Carlsbad schools have flourished thanks to the support of our community.
The tradition began with the 1872 inception of the first school in town. The school, aptly named Hope, was situated at the present site of the La Costa Resort and Spa.
The one-room schoolhouse was established by one of Carlsbad's founding families, the Kellys, along with the Feelers and Adams, to accommodate their two dozen children, plus those of Russian immigrants from a nearby settlement.
Throughout the years, parents, alumni, business organizations, service groups and community-minded individuals have supported students' hopes for the future. Taxpayers have approved bonds to build new schools and improve existing sites.
PTAs have provided hours and dollars to offer well-rounded opportunities as have the Carlsbad Women's Club, Village Optimists and others. Current students benefit from the largesse of alumni, such as former Lancer and New England Patriot Ted Johnson, who donated money to refurbish the Carlsbad High School weight room, where he held the record for best lifter.
Two nonprofit organizations continue to make a difference in our district. The ArtSplash chalk art festival was created in 2003 to promote and support arts and music education in North County schools.
The September weekend event attracted more than 35,000 visitors. Proceeds benefited Carlsbad Unified schools, which had the opportunity to reap rewards from selling tickets to Taste at ArtSplash and pursuing other fundraising activities.
“Thousands of dollars were raised for the schools. Despite challenging economic conditions, ArtSplash was a banner year,” said event Chairwoman Joni Miringoff.
The Carlsbad Educational Foundation was founded in 1983 by business and community leaders to support the education of every Carlsbad Unified student by developing, conducting and financing innovative quality programs and projects. The foundation has contributed more than $4 million in facilities fees and direct grants.
Much has derived from the Kids Are Worth a Million campaign and its annual golf tournament.
“The September 2008 tournament attracted 128 players and many corporate sponsors. Sponsorships, player fees, a silent auction and other donations totaled nearly $69,000 to benefit the foundation's new grant making areas in science, music and educational innovation,” said Valin Brown, CEO of the foundation.
The winning foursome represented Calavera Hills Middle School and two Carlsbad High School TV students emceed the event.
The foundation is developing a three-year strategic plan. The process has been highly interactive, involving stakeholders, such as myself, principals, PTAs, business organizations and service groups.
“The three-year strategic plan will focus on three impact areas for fundraising and fund distribution: 1) K-12 music, both vocal and instrumental; 2) science programs, with a hands-on emphasis and 3) educational innovations and seed programs,” Valin said.
For 136 years, from the first Hope to the current Hope and to all of the Carlsbad Unified schools, hope springs eternal thanks to community ownership as represented by the Carlsbad Educational Foundation.
The tradition began with the 1872 inception of the first school in town. The school, aptly named Hope, was situated at the present site of the La Costa Resort and Spa.
The one-room schoolhouse was established by one of Carlsbad's founding families, the Kellys, along with the Feelers and Adams, to accommodate their two dozen children, plus those of Russian immigrants from a nearby settlement.
Throughout the years, parents, alumni, business organizations, service groups and community-minded individuals have supported students' hopes for the future. Taxpayers have approved bonds to build new schools and improve existing sites.
PTAs have provided hours and dollars to offer well-rounded opportunities as have the Carlsbad Women's Club, Village Optimists and others. Current students benefit from the largesse of alumni, such as former Lancer and New England Patriot Ted Johnson, who donated money to refurbish the Carlsbad High School weight room, where he held the record for best lifter.
Two nonprofit organizations continue to make a difference in our district. The ArtSplash chalk art festival was created in 2003 to promote and support arts and music education in North County schools.
The September weekend event attracted more than 35,000 visitors. Proceeds benefited Carlsbad Unified schools, which had the opportunity to reap rewards from selling tickets to Taste at ArtSplash and pursuing other fundraising activities.
“Thousands of dollars were raised for the schools. Despite challenging economic conditions, ArtSplash was a banner year,” said event Chairwoman Joni Miringoff.
The Carlsbad Educational Foundation was founded in 1983 by business and community leaders to support the education of every Carlsbad Unified student by developing, conducting and financing innovative quality programs and projects. The foundation has contributed more than $4 million in facilities fees and direct grants.
Much has derived from the Kids Are Worth a Million campaign and its annual golf tournament.
“The September 2008 tournament attracted 128 players and many corporate sponsors. Sponsorships, player fees, a silent auction and other donations totaled nearly $69,000 to benefit the foundation's new grant making areas in science, music and educational innovation,” said Valin Brown, CEO of the foundation.
The winning foursome represented Calavera Hills Middle School and two Carlsbad High School TV students emceed the event.
The foundation is developing a three-year strategic plan. The process has been highly interactive, involving stakeholders, such as myself, principals, PTAs, business organizations and service groups.
“The three-year strategic plan will focus on three impact areas for fundraising and fund distribution: 1) K-12 music, both vocal and instrumental; 2) science programs, with a hands-on emphasis and 3) educational innovations and seed programs,” Valin said.
For 136 years, from the first Hope to the current Hope and to all of the Carlsbad Unified schools, hope springs eternal thanks to community ownership as represented by the Carlsbad Educational Foundation.