WCEF Announces 2024 Educator Grants

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WCEF is pleased to announce this year’s Educator Grants, 29 in total, supporting a variety of different school and classroom projects across multiple disciplines at every grade level in the Woburn Public Schools.

These grant awards invest more than $28,000 in educational enhancements, including hands-on learning tools, immersive experiences, musical instruments, and interactive classroom technology, all geared to the needs, interests and diversity of our community. WCEF is proud to invest in these projects and to partner with Woburn Educators in their thoughtful approach to meeting the unique needs of today’s students.   

These grants are in addition to the WCEF-funded initiatives supported by multi-year grants from local funders. 

In December, the Winning Home Foundation awarded WCEF a $20,000 grant, which is year 2 of a 3-year commitment to bring the Caring School Community program to Woburn’s Middle Schools.

A Cummings Foundation Grant, awarded in 2021, provides $20,000 annually through a decade of support for the Lexia Program in Woburn elementary schools, funding a proven learning enhancement to help ensure that Woburn students read at grade level, to support their current and future academic success.

This year alone WCEF’s commitment to Woburn’s Schools will total more than $70,000. This investment is only possible with the support of our community.

Moving forward, WCEF continues to benefit from an engaged and committed volunteer board and a strong relationship with Woburn Educators and our Public Schools. WCEF exists to raise money, and we do this very often by promoting the great things that are happening in our schools. Our success during the past ten years is reflective of the spirit of our community, and the power of Woburn Pride.  We are extremely grateful and excited to see all we have achieved together.

Presenting the 2024 Inductees into the Woburn Hall of Fame!

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The Woburn Community Educational Foundation (WCEF) and Woburn Memorial High School are proud to announce the inductees for the 2024 Woburn Hall of Fame! These candidates were nominated for induction into the Woburn Hall of Fame by a member of the community, and confirmed by the Selection Committee through a blind voting process. 

These inductees will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Hilton Boston/Woburn.

The Woburn Hall of Fame is a collaboration between the WCEF and Woburn Memorial High School, formed to honor and recognize those individuals whose integrity, achievements, sportsmanship and character have enhanced the overall educational experience of our youth and inspired pride in our schools and community.  

We invite the Woburn community to join us in this celebration of Tanner Pride! Sponsorship, Program Ad, and Ticket Information can be found online at https://bit.ly/WoburnHOF

All proceeds from the Woburn Hall of Fame support projects for today’s students in the Woburn Public Schools. 

2024 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #3

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Here’s a purse that bound to be a favorite!

Presenting the Michael Kors Eliza Large East West Open Tote

Step into success carrying the MICHAEL Michael Kors® Eliza Large East/West Open Tote. Crafted from faux leather, it features open top magnetic closure. With allover iconic brand detailing and eye-catching animal print calf hair accent on the front makes it a perfect day-to-day handbag.

Detachable flap pouch included.

Top handles, 9.5″ drop

Approximate size: 16.5″L x 6″W x 11.8″H; removable pouch 8″L x 0.3″W x 5.8″H

This purse is sponsored by Little Folks Day School

About the Winter Raffle:

This year’s Raffle features an amazing collection of high end and designer purses, experience packages and other items which promise to improve your chances of winning big!

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 29, 2024. 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 more than $600,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that make a difference in the educational experience of today’s students.  

2024 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #2

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Not into purses? We have just the tickets for you!

We are excited to preview a brand new item in our Winter Raffle, generously donated by the North Shore Music Theatre:

We are calling this our “Shakespeare and SOMA” Package! 

This package includes a theatre pass good for 4 tickets to A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at the North Shore Music Theatre on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 7:30pm

Presented by Shakespeare & Company as part of the Northeast Regional Tour

​Running Time: 1 hour and 30 Minutes

​Athenians mix it up with the forest fairies in this raucous romp that features magical meddling, romantic tangles, and a play within a play for good measure. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been described by scholars as carnivalesque: pushing the plot forward through humor and chaos.

And to make your evening even more of a dream, we’ve paired these tickets with a $100 gift card to SOMA in Beverly, located at 256 Cabot Street. 

 

Phantom Gourmet:  If you’re looking for a place that has plate after plate of food that’s’ so delicious and so affordable, it’s time you hit Soma.   Located in downtown Beverly, this dark, sexy eatery shakes up stiff cocktails and serves modern Mediterranean made with a level of care, quality, and style you don’t often find outside of the city.

This evening of Arts and Eats in beautiful Beverly is yours to win in this year’s Winter Raffle! 

 

About the Winter Raffle

This year’s Raffle features an amazing collection of high end and designer purses, experience packages and other items which promise to improve your chances of winning big!

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 29, 2024. 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 more than $600,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that make a difference in the educational experience of today’s students.  

2024 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #1!

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Presenting the Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Medium Signature Logo Crossbody Bag

High-style meets high-function in this must-have bag!

The Michael Kors signature logo-print Jet Set Travel bag will be your new on-the-go companion. Its slim, compact profile makes it effortlessly portable, while a compartmentalized interior organizes small essentials with ease. Count on this purse to carry you through the busiest of days!

Stylish in a crossbody design in a rose gold and white logo print, complimented with gold-tone hardware, this purse features exterior back and front slip pockets, interior back slip pocket and 3 card slots; zip closure. Approximate size: 6”W X 8”H X 2.75”D

This bag was donated to our Winter Raffle by Maureen Willis

 

About the Winter Raffle

This year’s Raffle features an amazing collection of high end and designer purses, experience packages and other items which promise to improve your chances of winning big!

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 29, 2024. 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 more than $600,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that make a difference in the educational experience of today’s students.  

Winning Home Supports Caring Schools

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Winning Home Foundation, Inc. recently awarded the Woburn Community Educational Foundation (WCEF) a $20,000 grant, which represents year 2 of a multi-year investment in a new initiative in the district’s middle schools: Caring School Community. This generous gift will help educators address the social emotional needs of today’s students, to support their academic achievement and overall success in school and in life.   

Caring School Community is a comprehensive, research-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program that builds assets in young people. 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.

“WCEF is proud to partner with the Winning Home Foundation to offer this important program in Woburn’s Middle Schools” comments WCEF Executive Director Maureen Willis. “By helping our middle schools build Caring School Communities, Winning Home is supporting the overall health, wellness and success of a generation of Woburn students.”  

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

Photos:   

Photo 1: Members of the Winning Home and WCEF Boards at the recent check presentation. Pictured are (l-r):  WCEF Board and School Committee Member Colleen Cormier, WCEF Board Chair Brian Teague, Winning Home Treasurer Chip Curran, WCEF Executive Director Maureen Willis, Winning Home Board and WCEF Emeritus Board Member Robert E. Maguire.

Photo 2: Members of the WCEF Board celebrate Winning Home Grant. Pictured are (l to r):
WCEF Board Vice-Chair Eric Skeffington, Superintendent of Schools Matt Crowley, WCEF Board Members Ernie Wells, Bill Johnson, Robert E. Maguire, WCEF Board Chair Brian Teague, Member Nancy Whalen, WCEF Treasurer Maria Zeqo, Board Member Joe Crowley.  

WCEF Elects New Officers, Publishes FY2023 Annual Report

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WCEF is pleased to provide an update to our community on the investments made to our schools during FY2023 and to announce our newly elected Board Officers and members who will lead the organization into the future. Veteran members recently elected as officers include Chair Brian Teague, Vice Chair Eric Skeffington and Treasurer Maria Zeqo; new members to the WCEF Board include local community members and Woburn Public Schools alumni Jim Juliano, Dat Le, Krista Pires and Ernie Wells.

In welcoming this next generation of leaders, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the contributions of our founding board. Their volunteer service has been instrumental in the formation, growth and amazing impact WCEF has had in our public schools since we first came together in 2014. We are proud to distinguish these founders as Board Members Emeritus, to acknowledge their work to create a strong, stable foundation that is the bedrock of WCEF. Recently named Emeritus Members include Robert E. Maguire, Mike Martini, Rick Metters, Joanne Mulkerin and Don Queenin.

WCEF recently released our FY2023 Annual Report, which highlights our investments in our schools during the past year, and acknowledges the diverse pool of local donors who contributed to this success. It can be viewed online at https://woburnedfoundation.org/about/

Moving ahead, we will continue to carry out our mission to raise funds for the Woburn Public Schools, and to invest in projects that support the success of our educators and their students. In 2024 the community can look forward to our Winter Raffle, the 3rd Annual Woburn Hall of Fame installation event, and other opportunities to contribute to the educational experience of today’s students.

Pictured: Joe Crowley, WCEF’s Founding Board Chair, passes the ceremonial gavel to newly elected Chair Brian Teague. They are pictured with the newest members of the WCEF Board.
Left to Right: Jim Juliano, Dat Le, Brian Teague, Joe Crowley, Krista Pires, Ernie Wells

Wanted: Passionate Supporter of Woburn Public Schools to Serve as WCEF’s Next Executive Director!

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The Woburn Community Educational Foundation (WCEF) Board of Directors invites applications from local individuals interested in supporting the continued growth and impact of WCEF as the organization’s next Executive Director. 

This person would receive full training and support from WCEF’s outgoing ED, and have the opportunity to build on the success of a young organization committed to supporting today’s educators and students in the Woburn Public Schools. 

ED Job Description Posting October 2023

Position
Reporting to and appointed by the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) carries out all administrative and operational functions of the organization, manages fundraising and communications, and ensures the integrity of WCEF as a transparent and impactful nonprofit organization in accordance with community expectations as well as local, state and federal law.

Responsibilities

Administrative:

  • Serve as clerk of the Board of Directors; maintain organizational records and archives
  • Develop and maintain systems through which to track and report on the organization’s finances and activities
  • Manage WCEF’s Educator Grants Program; work with educators and the School Department to track use of grant funds and to report on impact of each project
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations; complete and submit required forms and reports

Fundraising & Communications:

  • Manage relationships with WCEF’s institutional funders; prepare and submit grant proposals and reports that reflect the organization’s impact and potential
  • Contribute to ongoing efforts to grow revenues through events and initiatives
  • Operationalize fundraising initiatives:
    Create materials to promote and support fundraising events and activities
    • Identify and solicit sponsors
    • Manage details, including vendors, ticketing/sales, supplies, timelines, tasks and volunteer roles
  • Direct the activities of the Woburn Hall of Fame Committee; produce a successful Woburn Hall of Fame Induction Event
  • Thank and steward donors
  • Manage WCEF website
  • Represent WCEF in the community
  • Produce engaging and timely email communications
  • Respond to phone calls and emails to the organization appropriately 

Qualities of a Strong Candidate

  • Passion for supporting the Woburn Public Schools
  • Strong computer skills, with high level of comfort using Microsoft Office, Dropbox, Google Suite, WordPress and other applications
  • Highly organized, dependable and articulate

 

WCEF is a young and growing organization that currently runs a full menu of fundraising activities, including a Winter Raffle, Woburn’s Awesome Teacher Tribute, Gourmet Gala and bi-annual Woburn Hall of Fame. 

This is a volunteer role, eligible for a stipend as determined by the WCEF Board of Directors.

Interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter and resume to WCEF via email at contactus@woburnedfoundation.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

WCEF Honors Founding Board Members

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WCEF recently honored four of its founding members who will be stepping down from the Board at the end of their current terms. Michael Martini, Joanne Mulkerin, and Don Queenin, as well as Robert E. Maguire, who stepped down in 2022, were presented with Founders Awards to recognize their ten years of leadership and service to WCEF.

“The volunteer service of these founding members has been instrumental in the formation, growth and amazing impact this organization has had in our public schools since 2014,” commented Maureen Willis, Executive Director. “Your commitment and leadership has given WCEF a solid foundation upon which to build, and a strategic vision that ensures our future success. Thank you.”

To date, WCEF has invested more than $600,000 in Woburn Schools to support a diverse portfolio of exciting new programs, educational initiatives and proven learning enhancements across multiple disciplines at every grade level. WCEF funds classroom and school based projects through its Educator Grants Program, provides a new book to every member of the kindergarten class each fall, and funds the Lexia Reading Program for K-3 students and the Caring Schools Community Program at the Joyce and Kennedy Middle Schools. WCEF is proud to invest in these projects that create excitement in learning and support the health and success of all students in the Woburn Public Schools.  

Learn more about WCEF by visiting our website www.woburnedfoundation.org

 

Picture caption:

Members of the WCEF Board honored with a Founders Award include (l to r)
Don Queenin, Joanne Mulkerin, Robert E. Maguire (missing from photo is Michael Martini)

Presenting the 2023 Woburn’s Awesome Teachers!

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WCEF is proud to present the list of Woburn Educators honored this year with a Woburn’s Awesome Teacher Tribute.  Community support for this year’s campaign was strong, with 263 tributes received, 208 individual educators honored, and more than $4,100 raised to support WCEF’s Educator Grants Program. We are grateful to these Awesome Teachers for inspiring this wonderful support!

This year, tributes were delivered in person to each school by members of the WCEF Board of Directors. View the photo gallery online at https://bit.ly/WCEFWATT.      

Since 2014, WCEF has raised and invested more than $600,000 in the capacity of Woburn Schools to offer innovative programs that meet the educational needs of today’s students. WCEF supports educational projects and initiatives that empower teacher creativity and drive student achievement beyond that which is possible with public dollars.  We are a volunteer organization which works to bring new resources to our schools.  To learn more about WCEF visit www.woburnedfoundation.org.

Congratulations and Thank You to the 2023 Woburn’s Awesome Teachers!