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!

WCEF Announces Professional Development Grants

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WCEF is proud to announce recent grants awarded to Woburn Educators through its new program to support professional development. The goal of this program is to encourage and support the pursuit of ongoing training and professional development during out of school time by helping to defray some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with such pursuits. Grants were awarded for trainings, conferences, and graduate level courses relevant to each educator’s focus and role, that would not be reimbursed by the Woburn Public Schools. In total, $2,974.65 in grants were awarded. Congratulations and thank you to these educators for inviting us to support their ongoing learning and development. 

 

Here’s Your Sneak Peek at the Gourmet Gala Live Auction!

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We’ve put together a great collection of items ready for your HIGH BID as part of the live portion of our Auction at our Gourmet Gala! Tickets must be purchased or reserved by Sunday, March 19th to reserve your seat at this fabulous new event!  All proceeds from the Gourmet Gala support WCEF’s Educator Grants Program, funding new programs and educational initiatives in the Woburn Public Schools.

Ticket information can be found here. 

Check out the great items up for bid, yours to win but only if you join us on March 25th at our Gourmet Gala:

WCEF Announces 2023 Educator Grant Awards

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The Woburn Community Educational Foundation (WCEF) recently awarded 24 grants to Woburn Educators that support a diverse portfolio of exciting new programs, educational initiatives and proven learning enhancements across multiple disciplines at every grade level. This year’s program gifted a total of $20,676 to the Woburn Public Schools.  

These Educator Grants will purchase hands-on learning tools, deliver interactive classroom technology, increase access to music instruction and the performing arts, connect students with local history and celebrate the diversity of our community. We are proud to invest in these projects that create excitement in learning and support the academic success of all students.

“This year we were pleased to receive grant proposals from almost every school in the district, representing the diverse interests and needs of the students at each grade level. These Educator Grants directly support school and classroom based programs and represent our shared commitment to the educational experience and academic achievement of today’s students,” noted WCEF Executive Director Maureen Willis. “Since our founding in 2014 and the opening of our Grant Program in 2015, WCEF has awarded almost $200,000 directly to our schools as Educator Grants and has secured a total of more than $600,000 in new funding to support instructional enhancements and new projects. Working together we have brought some very exciting programs to our schools.”

Special thanks to the Cummings Foundation for its leadership support of WCEF and to the Winning Home Foundation for its continued partnership support and commitment to Woburn’s children as demonstrated by a 3-year grant to bring the Caring School Community program to the district’s middle schools.

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.    

Our 2023 Winter Raffle was a Great Success!

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Thanks to the outstanding support of our community, WCEF’s 3rd Annual Winter Raffle was a tremendous success! This year’s Raffle featured 6 high-end and designer purses, 3 Gift Certificate packages, and a Lottery Tree, all sponsored or donated by the local community. The event raised more than $5,000 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:  Drawing Sponsors: Rick Metters & Maura Embler and Northern Bank & Trust; Item Sponsors Little Folks Day School, Robert E. & Karen Maguire, Don & Janet Queenin, Rockland Trust and Winchester Savings Bank.  Item donors were East Cambridge Savings Bank, Joe & Audrey Crowley, Gingerbread Construction Company, Lord Hobo Brewing, Sogno Italian Restaurant and the Woburn Teachers Association.   

Community interest in the Winter Raffle remained strong this year, with more than 900 raffle tickets sold! The Event Program, as well as the full list of Winter Raffle winners can be viewed on the event website at www.woburnedfoundation.org/winter-raffle

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. 

Special Thanks to our Winter Raffle Supporters:

2023 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #3

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Presenting the Kate Spade Payton Medium Dome Satchel!

 

What’s not to love about this fabulous Kate Spade bag? Crafted of Saffiano leather in white dove, the Payton is full of style and versatility, with a removable and adjustable long strap with drop of approximately 22″ to wear crossbody, over the shoulder or carry by hand with handle drop of 5″. This bag features top zip closure; exterior front and back slip pockets; kate spade pinmount logo. Interior features two way spade jacquard lining with one zip pocket and one slip pocket.

Timeless, Season-Spanning Style.  A must-have addition to your stylish wardrobe!

Approximate dimensions: 9.45″h x 11.8″w x 5.3″d

This purse is sponsored by Rockland Trust. 

About the Winter Raffle

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

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 23, 2023. 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 $600,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that have made a difference for every student in the district. 

2023 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #2

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Presenting the Collina Leather Satchel from the Patricia Nash Discovery Signature Collection

Check out this stunningly unique leather satchel from the Patricia Nash Discovery Signature Collection. Crafted in full Aniline leather, this bag’s exterior is adorned with an antique postcard print and features antique brass hardware and a metal frame top with double side latches. The interior includes one zip and 2 slip pockets. A timeless conversation piece and a fabulous addition to your wardrobe!

Dimensions: 13″(W) x 9″(H) x 6″(D)

This purse is sponsored by Robert E. & Karen Maguire

About the Winter Raffle

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

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 23, 2023. 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 $600,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that have made a difference for every student in the district. 

2023 Winter Raffle Sneak Peek #1

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Presenting the Kate Spade Margareta “Flutter Hearts” Tote!

This fun and versatile tote is full of function with Kate Spade style! Black textured PVC with pink hearts, and Kate spade signature gold tone hardware logo plate. A zip-top keeps everything secure.

Inside, a classic Kate Spade fabric interior includes 1 zip and 2 open pockets. This tote has a flat bottom and a slightly trapezoid shape: 19” W at top, 13” at bottom; 11”H x 6” D.
Double straps with 9” drop.

The perfect Valentine’s Day gift, especially for you!

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, gift certificate packages and other items which promise to improve your chances of winning big!

Raffle ticket sales begin Monday, January 23, 2023. 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 $600,000 in new funding for Woburn Schools, supporting projects that have made a difference for every student in the district.