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DECEMBER 2022

Hi Friends,   

THANKS TO YOU our donors, volunteers, educators & community partners - 2022 was a great year!

A few highlights:

  • First ever - Unbound Innovations VR/AR Camp expanded the exploration of futuristic technology to 30 campers
  • AVID SUCCESS Scholarships awarded $125K to 54 AVID students in college
  • AVID National Conference invited the AVID SUCCESS team to present "How to Pay for College and Thrive Financially"
  • New Lebanon School Theatre Grant introduced and engaged all 294 students K-5 to live theater & performance
  • Tuning In To Music free lessons increased access to middle/high school student ensembles for 63 low income students
  • Family Engagement strategic programming at 3 school sites led to a district-wide roll out
  • Grants focused on Student Well-Being/Mental Health received $50K
  • 1500 runners took off at the 2022 Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk raising $63K

Happy New Year!
Julie's signature
DONATE NOW!
 
 
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS 
 
Thanks Pitch Your Peers (PYP) - We Won $20,000

For the first time, the Alliance was pitched by four PYP members, Gia Burton, Michelle Horgan, Sarah Sippel and Amy Kappelman Johnson, to win money for the 8th Grade Capstone Enrichment Trip to Washington DC. This trip was at risk of being canceled because many 8th graders couldn't afford to attend. PYP started the fundraising for the trip, many people have donated to support the effort, and a committee of parents from CMS, EMS, and WMS has formed to continue raising dollars for this trip for future years.

The Alliance supports access to curriculum opportunities for all students and is funding Science Beyond the Classroom ($56K) bringing GPS 1st graders to the Bruce Museum and 2nd graders to the Audubon of Greenwich this spring.

 

A VERY Special AVID SUCCESS Scholarship Donation Story!

"They would be proud of the recipients of this scholarship award and will always be with the recipients in spirit."

Betsy Bergeron was seeking a way to help students while also recognizing the spirit of her late parents, Joan Belmont Bergeron and William Bergeron. So she spoke to Mara Subach, AVID Site Coordinator at GHS and then called the Alliance. Betsy's generous gift of $50K will be distributed over 10 years as part of the AVID SUCCESS Scholarship Fund.

Joan and Willam Bergeron were first generation Americans who embodied the work ethic of the early 20th Century American Dream. They valued education and giving back to the community. They both graduated from Greenwich High School and were good students and athletes. 
 
... ESSENTIAL EXTENSIONS TO THE GPS AVID EXPERIENCE!
Picture of Mentoring Panel

AVID National Conference (Dec. 2022, Orlando, FL)

GPS AVID Educators and the Greenwich Alliance AVID SUCCESS team attended and were inspired by the powerful lessons shared by the Keynote, Dr. Manny Scott and the AVID leaders, teachers and alumni at this year's National Conference.

The conference reaffirmed our commitment to AVID and to expanding AVID SUCCESS for AVID Students and Alumni.

GHS AVID 12 -  Lunch for Mentees and Mentors

" An easy and comfortable way to connect" was what we heard from the 12th graders after eating Garden Catering with their mentors just before the holiday break. We continue to focus on new ways to introduce students and mentors to build these relationships.

AVID Class of 2022 Reunion

Ms. Bittman's AVID alumni gathered over the holidays to catch up and to share stories about their first semester in college.  It is so nice to see their smiling faces.
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Trivia Challenge - Friday, March 3, 2023
 

It is time to start practicing your trivia and gathering friends & family far and wide. This year's Trivia Challenge will once again be a virtual event and promises to be another great night.

Watch for registration information and auction item donation requests next month.
 
Climate Justice in Connecticut - Wednesday, February 1, 2023
 

Climate change is dramatically impacting the resources that everyone depends on and value, such as water, energy, air, etc. Communities of color and other marginalized groups often have the highest exposure and the fewest resources to respond to the impacts of climate change.

Join the YWCA Greenwich and other sponsors either in person or via Zoom at 7:00 pm for a panel discussion to explore these climate challenges in Connecticut today, the disparate impacts of climate change and offer solutions for a more equitable and just response to climate change in Connecticut.  Learn more and register here.
 
Cadillac of Greenwich - Golf Equipment Drive for First Tee CT
Now through Saturday, April 15, 2023
 

As you clean out after the holidays, consider donating the following:  adult golf clubs (10 years old and newer), any junior golf club and bags, adult golf bags with stands, colored golf balls.

Donations can be dropped off at the Cadillac of Greenwich Showroom - 144 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich
 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Board of Education Meetings @ 7:00 pm

  • - Thurs. Jan.19,  Business Meeting, Central Middle School
  • - Thurs. Feb. 23,  Business Meeting, Central Middle School

Climate Justice in CT Panel Discussion, Wed. Feb 1, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. YMCA and via Zoom.  Learn more and register here.

Greenwich Alliance Trivia Challenge, Friday, March 3.  More details to follow.

OTHER:

Visit Greenwich Together website for resources to prevent substance misuse, promote behavioral and mental health and strengthen healthy choices.

Sign-up here to receive Community Connections notifications from First Selection, Fred Camillo.

Use this link to sign up to receive the GPS District Digest, the Greenwich School District e-newsletter.
DONATE NOW!
 

Questions about the Greenwich Alliance for Education? Want to share your ideas on how to spread the word?

Contact me at julie@greenwichalliance.org.

Sincerely,

Julie Faryniarz, Executive Director
203.340.2323 
julie@greenwichalliance.org
www.greenwichalliance.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie.faryniarz

PS. Follow us on FB and Instagram for Alliance updates.
The Greenwich Alliance for Education is a public/private funding partner 
to the Greenwich Public Schools.
Funding Innovation, Expanding Opportunities, Inspiring Educators

Our mailing address is: 

48 Maple Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
United States                 

(O) 203.340.2323