Congratulations and thank
you to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF) as it celebrates 25 years of
extraordinary leadership and commitment to the students and staff of the Needham
Public Schools!
For 25 years the wise and
tireless work of NEF board members and volunteers has enabled the Needham
Public Schools to provide innovative and inspiring programming for children. In fact, in the last 25 years, the NEF has
funded over 500 grants totaling $2.2 million! Over the years, tens of
thousands of students have enjoyed and benefited from imaginative and dynamic learning experiences and programs that would not have been possible
without the NEF’s exceptional support and encouragement. Spurred on by generous donors, the NEF’s work
goes way beyond funding. The NEF, in a
close collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents, and students has
provided expertise, perspective, and deep experience to assist the schools to
envision, shape, and develop educational programs. The dollars certainly make things possible,
but it is also the collective energy, wisdom, and inspiration of NEF members
who support our thinking and encourage us to go further than we thought
possible.
I learned a long time ago
as a young teacher in South Central LA, in a neighborhood racked by poverty,
violence, and despair, that a school can only thrive—children can only succeed—if
the local community embraces its mission of educating all students and
providing opportunities for them to grow into imaginative, responsible, and
engaged citizens. Needham is far removed
from the streets of Watts, but the need for community and caring is as
important here as it was there. A school
systems flourishes—children grow—when adults in the community figure out ways
to connect and build relationships to nurture student achievement. Smart and
caring communities, like Needham, collaborate to build a network
and web of caring, learning, and support.
And that is what the NEF
is all about: Compassionate and talented
people with good heads and eager hearts coming together to provide ideas, resources,
and inspiration so that teachers can create the kind of experiences that will
allow children to thrive. In the end,
the NEF is all about the promise of education and empowering young minds and
bodies. It is a vivid demonstration of
the power and the value of community. It
is clearly a message and a mission of hope and love.
I am humbled by the
generosity of the NEF and all of those in this remarkable community who sustain
its work. It is an honor for me to work
in the shadows of parents, civic officials and community leaders who so deeply
believe in young people and are committed to their success.
Thank you, NEF. And on your 25th, Happy Birthday!
For more information about the NEF or to donate: http://www.nefneedham.org/