By Dr. Ben Churchill Superintendent Carlsbad Unified School District

Carlsbad Unified is extremely fortunate to partner with the Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) to deliver exceptional educational opportunities to the children of Carlsbad.

The Carlsbad Educational Foundation rallies the support of parents, businesses and community members throughout our community to support science, music, and innovation at our schools. As a result of numerous campaigns and fund-raising events, CEF was able to donate $880,000 to school district programs last year. Since 1983, CEF has raised over $7 million in targeted grants for programs in Carlsbad schools. The CEF Board of Directors’ goal is to fund grants to CUSD schools in the areas of hands-on science, district-wide music, and educational innovation.

Because of CEF grants, Carlsbad Unified students benefit from a K-5 weekly music program, middle school and high school music coaches and accompanists, and a budget for new instruments, rentals, and repairs.

The Foundation is a strong believer in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), so CEF provides each elementary school with Science Day funds, innovative science enrichment programs, 4/5th grade science lab teachers and supplies, and support for Lego robotics teams. CEF funds Project Lead the Way curriculum, K-12, as well as MS science lab supplies, HS Science lab aides, the IB Program at Jefferson Elementary, and the My Access online Writing program.

We appreciate the commitment and hard work of the CEF and its business partners and the community for enriching the instruction program for all CUSD students.

On Saturday, March 11, 2017, the Carlsbad Educational Foundation will be holding its 3rd Annual Stationary Bike Event “Pedal for a Purpose” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Omni La Costa Resort. We enthusiastically invite you to come and join us for a day of fun in support of our schools.

The entire community is welcome to participate, either by riding a stationary bike, cheering on our riders, or sponsoring a team to benefit the students. There will be a team from each of our CUSD schools, and teams from around the community, including the Carlsbad Police Department, Carlsbad Fire, the City of Carlsbad, CSUSM, CUSD, and there will be celebrity riders, too.

Additionally, there will be Health & Wellness Vendors, Bike Safety Checks, CEF Program booths with hands-on science and music activities for kids. The event will also feature great raffle prizes, massages and VIP treatment for riders.

Last year CEF raised $53,000 to support programs at our schools. This year the goal is to raise $75,000. All funds raised at the “Pedal for a Purpose” event will go directly to fund 25 programs in Music, STEM Education & Innovation.

For more information, or to register a team, visit our website Carlsbaded.org/events or call Patty Johnson for sponsorship opportunities or Kym Szalkiewicz for event information at (760) 929-1555.