Lakewood Schools Committee / Lakewood Education Foundation

2010 Teacher Grants Set New Record

2011-01-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to announce that, thanks to the hard work of our members and generosity of our supporters, we were able to give $32,000 in grants to a record 95 teachers from 21 schools. Our previous high was 81 teachers in 2009.

Since the grant program began in 2003, we have now given $144,080 in grants to 432 Lakewood teachers.

The Lakewood Education Foundation and Lakewood Schools Committee continue to grow every year and we are having a real and direct impact on the quality of education our kids receive in Lakewood.

Save the dates for our fireworks stand fundraiser, July 1-4, 2011, and our annual golf tournament on October 10, 2011 (Columbus Day).

Thank you very much for your continued support!

Legislative Success on Interdistrict Transfers!

2010-09-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

EDUCATION: Students won't need to refile each year once enrolled.By Pamela Hale-Burns, Staff WriterPosted: 09/28/2010 07:23:26 PM PDTUpdated: 09/28/2010 07:42:31 PM PDT LAKEWOOD - For years the city of Lakewood has fought the uphill battle of interdistricting, eliminating the need to refile annually to attend out-of-district schools. The city's battle was won on Sept. 23, when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 2444 into law. The bill, authored by Assemblyman Warren T. Furutani (D-South Los Angeles County), will allow a student to continue to attend the school in which they are enrolled once a transfer permit has been approved. In many school districts in California, interdistrict transfers are granted for one year. So, each year parents and students must go through the transfer process, even if the student has already been granted the transfer for previous years. "This issue was first brought to my attention by constituents who reside in Lakewood and sought consistency and stability in the schools their children attend," Furutani said. "I thank Governor Schwarzenegger for signing AB 2444 and streamlining the interdistrict transfer process for California's students." Education in Lakewood is managed by the four school districts within the city's boundaries: ABC, Bellflower, Long Beach and Paramount. "Over the years, many Lakewood families have suffered by not knowing year to year whether school district transfers that had been approved the prior year would be re-approved the next year," said Lakewood Mayor Joseph Esquivel. "That kind of uncertainty was unfair to Lakewood families and not good for their children's education."The bill, which passed out of the California State Senate and the California State Assembly with unanimous support, will be good for the city's families, said Esquivel. "I am very happy that A.B. 2444 has been signed into law. This is good news for education in Lakewood," he said. One of the Lakewood City Council's long-term goals has been to improve the school district transfer process, Esquivel said. "I want to commend Lakewood City Council members Steve Croft and Todd Rogers for their leadership role on this issue and many other education issues in our city," he said. The bill, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2011, does not change the existing process for obtaining an interdistrict transfer, nor does it supersede interdistrict transfer arrangements among local school districts. Furutani represents the 55th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Carson, Harbor City and the Harbor Gateway, Lakewood, parts of Long Beach, and Wilmington.

2010 Teacher Grants - Press Release

2010-09-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

The Lakewood Education Foundation in partnership with the Lakewood Schools Committee is once again pleased to announce a limited grant opportunity for teachers at Lakewood schools.

Lakewood teachers interested in receiving mini-grants, not to exceed $500, are asked to submit a one page summary with the following information:

Name
School
Grade Level
Telephone Number
A specific description of the services/supplies needed, how the grant will directly support classroom activities, and the estimated cost of what is being requested

This is the eighth consecutive school year that this grant program has been offered. Over the past seven years, approximately $110,000 in services and supplies has been given to 337 Lakewood teachers. It is expected that there will be approximately $25,000-$30,000 available for grants this year.

Please fax all grant applications to (562) 496-1791 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010. Grant recipients will be announced on or before October 31, 2010.

Questions may be addressed to Todd or Sally Rogers at (562) 496-3559.

Golf Tourney Aids Teachers - October 11, 2010 (Columbus Day)

2010-08-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010 at Lakewood Country Club Golf Course with a 7:00 a.m. shotgun start. The LEF tournament will feature a four-member “shamble” format, with an awards luncheon to follow at noon.

By participating, you raise funds to improve schools serving Lakewood students. Since 2003, LEF has given grants to 337 teachers totaling over $110,000 and benefitting thousands of Lakewood students. Last year, LEF was able to make 79 teacher grants totaling over $32,000, which is a major increase from LEF’s first year, when it was able to make only $3,500 in donations.

Grants are only awarded to teachers who can demonstrate that every penny will have a direct educational benefit to their students. Grants are used to purchase classroom supplies and equipment, books for accelerated reading programs, math learning kits, computers and other beneficial items.

Sponsorship opportunities at the October 11 tournament are available from $100 to $5,000. You can choose from many different golf and dining options, signage and program recognition. For details and tournament entry forms for golfers and sponsors, call LEF at 562-496-3559.

LEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities for Lakewood students.

Fireworks Stand / Golf Tournament Save the Date

2010-07-14T16:16:00.001-07:00

Our thanks to all of you who supported our fireworks stand. We're well on our way to funding this year's round of Lakewood teacher grants.

Please save the date for our annual Columbus Day (October 11th) golf tournament at Lakewood Country Club. There will be a shotgun start at 7:00 a.m. The price per golfer remains only $100 and we need donated prizes for our opportunity drawing during the luncheon. Please call Todd or Sally at (562) 496-3559 for more information.

Fireworks Time Again!!!!

2010-06-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Once again, the Lakewood Schools Committee fireworks stand will be at 6905 E. Carson Street (corner of Los Coyotes Diagonal and Carson Street). As always, we need volunteers to help us staff the stand. If you are available to help anytime July 1st through July 4th between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., please contact Tania Whiteleather at (562) 866-8755.

p.s. We also need volunteers to help stock the stand on July 1st early in the morning. We won't know the exact time until the fireworks company calls us the week prior. Please let us know if you can come out to help move boxes and stock the shelves.

2009 Teacher Grants Awarded

2009-11-08T09:50:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce the presentation of 79 teacher grants this year totalling over $32,000. This a record since we started giving grants back in 2003. In our first year, we were only able to give away about $3,500.

Since the grant program started, we have now awarded more than $110,000 and, in the process, improved the educational experience for literally thousands of students.

Our thanks to all of you who help to make this grant program possible. And don't forget our 2010 fundraisers: The Fireworks Stand at Los Coyotes Diagonal and Carson Street, July 1-4, and our third annual golf tournament on October 11th (Columbus Day).

We wish you and your families the happiest of holiday seasons!

2009 Teacher Grants Announced

2009-09-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Lakewood Education Foundation in partnership with the Lakewood Schools Committee is once again pleased to announce a limited grant opportunity for teachers at Lakewood schools.

Lakewood teachers interested in receiving mini-grants, not to exceed $500, are asked to submit a one page summary with the following information:

Name
School
Grade Level
Telephone Number
A specific description of the services/supplies needed, how the grant will directly support classroom activities, and the estimated cost of what is being requested

This is the seventh consecutive school year that the Lakewood Schools Committee has provided these grants. Over the past six years, approximately $80,000 in services and supplies has been given to Lakewood teachers. It is expected that there will be approximately $20,000 available for grants this year.

Please fax all grant applications to (562) 496-1791 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Grant recipients will be announced on or before October 31, 2009.

Questions may be addressed to Todd or Sally Rogers at (562) 496-3559.

Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament a Success!

2009-08-27T16:52:00.001-07:00

The second annual Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament, held August 24th at Lakewood Country Club, was a great success. It was nearly a sell-out and a good time was had by all thanks to our terrific sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and large group of enthusisastic golfers. The entire Lakewood City Council supported the event as well with their money, time, and some highly questionable golf ability!

Once all expenses are paid, we will determine the net proceeds and how much will be available for this year's Teacher Grant program which will be formally announced in September. Look for the details in future posts on this blog.

Once again, thanks to all of you who made this critical fundraiser such a success.

Please plan to join us for our second annual golf tournament!

2009-06-06T18:21:00.001-07:00

SAVE THE DATE - August 24, 2009

2009-03-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Our next Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament will be here before you know it. It will be held Monday, August 24, 2009 and promises to be just as enjoyable as our first tournament. Start planning your foursomes now.

We are always on the lookout for good tee or raffle prizes. If you can help in this regard, please let us know.

Press Release

2009-01-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. Here is the latest news.

Press Release:

The newly formed Lakewood Education Foundation, in conjunction with the Lakewood Schools Committee (formerly the Lakewood Unified School District Organizing Committee) is proud to announce that we provided a record $28,000 in cash grants to 72 Lakewood teachers for the 2008-09 school year. This is the most awarded in the history of the grant program which began in 2003 and now has provided approximately $80,000 in direct financial assistance to 255 Lakewood teachers.

While the Lakewood Schools Committee continues its advocacy for improvements to the educational delivery system in Lakewood, the Lakewood Education Foundation was formed as a public charity that raises money to provide direct support to Lakewood schools, teachers, and students.

This year’s grants enabled the purchase of a variety of educational materials including, books, mathematic learning programs, newspaper subscriptions, microscopes, classroom organizers, laptop computers, classroom projectors, and much more. We also funded several educational field trips.

The Lakewood Schools Committee is entirely funded by an annual fireworks stand.

The Lakewood Education Foundation relies on donations and an annual golf tournament for its funding. All contributions are tax deductible. Our next golf tournament is scheduled for August 14, 2008.

Anyone interested in contributing or volunteering for either organization is encouraged to call (562) 496-3559.

2008 Teacher Grants / Fundraising Golf Tournament

2008-11-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to report that our golf tournament on October 13th was a great success! A nearly sold out field enjoyed perfect weather, stiff competition, a great lunch, and exciting raffle prizes. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who helped, sponsored, and/or participated in this fantastic event.

Because of the success of our tournament, coupled with the proceeds of our fireworks stand in July, we are excited to announce that we are in the process of awarding approximately $28,000 in mini grants to Lakewood teachers. Many of the grants have already been delivered and the rest will be presented during the week November 10-14, 2008. The money will be spent to acquire critical classroom supplies and equipment including, document cameras, reading programs, math programs, and science tools. Everything will clearly make a difference and enhance the education of all youth attending Lakewood schools.

2008-09 Teacher Grants Announced

2008-09-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

PRESS-RELEASE

The Lakewood Schools Committee, in partnership with the newly formed Lakewood Education Foundation, is once again pleased to announce a limited grant opportunity for teachers at Lakewood schools.
Lakewood teachers interested in receiving mini-grants, not to exceed $500, are asked to submit a one page summary with the following information:
*Name
*School
*Grade Level
*Telephone Number
*A specific description of the services/supplies needed, how the grant will directly support classroom activities, and the estimated cost of what is being requested

This is the sixth consecutive school year that the Lakewood Schools Committee has provided these grants. Over the past five years, over $50,000 in services and supplies has been given to Lakewood teachers. It is expected that there will be approximately $15,000 available for grants this year.

Please fax all grant applications to (562) 496-1791 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2008. Grant recipients will be announced on or before October 31, 2008. Questions may be addressed to Todd or Sally Rogers at (562) 496-3559.

Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament

2008-09-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament

Golfer Information
(see sponsor opportunities on reverse side)
$100
Main Contact - Player 1
Company _____________________________
Name _______________________________
Address _____________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________
Day Phone #___________________________
Player 2
Company _____________________________
Name _______________________________
Address _____________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________
Player 3
Company _____________________________
Name _______________________________
Address _____________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________
Player 4
Company _____________________________
Name _______________________________
Address _____________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________

Please return this form with checks payable to:
Lakewood Education Foundation
c/o City of Lakewood
5050 Clark Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90712

Volunteers Needed
I would like to volunteer:
Name _______________________________
Address _____________________________
City ________________________________
St.______________Zip ________________
Phone _______________________________

Monday, October 13, 2008
at Lakewood Country Club
3101 Carson Street
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood Education Foundation
c/o City of Lakewood
5050 Clark Avenue
Lakewood, CA. 90712

LEF Mission Statement:
A non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities for Lakewood students.

Tournament Schedule:
Monday, October 13
6:45 a.m. Registration/Check-in
7:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
12:15 p.m. Lunch and Awards
1:45 p.m. Adjournment

Specialty Holes
Closest to the Pin
Longest Drive

l Competitive golf awards will be presented for first place in flights based on registration
Raffle Prizes/Door Prizes
Opportunity Drawing:
Many, many gifts and prizes –
choose the ones you would like to win.

Lakewood Education Foundation Sponsorship Opportunities

School Board Level $5,000 $______
Principal Sponsor: Includes two golf/banquet foursomes, two tee signs, banner; recognition throughout all tournament publications.

Superintendent Level $2,500 $______

Lunch Sponsor: Taken

Includes one golf/banquet foursome, two tee signs, banner; program ad.
Principal Level $1,000 $______
"Foursome photo sponsored by your business"; Includes golf/banquet foursome, one tee sign, program ad.

Tee Sign $100 $______
Name/ message on 18" x 24" sign on one tee.

In-kind Donations
Auction items, sporting goods, specialty baskets, gift certificates, merchandise, goodie bag stuffers. Call (562) 496-3559 for pick up arrangements.

Awards Luncheon Only $25 $______

Format: 4-Member Scramble

Sponsors:
❆ City Light & Power
❆ City of Lakewood
❆ Don Knabe
L.A. County Supervisor,
Fourth District
❆ EDCO/ B-Z Disposal
❆ Lakewood Center
❆ Lakewood Regional Medical
Center
❆ Southern California Edison
❆ The Gas Company

Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) -
A 501(c)3 organization
LEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities for Lakewood students.
LEF’s primary means of accomplishing their mission is providing cash grants of up to $500 directly to teachers who serve Lakewood students. The money must be used in a manner that has a direct impact on enhancing classroom activities.
Entry fee
$100 x ___ players $______Includes golf, cart, awards banquet, goodie bag
Total Due $______
Lakewood Education Foundation
For more information,
call The Lakewood Education Foundation
(562) 496-3559

Fundraiser Update / Save the Date

2008-08-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Thankfully, another 4th of July is behind us and we are finished with the fireworks stand for another year. We deeply appreciate the unprecedented number of volunteers who helped out this year, especially at 6:00 a.m. on opening day. Our sales were slightly higher than last year but still down considerably from a couple of years ago. Nevertheless, we should be able to provide in excess of $13,00o in teacher grants this years. Once again, many thanks to all of you who helped and patronized our stand.

***SAVE THE DATE***SAVE THE DATE***

The first Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Monday, October 13, 2008 (Columbus Day) at Lakewood County Club. Tee time will be about 7:30 a.m. and the cost per player will be $100. We already have several sponsors including Supervisor Don Knabe, Lakewood Center Mall, and EDCO Waste Disposal.

We will need volunteers to help prepare for the event, workers the day of the tournament, and, most importantly, golfers. If you golf or know anyone who does, please plan on participating. A planning meeting for volunteers will be announced once the flyers are printed....probably within a couple of weeks.

Remember, all donations to the Lakewood Education Foundation are tax deductible and proceeds will support teacher, school, and student grant programs.

PUSD Update

2008-06-03T20:17:00.001-07:00

We are still evaluating options to deal with the Paramount Unified School District. A course of action should be decided soon. We will keep you posted.

Fundraising / Teacher Grants, continued

2008-06-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Unbelievably, it's time again to think fireworks. As always, our stand will be located at the corner of Carson Street and Los Coyotes Diagonal. Please be sure to visit us for all of your fireworks needs between July 1st and July 4th. We also need volunteers to help us staff our stand. If you are interested, please send us an e-mail with your contact information and we'll get back to you ASAP. As always, the proceeds will be used to support our teacher grant program.

Speaking of teacher grants, the final tally on last year's grants is as follows:

*A total of $13,167 was given to 55 teachers from the Long Beach, Bellflower, and ABC school districts. Many of the grants were shared by multiple teachers. No teachers from the Paramount School District applied.

We are hopeful that this year's fireworks stand, coupled with the fundraising of the new Lakewood Education Foundation, will enable us to double or even triple the amount of money available for 2008 teacher grants. Keep your fingers crossed.

Thank you all very much for your continued support!

Lakewood Education Foundation / Committee Update

2008-04-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to everyone who attended the March 10th meeting at Mayfair Park. We appreciate the continued support and interest in improving education within Lakewood.

The biggest development since the meeting is that we have moved forward on forming the Lakewood Education Foundation - a non-profit organization for the sole purpose of providing financial support for Lakewood teachers. We have our organization number from the IRS and October 13, 2008 has been set as the date for our inaugural fundraising golf tournament. Please save the date and plan to play or volunteer. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

On the political front, our Vice Chairman Steve Croft has been selected to serve as Lakewood's Mayor for the next 12 months and Chairman Todd Rogers will serve as Vice Mayor.

As always, please contact us with any questions or suggestions.

General Meeting

2008-02-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Please join us for a general meeting of the Lakewood Unified School District Organizing Committee.

Date/Time: Monday, March 10, 2008 / 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Mayfair Park, Swim Pavilion (Clark Ave and South St.)

Chairman Todd Rogers and Vice Chairman Steve Croft will provide a comprehensive update on Committee activities and seek input from you on future priorities. This is a very important opportunity to become directly involved in our ongoing efforts to enhance the educational system in Lakewood.

A light meal of pizza and soft drinks will be available free of charge. Please RSVP by calling (562) 496-3559 or via e-mail at tsrr@msn.com.

We look forward to seeing you on March 10th.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-17T20:39:00.001-08:00

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Teacher Grants - Part II

2007-12-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

We received 87 grant proposals requesting approximately $46,000. Unfortunately, only $12,000 is available in this year's grant budget so some very difficult decisions will be made after the Christmas / New Year holidays. We are concurrently seeking additional funding sources to enable us to provide more grants next year. Your suggestions are welcomed.

Teacher Grants

2007-11-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone:

It's time again for our mini teacher grants. The press release will be submitted to the Press Telegram tomorrow (November 5th) and all submissions will be due within one week of publication. We expect to provide approximately $12,000 this year. Please alert your favorite teacher to this great and very popular opportunity. Please e-mail with any questions.

Fireworks Stand a Success

2007-08-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

Despite the midweek holiday, our annual fireworks stand was again very successful. It looks like we raised enough money to provide about $12,000 in grants to Lakewood teachers once the school year gets underway. Thank you all very much for your patronage of the stand and enjoy the rest of your Summer!

Welcome!

2007-05-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting the Lakewood Schools Committee! There is much to report about our recent activities.

Assembly Bill 1577

Assemblymember Laura Richardson introduced AB 1577 which would allow Lakewood students, who reside within the Paramount Unified School District, to transfer into the Long Beach Unified School District without the hassle of having to get annual inter-district transfer permits. The bill was heard by the Assembly Education Committee on May 2, 2007 and, unfortunately we came three votes short of the six needed to send the bill to the Assembly floor. The good news is that the bill was held for reconsideration next year. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to reach an agreement with Paramount Unified to allow students to leave if they so desire.

Teacher Grants

During this school year, the Lakewood Schools Committee gave approximately $16,000 to 61 Lakewood teachers. This brings our cumulative total to $37,000 to 120 teachers over the past four years.

Fireworks Stand

It's hard to believe but the Fourth of July is almost upon us. Please let us know if you can assist by working the stand between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. during the period, July 1-4, 2007. Our stand will once again be located at the corner of Carson Street and Los Coyotes Diagonal.

Join our E-mail Group

If you would like to become a member of the Lakewood Schools Committee e-mail group, please e-mail us by clicking on the link located on the right side of the page. Please type "Lakewood Schools Committee" in the subject line.

Lakewood Schools Committee / Lakewood Education Foundation

2010 Teacher Grants Set New Record

Legislative Success on Interdistrict Transfers!

2010 Teacher Grants - Press Release

Golf Tourney Aids Teachers - October 11, 2010 (Columbus Day)

Fireworks Stand / Golf Tournament *Save the Date*

Fireworks Time Again!!!!

2009 Teacher Grants Awarded

2009 Teacher Grants Announced

Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament a Success!

Please plan to join us for our second annual golf tournament!

SAVE THE DATE - August 24, 2009

Press Release

2008 Teacher Grants / Fundraising Golf Tournament

2008-09 Teacher Grants Announced

Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament

Fundraiser Update / Save the Date

PUSD Update

Fundraising / Teacher Grants, continued

Lakewood Education Foundation / Committee Update

General Meeting

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Teacher Grants - Part II

Teacher Grants

Fireworks Stand a Success

Welcome!

Fireworks Stand / Golf Tournament Save the Date