Winning Home Foundation Partners with WCEF to Build Caring School Communities

Winning Home Foundation, Inc. recently awarded WCEF a 3-year, $60,000 grant to support a new initiative in the district’s middle schools: Caring School Community. This generous gift brings the total investment from Winning Home, Inc. in Woburn Public Schools to $120,000 in just 7 years; WCEF is proud to partner with Winning Home through our shared commitment to serving the needs of Woburn children.

Caring School Community is a comprehensive, research-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program that builds assets in young people that lead to stronger relationships and overall achievement in school, family and community life. This program will be implemented at both the Joyce and Kennedy Middle Schools to help foster a positive learning environment at each school, one in which students feel heard, known and cared for; a Caring School Community.


“Today, many students are struggling with more anxiety, depression, grief, uncertainty, and loneliness. These emotions get in the way of students being able to process and learn new information,” states Woburn Public Schools Superintendent Matt Crowley. “In addition, our schools are increasingly multicultural and multilingual with students from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Educators, especially in our Middle Schools, need additional supports in order to address their students’ academic and social emotional needs”.

“This important investment by Winning Home will help address the mental health needs of Woburn students at an integral point in their development”, explains WCEF Executive Director Maureen Willis. “By helping our middle schools build Caring School Communities, Winning Home will be supporting the overall health, wellness and success of a generation of Woburn students. We are grateful to the board of Winning Home for its interest and investment in this important program.”

About Winning Home: The Winning Home Foundation was formed through the sale of land assets of what was locally known as “Winning Farm for Children”. The sale process produced cash assets for long-term investment, and preserved approximately 50 acres of the farmland as permanent open space. Winning Home, Inc. remains true to the spirit and intent of its benefactor by working “for the benefit of children who are economically, socially, physically, emotionally or mentally handicapped or disadvantaged and their families.” Since its conversion from a landowner to a charitable trust, Winning Home has made grants over $5 million to area charitable organizations. Learn more at www.winninghome.org

Photo Caption: Members of the Winning Home and WCEF Boards at the recent check presentation. Pictured are (l-r): WPS Superintendent of Schools Matt Crowley, Winning Home Board Member Ellen Hamilton, Winning Home Treasurer Chip Curran, Winning Home Board Chair Robert E. Maguire, WCEF Board Chair Joe Crowley, Winning Home Board Member Eileen Doherty, WCEF Executive Director Maureen Willis, WCEF Board Member Colleen Cormier.

WCEF Announces 2022 Educator Grant Awards

The Woburn Community Educational Foundation (WCEF) is pleased to announce our 2022 grant awards to support exciting new projects and educational initiatives across multiple grades and disciplines in the Woburn Public Schools.  Through the generosity of our community, $19,441 was granted to support 27 innovative classroom-based, whole-school and district-wide programs designed to introduce students to new concepts and technology, increase their understanding of our shared history and the world, and to support their social-emotional well-being and development. These funds will purchase hands-on learning tools, deliver interactive classroom technology, support the arts and expand the use of diversified texts, all to create excitement in learning and support the academic success of today’s students.     

“These grants represent an important milestone in the history of this educational foundation,” noted WCEF Executive Director Maureen Willis during the recent Grant Awards Presentation. “Since our founding in 2014 and the opening of our Grant Program in 2015, WCEF has awarded $170,000 directly as Educator Grants and has secured a total of $530,000 in new funding to support our schools.”

She told the assembled group of educators, “It is so wonderful to see you here, and to have the opportunity to thank you in-person for all you have done to support your students and our community during the past 2 years.”

Special thanks to the Cummings Foundation for its leadership support of WCEF and to the Winning Home Foundation for its continued partnership support that will fund a new out-of-school time program for the district’s ELL students, as well as five of the Educator Grants awarded this year.

WCEF is a nonprofit organization formed to increase private investment and community involvement in the Woburn Public Schools.  We invest in new programs and projects that cannot be funded by the regular school budget. To learn more about WCEF and to get involved, visit us online at www.woburnedfoundation.org.    

Your Final Sneak Peek into our 2022 Winter Raffle!

Presenting the Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Carryall Tote

This classic Michael Kors bag is done in black leather with stripe detail. Silver hardware with the iconic Michael Kors logo and hanging MK circle charm amps up the style.

This tote features custom fabric lining, with 2 slip-in pockets and 1 zipped pocket. Keep everything in its place with the dog-clip inside closure.

Purse handles have a 9” drop.

Approximate size: 15″H x 12″W x 4.5″ D

This purse is sponsored by Rockland Trust.

About the Winter Raffle

We have assembled an amazing collection of high end and designer purses and put together gift certificate packages purchased to support locally-owned Woburn restaurants.  This year’s Raffle also features a new item, guaranteed to improve your chances of winning big!

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 24, 2022. Tickets can be purchased online or by mail.  Raffle ticket stubs will be returned by mail.  Raffle Tickets: $5 each or 6 for $20

Bookmark this page to be ready to take a chance to win big while supporting Woburn Schools:
https://woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle/

All proceeds from the Winter Raffle directly support new programs and initiatives in the Woburn Public Schools.  Since 2014, WCEF has secured almost $500,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that have made a difference for every student in the district. 

 

2022 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #2

Presenting the Kate Spade Brynn Tote in Warm Beige. The perfect combination of style and function, this tote easily carries your day to day items with room for when you need a little more! 

The Brynn features a top zip closure, two way Spade jacquard lining, an interior front slip and back zip pocket and foil embossed logo. Beautiful and durable in saffiano pvc, with a signature Kate Spade bow to wrap it up in style!
Approximate size: 11.6″h x 12.99″w x 4.13″d; handle drop: 11″

This fabulous purse was donated to our Winter Raffle by the Staff of the Malcolm White Elementary School.

About the Winter Raffle

We have assembled an amazing collection of high end and designer purses and put together gift certificate packages purchased to support locally-owned Woburn restaurants.  This year’s Raffle also features a new item, guaranteed to improve your chances of winning big!

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 24, 2022. Tickets can be purchased online or by mail.  Raffle ticket stubs will be returned by mail.  Raffle Tickets: $5 each or 6 for $20

Bookmark this page to be ready to take a chance to win big while supporting Woburn Schools:
https://woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle/

All proceeds from the Winter Raffle directly support new programs and initiatives in the Woburn Public Schools.  Since 2014, WCEF has secured almost $500,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that have made a difference for every student in the district. 

2022 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #1

We are excited to kick off the 2022 Winter Raffle Preview with this statement bag from Michael Kors!

Presenting the Michael Kors Medium Ciara Messenger Crossbody in Flame Red

The Ciara is an on-trend satchel/messenger bag perfect for making a stylish statement. This bag is as versatile as it is chic. Made of signature Print PVC  with zip top closure. This purse features one interior slip and one zip pocket, as well as an exterior slip pocket. True MK style with a hanging logo medallion, dual rolled handles, and an adjustable crossbody strap. Approximate size: 8″ H x 5″ D x 11″ L

This purse was sponsored by Robert E. & Karen Maguire, and could be yours with a winning ticket in our 2022 Winter Raffle! 

About the Winter Raffle

We have assembled an amazing collection of high end and designer purses and put together gift certificate packages purchased to support locally-owned Woburn restaurants.  This year’s Raffle also features a new item, guaranteed to improve your chances of winning big!

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 24, 2022. Tickets can be purchased online or by mail.  Raffle ticket stubs will be returned by mail.  Raffle Tickets: $5 each or 6 for $20

Bookmark this page to be ready to take a chance to win big while supporting Woburn Schools:
https://woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle/

All proceeds from the Winter Raffle directly support new programs and initiatives in the Woburn Public Schools. 
Since 2014, WCEF has secured almost $500,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that have made a difference for every student in the district. 

WCEF Winter Raffle a Great Success!

Thanks to the support of our sponsors and community, WCEF’s first-ever online Winter Raffle was a tremendous success! The Winter Raffle featured 8 high-end and designer purses and 2 Woburn restaurant gift certificate packages, all sponsored or donated by the local community. The event raised $6,400 to support WCEF’s Educator Grants Program, which funds new innovative projects and programs in the Woburn Public Schools. 

Special thanks to the Winter Raffle sponsors:  Presenting Sponsor, Rick Metters & Maura Embler;  Drawing Sponsors J. Mulkerin Realty and Mooney Dental; Item Sponsors Excel Orthopaedic Specialists, Little Folks Day School, Robert E. & Karen Maguire, Michael Martini, and Don & Janet Queenin.  Purses were donated by Joe & Audrey Crowley, the Malcolm White Elementary School Educators & Staff, Woburn Elementary Principals and the Woburn Teachers Association.

Community support of the Winter Raffle was outstanding! In total, more than 1,100 raffle tickets were sold, with the drawing held live on Facebook on February 12th.  The full list of Winter Raffle winners can be viewed on the event website.

All proceeds from the Winter Raffle support the Woburn Community Educational Foundation, funding new projects that drive innovation in our schools beyond that which is possible with public dollars.  To date, WCEF has gifted more than $200,000 to the Woburn Public Schools, including $20,000 to support livestream education for middle and high school students during COVID-19. 

WCEF Grant Supports Livestream Education in Woburn Schools

Since 2015, WCEF has gifted more than $200,000 directly to Woburn educators to support innovative new programs in the Woburn Public Schools.  This year, given the challenges our schools face under COVID-19, the WCEF Board decided to forgo the competitive Educator Grants Program and instead turned to school administrators for guidance on how best to support Woburn educators and their students who may be struggling to learn under a hybrid instructional model.  Through these discussions we learned this:  A primary challenge to remote learning is student engagement.  The solution:  livestream instruction in Woburn Middle Schools and High School.

WCEF is pleased to announce a $20,000 grant to the Woburn Public Schools to support livestream education in the district’s Middle Schools and High School.  These funds will purchase specialized classroom speakers that enable educators to teach students in their classroom with remote students also in attendance, without the need to sit at a computer or remain in one place during instruction.  WCEF is proud to partner with the Cummings Foundation to address this important need in our schools.  

“Our middle and high school educators are facing a real challenge with student engagement,” explains Woburn Superintendent of Schools Matt Crowley. “These speakers will support livestream instruction, which gives remote students the opportunity to ask questions and get help from their teachers on days they are not in the classroom. Educators are more accessible, and students are held more accountable.”  He continues, “These speakers will improve the learning experience for middle and high school students while the schools remain on a hybrid schedule under COVID-19, and will also have utility when our schools return to a more normal, traditional classroom setting.” 

In addition to this $20,000 grant to support Woburn Middle and High Schools, WCEF will also announce grants for the district’s elementary schools in early March.

WCEF is a volunteer-led nonprofit that raises support for the Woburn Public Schools through community fundraising activities, like our Winter Raffle, open now through February 12th.  Get your tickets here: https://woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle-2021/

Final Winter Raffle Preview

We are closing our Winter Raffle preview with a purse package that is sure to be in high demand, sponsored by a new sponsor! 

Dooney & Bourke Patriots Leather Crossbody
Dooney & Bourke Stripe Large Slim Wristlet

Show your team spirit and personal style with this well-matched purse pairing from Dooney & Bourke!

Like the name implies, the Patriots Double Zip Crossbody features a zip top and outside zip pocket, with gold hardware and leather zip pulls.  Finely crafted in pebble leather imprinted with New England Patriots logo.  Red fabric lining. 
Adjustable strap drop length 23.5″
Approx. Measurements H 7.75″ x W .5″ x L 7.75″

Also included is this super cute and perfectly sized Large Slim Wristlet in a Dark Pink Stripe.  (Some may call it red).  Features one inside pocket and an adjustable handle. Handle drop length 7″.
Approximately measures H 4.5″ x W .75″ x L 8″

This item is sponsored by Excel Orthopaedic Specialists

One chance in our Winter Raffle could win you BOTH PURSES!
But really, why buy one when you can buy 6 raffle tickets for $20?

About the Winter Raffle 

We’ve re-imagined and expanded our famous Purse Raffle, to support our small business community and our schools. We have assembled a stellar line up of fabulous high end and designer purses and put together gift certificate packages purchased to support locally-owned Woburn restaurants.  

Raffle ticket sales open Monday, January 18th

Tickets can be purchased online or by mail.  Raffle ticket stubs will be returned by mail.  Raffle Tickets: $5 each or 6 for $20

Bookmark this page to take a chance on the Raffle and support our schools:  visit www. woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle-2021/

 

Winter Raffle Preview #2 – A Classic from Kate Spade

Fun and functional, this Rowe Satchel checks all the boxes!

Presenting the Kate Spade Rowe Small Top Zip Satchel

In classic Kate Spade style, this zip-top satchel in “Peach Puff” light pink pebble leather features goldtone hardware, double tassels, interior jacquard lining with zip and slip pockets.  The Rowe stands on its own with 4 protective feet.  Double handles with a 5” Drop, plus a removable crossbody strap.

Approximate size:  10” x 8” x 4.5”

This purse was donated to the Winter Raffle by the educators and staff at the White School. 

About the Winter Raffle 

We’ve re-imagined and expanded our famous Purse Raffle, to support our small business community and our schools. We have assembled a stellar line up of fabulous high end and designer purses and put together gift certificate packages purchased to support locally-owned Woburn restaurants.  

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 18th.

Tickets can be purchased online or by mail.  Raffle ticket stubs will be returned by mail.  Raffle Tickets: $5 each or 6 for $20

For more information on the Winter Raffle, including important rules and terms, visit www. woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle-2021/

 

Check Out This Fabulous Purse Up for Grabs in our 2021 Winter Raffle

Our first-ever Winter Raffle opens in one week – Monday, January 18th!
This online event runs January 18 ~ February 12, 2021

Here’s your first sneak peak at just one of the purses you could win: 

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag with Colorblock Snakeskin Detail 

A modern take on an archival 1970s Coach design, this structured Tabby shoulder bag is crafted in a dynamic mix of polished pebble leather, refined leather and genuine snakeskin painted in colorful tones. Finished with Signature hardware for an iconic touch, this bag features two detachable straps to carry by hand, style as a short shoulder bag or wear crossbody.

Made of polished pebble leather, refined calf leather, suede and genuine snakeskin.  Features snap closure, fabric lining, inside zip and multifunction pockets, and an outside slip pocket.

Purse Sponsor:  Robert E. & Karen Maguire

About the Winter Raffle 

We’ve re-imagined and expanded our famous Purse Raffle, to support our small business community and our schools. We have assembled a stellar line up of fabulous high end and designer purses and put together gift certificate packages purchased to support locally-owned Woburn restaurants.  

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 18th.
Tickets can be purchased online or by mail.  Raffle ticket stubs will be returned by mail.  Raffle Tickets: $5 each or 6 for $20

For more information on the Winter Raffle, including important rules and terms, visit www. woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle-2021/