FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA CLARITA, CA (September 1, 2020) - The Santa Clarita Valley Education Foundation (SCVEF) announces the start of a teacher appreciation campaign supporting local educators during this unprecedented time. To meet the extraordinary demands of online learning, teachers are in need of tools that will enhance the learning environment for their students as well. The SCV Education Foundation is the only local education foundation to support all five local school districts: Castaic USD, Newhall SD, Saugus USD, Sulphur Springs USD and the Hart District.

“We recognize that the 2,200+ public school teachers in the Santa Clarita Valley are undergoing the greatest teaching challenge of their professional careers due to the technological demands of distance learning,” says Jackie Hartmann, Executive Director of the SCV Education Foundation. “As a result, the Foundation decided to launch this campaign. The campaign has a ‘three-pronged’ approach in reaching and supporting teachers while also bringing visibility to their efforts.”

The first prong is to provide teachers with “gadgets and gizmos” to help them teach online.  Over 400 items such as document cameras, green screens, laptop stands, and halo lights were provided to teachers during a grant grab ‘n go pick up last week. “We wish we could have provided each and every teacher with a tool to assist them during distance learning, but unfortunately our budget is not unlimited," adds Hartmann. "If additional funds are raised, we hope to offer more grant items.” Teachers who received items sent notes of appreciation to the foundation. Feedback included “Thank you for helping us feel supported and appreciated during these difficult times. It really goes a long way”, “When I heard about the grants, I teared up” and “I know I speak for everyone when I say how much this means to us! Truly so grateful for your generosity!”

For the second prong of the campaign, the SCVEF reached out to elected officials, community leaders and their premier partners to create a video message to teachers to show their support. The video, which was emailed directly to all teachers along with being shared on social media, shows just how much other professionals appreciate teachers for the unusual and difficult situation they are in. Both a short version and an extended version of the video can be found below.

The third prong is to make sure the community is aware of just how much teachers are appreciated. Twenty banners were placed strategically around town so both teachers and residents know that teachers are “our heroes”, “out of this world”, “educational rock stars” and most importantly, that they “can do virtually anything.” The banner approach is not unlike the campaign for health care workers that started in April, supporting them throughout the difficulties they faced due to the pandemic.

Videos, examples of the banners, and photos of the events can be found above and down below. To make a donation to the SCV Education Foundation you can scroll above to our “Donation” button at the top right corner. “Although we know we will not hit our revenue goals this year due to the cancellation of our two major fundraisers, Teacher Tribute and Principal for a Day, we felt it was still important to support our teachers during this difficult time,” says Jim Backer, Board President. “It is our hope that the community will come together and support the organization so that we in turn can continue to support the teachers and students of the Santa Clarita Valley,” he adds.

About the Santa Clarita Valley Education Foundation
The SCV Education Foundation was founded in 1995 to foster relationships between businesses, schools, educators and students; and to promote appreciation for public school education in the Santa Clarita Valley. Other annual programs include Teacher Innovation Grants, Teacher Tribute, Read with Me, Bag of Books, Page Tuners and scholarships to graduating high school students. For more information please visit www.scveducationfoundation.org or call our office at 661-678-0429.

Contact: Jackie Hartmann
Executive Director, SCV Education Foundation
Jackie@scveducationfoundation.org
661-678-0429