WCEF Grant Expands STEM Education in Woburn Elementary Schools

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WCEF is pleased to support the expansion of STEM Programs in Woburn Elementary Schools, with a $7,000 grant to purchase Robotics Kits designed to provide hands-on interactive learning experiences for students in grades K-5.  This funding was requested by elementary educators and builds upon the program originally funded by WCEF in 2019.

This WCEF grant addresses a real need for our schools to adequately prepare students for jobs of the future, by sparking their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) subjects at a young age.  In her grant proposal, Courtney Young explains “In elementary school, students are still learning with their hands and eyes … As students start to develop early literacy and reasoning skills, robotics can help students work through problems visually and experimentally … introducing STEM early increases students interest in the field.”

To build the existing repertoire and expand the use of robotics at all Woburn Elementary Schools, WCEF’s investment will fund the purchase of a Dash Robotics Kit, a Kibo-18 Robotics Kit and 7 Motion Blocks Sets. These robotics kits offer students the opportunity to learn block-based coding using screen technologies and apps, as well as through hands-on wooden block manipulatives.  These learning tools teach young students early coding, and provide a foundational introduction to how robots interact with their environment.

This recent grant award is in addition to the $20,000 in funding awarded in December 2020 to support livestream education in Woburn Middle and High Schools.  Since 2014, WCEF has invested almost $240,000 in Woburn Schools, to support educational initiatives that drive innovation beyond that which is possible with public dollars.  Learn more about WCEF by visiting us online at www.woburnedfoundation.org.

Photo credit: https://kinderlabrobotics.com/kibo/

WCEF Winter Raffle a Great Success!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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/

Winning Home Steps Up to Support Woburn Schools During COVID-19

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The Winning Home Foundation remains committed to Woburn’s children at this most critical time in their educational experience.  WCEF is proud to announce receipt of a $10,000 charitable grant from Winning Home, Inc., to fund special projects and new initiatives to address the educational needs of Woburn’s high-risk students in a hybrid learning environment during COVID-19.  This year’s award brings the total investment from Winning Home, Inc., to $40,000 in just 5 years; past grants have supported 35 innovative new projects that continue to benefit every student in the Woburn Public Schools. 

This generous grant from Winning Home will be gifted to the schools to improve the learning experience of children struggling to learn remotely, and also fund innovative programs to support enhanced livestream and in-person instruction.  “This year, the district’s English language learners and those from low-income households are more at-risk than ever,” explains WCEF’s Maureen Willis.  “The realities of COVID-19 place limits on their ability to interact directly with educators, and to form supportive bonds with their peers.  This affects not only their academic progress but their emotional health and well-being.”  She continues, “This grant from Winning Home will not only support their educational experience this year, but also will impact their learning success for years to come.  We are grateful to the board of Winning Home for its continued commitment to Woburn’s most at-risk children.”

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 $4.8 million to area charitable organizations.  Learn more at www.winninghome.org

Photo Caption:  Due to COVID-19, the board of Winning Home did not make in-person check presentations this year.  Members of the WCEF gathered after a recent meeting to thank the Foundation.  Pictured are (l-r):  WCEF Board Member Michael Martini, WCEF Board Chair Joe Crowley, WCEF Board Member Robert E. Maguire, WCEF Executive Director Maureen Willis, WCEF Board Member Joanne Mulkerin.  Learn more about WCEF at www.woburnedfoundation.org          

Announcing Our First Annual Holiday Door Decorating Contest!

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Our schools need the support of our community more than ever!  WCEF is pleased to announce the First Annual Holiday Door Decorating Contest!  Designed to raise spirits and raise funds for the Woburn Public Schools, families are invited to “Deck Their Doors”, with bragging rights up for grabs for the most creative, most traditional, and most festive around!  Register with a $20 donation to WCEF, and 100% of your support will directly benefit Woburn Schools.

To participate, decorate your door, send in your registration, and post a picture of your door on social media with the hashtag #WuHolidayDoors, or email your picture to contactus@woburnedfoundation.org. Entries will be posted in our online gallery and addresses added to our “Door Tour” listing.  The deadline to enter is December 16, 2020; winners will be announced and the complete Door Tour list published on December 21st.  Complete information and Registration forms can be found online at  www.bit.ly/WuHolidayDoors

Woburn families, Deck Your Door to Support Woburn Schools!

Presenting our 2020 Woburn’s Awesome Teachers!

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WCEF is pleased to present the impressive list of Woburn Educators honored this year with a Woburn’s Awesome Teacher Tribute.  This year’s campaign was our most successful ever, with 224 tributes received, 163 individual educators honored, and more than $5,500 raised to support the Educator Grants Program.        

This year, honored educators received their tributes via email, and we have asked them to post selfies with their tributes on social media with the hashtag #WATT2020.  The WCEF board truly missed visiting the classrooms in person this year, to thank our educators for their great work which inspires such generous support.   

Special thanks to the Woburn community for helping us remind our awesome teachers that their efforts are noticed and appreciated, most especially this year.  Your gifts and tributes in honor of your teachers, friends, family members and colleagues directly funds Educator Grants in our schools.  This support means more today than ever!

View the Awesome Teacher Tribute Gallery as we build it!

WCEF kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week with launch of Woburn’s Awesome Teacher Tribute Campaign!

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We invite the Woburn Community to honor and thank a special educator with a Woburn’s Awesome Teacher Tribute!  This campaign supports Woburn Community Educational Foundation’s Educator Grant Program, which, to date, has awarded more than $100,000 to support new projects and initiatives in the Woburn Public Schools. This year especially, a tribute to your awesome Woburn teacher is the perfect way to send a personal message of thanks when you cannot do so in person.  Your Educators would love to hear from you, and your donation supports our schools. 

Any member of the community is encouraged to honor of any current or former educator in the Woburn Public Schools.  Personalized tribute awards will be delivered via email to each honored Educator, and will include your special tribute message.  The amount of your contribution is completely confidential.     

To participate, simply complete a 2020 WATT Donation Form and mail to WCEF as per the instructions.  Forms can be downloaded and tribute donations made directly via the WCEF website . 

The deadline to participate in this year’s Woburn’s Awesome Teacher Tribute is Friday, May 29, 2020.  Call us at 781-281-9589.