitioner working for Baystate Health. I have lived in the Valley since 1987. I have a daughter in high hchool. I enjoy contra dancing with my husband, hiking and quilting. My mother moved to Amherst in 2009 after living in Maryland for 40 years.
AEF: AEF is grateful for your contribution last spring in memory of your mother. Can you explain why you chose to make a donation in her name?
JB: My mother felt very strongly about education. She was a refugee from Belgium and the first in her family to go to college. She went on to get a Master’s Degree as an adult, as did my father. My mother was very supportive of my education, including a post-master’s that I took within the past few years. My mother died while on a hike with me on Mother’s Day, and I have been exploring ways to honor her. She had a long list of organizations she supported, and I have been particularly interested in donating to causes that were important to both of us. AEF felt like a natural fit, since my daughter is in the school system and was well loved by her grandmother.
AEF: What do you hope AEF accomplishes with your gift?
JB: Amherst is blessed with many inspired teachers. I would like to support them in doing the best work they can do by providing financial resources to encourage their creativity.
AEF: Is there anything else you’d like to share that has not been mentioned?
JB: My mother left me with many blessings. I want to share some of them with my community. I like the idea of “paying it forward” and my mother made it easier for me to do so.
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| Perfect Holiday Gifts for Teachers and Staff |
| It’s the time of year when we get to show our appreciation for the people who make a difference in our children’s lives. A donation to AEF in honor of a teacher or staff member is quick, easy, and might be more meaningful than another mug.
An ARMS middle school teacher said, “When a student does well, it’s a reflection of years of work by many teachers. Getting a gift is always a nice appreciation, but this is even better because it recognizes and supports all the schools.” A parent with children in two different ARPS schools said, “When I start thinking about all of the people who help my kids at school – the teachers, front office staff, guidance counselors, principals – the list is long! Making gifts to AEF in each of their names is so convenient that I can actually thank everyone on my list!”
Teacher and staff appreciation donations can be made through the mail or online. The teachers and staff you recognize will each receive a personalized card acknowledging your gift without reference to the donation amount.
Appreciation donations must be received by December 19th so that cards can be delivered before the holiday recess. |
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Behind the Scenes
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| The AEF Allocations Committee spent much of the fall spreading the word about AEF’s new Excellence Grants Program. Because this is a new program, committee members felt it was important to make sure that all school administrators, staff, and partners were aware of this tremendous opportunity to fund initiatives that provide a challenging and enriching educational experience for all students. Committee members met with teachers and principals, shared information at staff meetings, presented at School Committee meetings, and emailed the request for proposals to all District employees. It was also covered locally in the Amherst Bulletin.
The Committee was pleased to receive nine proposals as of December 1st. Proposals came from a variety of sources, and included school building level initiatives, grade-wide activities, and specialized services. Potential grant activities cover a range of important and engaging areas, including professional development for teachers, summer school supports, physical education, the science curriculum, and textbooks. The committee expects to fund two to four proposals that impact student achievement in grades K-12. The Allocations Committee is finalizing the Review Committee, which will be made up of the five Allocations Committee members along with three at-large members representing local businesses, non-profit groups and educators. The Committee will meet to review proposals in January, with possible applicant presentations during February. Final decisions will be announced by April 1st. Stay tuned! |
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