Definition: 1a: a center of activity, attraction, or attention b: a point of concentration

2: directed attention : EMPHASIS

3a: DIRECTION sense b: a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding c: adjustment for distinct vision

The mission and focus of the Indian Valley Education Foundation is at the core of every decision we make, "...to ensure the highest level of educational opportunity for students through a community partnership with public education."

Education Foundations were born of the understanding that the cost of providing a world class education has gone well beyond what is provided by taxpayer dollars. It is our belief that there are few causes more worth and life altering than public schools. Our focus as an organization is to help people understand that their gifts can change the lives of children for generations to come.

Each year, the Indian Valley Education Foundation provides funding for classroom Innovation Grants. While this program varies from year to year, the concept remains the same: To provide monetary resources to classrooms across the district that allow the faculty to explore alternative and creative ways to engage students in curriculum.

You may be familiar with the "Flip Your Classroom" or "Love Your Library" themes. These building wide programs allowed the IVEF to support ideas and turn them into tangible resources. Other years, the program allows teachers to submit innovative ideas for their classrooms to support creative learning in any subject.

Our Innovation Grant program provides an average of $20,000 per year to SASD. Each year we make the commitment to increase that funding and each year we are able to meet our commitment thanks to many of you, our donors. We are thrilled to share that every single student has been directly impacted by the funding that has been provided in one way or another. This program is funded each year through our annual teacher appreciation campaigns held in December and May as well as other fundraising initiatives. Click here to see a list of this year's Innovation Grant recipients.

We would like to thank our local businesses that support us through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The EITC Program is administered by the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) under Act 48. Established in 2001, the Program awards tax credits to businesses that make contributions to scholarship organizations and/or educational improvement organizations that are on a list approved and published by (DCED).

Thanks to the forward thinking of community partners like Univest and QNB, the IVEF has been able to provide resources to our schools that otherwise would not be possible. Most recently, this money was used to fund the IQWST science curriculum at both of our middle schools, along with the purchase of new ViewSonic boards for our elementary classrooms. The impact this funding has provided has been phenomenal.

For more information about our EITC program, and how your business might be able to participate, please click here.

"Since our founding in Souderton in 1876, Univest has been committed to giving back to our local community. One of the areas we focus our giving is on youth and education which has led to a wonderful partnership with the Indian Valley Education Foundation. Over the years, we are proud to have provided financial support that allows IVEF to expand the resources and opportunities that are available to students. Some of the innovative initiatives include SASD Next which provides 1:1 computing for grades 6-12, enhancing Utech Lab for the SAHS TV and video production programs, and IQWST® Science new curriculum for grades 6-8. IVEF truly makes an impact in each of the schools throughout the district and we are proud that, in addition to financial support, our employees are actively involved in supporting IVEF through board service and participation at events. We truly appreciate and are proud to support IVEF’s mission of ensuring the highest level of educational opportunity for students in the Souderton Area School District." – Jeff Schweitzer, President and CEO, Univest Financial Corporation

One of the most fulfilling parts of the work that the IVEF does is connecting people and organizations to the needs and opportunities in our schools that they feel passionate about. The result of making those connections is something that provides far more than simply monetary support. Several years ago, Ethel Blumberg was referred to the IVEF by a community connection. They were aware that Mrs. Blumberg had spent the better part of a decade seeking a way in which she would be able to honor the memory of her daughter, Cindy Kilmer, SAHS '73. At the time, she didn't know what she wanted to do, but knew that when she found the right thing she would know. That initial meeting was something that is hard to re-create because it was quite simply magical. We didn't know her intentions and nor did she, and so we simply talked about the things that mattered to her which was finding a way to honor her daughter's legacy. We asked simply for her to tell us about her daughter and the conversation began to unfold. That conversation was one that went on for the better part of 5 years and ended with a beautiful state of the art greenhouse on the campus of Souderton Area High School.

As we came to know Ethel and her family we learned more about her daughter Cindy. We learned she was an avid gardener who studied horticulture at the University of Delaware. We learned from Cindy's daughter Alisha that her mother would use horticulture as a form of therapy for many patients she interacted with. We learned from Cindy's sister Donna that Ethel's hopes for this project unfolded in a way that meant more to her than she could have ever imagined.

On Monday May 6, 2019 over 100 people ~ teachers, students, administrators, community leaders, school board leaders, friends and family of Mrs. Blumberg gathered to dedicate the Greenhouse in memory of her daughter Cindy. That day we also celebrated Mrs. Blumberg's 94th Birthday. When asked about the day, she commented with a twinkle in her eye, "Who would have thought I would have to wait 94 years for the best birthday ever!"

That day, in partnership with this community, Mrs. Blumberg unwrapped a gift that will live on for generations. The impact of her generosity will be a resource for students and teachers and the community that has no bounds. She is the shining example of what we can build together when we bring together our passion for something bigger than ourselves.

Mrs. Blumberg celebrated her last birthday with a celebration like no other. In her obituary her family stated, "In May 2019 Ethel helped to finance the building of a greenhouse at Souderton Area School in honor of her late daughter Cindy. She often said this was one of her greatest achievements."

“Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”

― Hamilton musical

The IVEF LOVES our schools and we know that many of you do as well. Whether you are a student, a teacher, a caregiver, a parent or just a community member who has had the privilege of being a part of SASD we want to hear from you!

What do you love most about your school? This is simple, no grades involved! Send us a letter, poem or short story sharing with us WHY you love your school.

Let us know which school, what your affiliation is with that school (student, parent, volunteer, teacher, etc.) and share your story or experience. We can't wait to hear from you.

Letters may be sent via email to Meg Dick at megd@indianvalleyef.org or to:

IVEF

Attn: Meg Dick

760 Lower Road

Souderton, PA 19438

Each submission will be entered into a drawing for a gift card. There will be one winner at each of the following levels: Elementary School, Middle School, High School. Letters may be shared with the principals, faculty and the community. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Email: rpotter@indianvalleyef.org
Website: www.indianvalleyef.org
Location: 760 Lower Road, Souderton, PA, USA
Phone: 215-723-6061
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianValleyEducationFoundation/
Twitter: @IndianValley_EF