ANNUAL REPORT

GREATER EDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATIONBuilding Partnerships ~ Achieving Dreams

Message from the President Through my many years of being actively involved in the Harford County Public Schools, there are three principles I have come to believe. 1) There is no such thing as a good or bad school; 2) Every child has the potential for huge success when they have someone in their life who believes in them; and, 3) Parents and the community have as much to do with the quality of a school as teachers do. Then what defines a good school? People do. Research shows that children will do well in any environment when they have support from home and the community. Children need support to build capacity for learning. Culture, race, and socioeconomic factors do not define a child’s learning success – an involved family and community does. A 1994 meta-analysis report by Anne Henderson and Nancy Berla, entitled “The Family is Critical to Student Achievement” confirmed the findings of 66 studies on student learning that “the most accurate predictor of student achievement is the extent the family is involved in their child’s learning.” My first thought was ‘wow – critical’! That thought was quickly followed by ‘accurate predictor’. With the words ‘critical’ and ‘predictor’ in hand, this past year the Directors strategically planned a program that would engage families and the community into student learning and our schools. The program, College Pathways, is a K – 12 initiative that builds the social and learning capacity of our students and provides the framework for post-secondary success. Workshops and other resources provide the tools and skills parents need to help instill in their child a desire for learning and to be successful. This program connects parents to student learning and encourages a sustained relationship between home, school and the community. GEEF also continues to promote other programs that work to strengthen community. Stronger community = stronger schools. As I read my message to you in GEEF’s first annual report I indicated that our priority is building a community of learners. I am pleased to see we are well on our way to achieving that goal. Withthe continued involvement of our community and business partnerships, we make positive strides everyday. Deb Merlock President

Board of Directors Deb Merlock President Parent Phil Logan Vice President Slavie Federal Savings Bank Kevin Wiley Treasurer PNC Financial Group Kathleen Burr Abingdon Elementary School Gail Dunlap Wm Paca/OPR Elementary School Dion F. Guthrie Harford County Council Freddie Hornedo Fountain of Life Fellowship Church Celeste Klima Deerfield Elementary School Jennifer Lewis Lewis Web Creations Liz M. Leoni-Monti Freedom Federal Credit Union Stephen Olah, CPA Certified Financial Planner Tim Peifley Rite Aid Corporation Wayne H. Perry Edgewood Middle School Ayesha L Rankin Century 21 Larissa Santos Edgewood High School Lisa B. Sundquist Edgewood Elementary School Mark M. Wolkow Harford County Board of Education HONORARY DIRECTORS Richard Bock Huntington Learning Center Warren L. Hamilton J. Vinton Schafer & Sons, Inc. Tina Mike APG Federal Credit Union Kimberly L. Wagner Tritronics, Inc.

COLLEGE PATHWAYS

College Pathways

College Pathways is a K – 12 program designed to work with elementary and middle school students to prepare them for high school, and it provides high school students motivation, academic and social support to graduate from high school and complete a program of post-secondary education. The program focuses on supports for all students through: Development of critical thinking skills and personal goal setting Individual attention and strong social support Encourage rigorous courses and high expectations Parent engagement to increase support for students and to increase

parents’ access to K-12 educational outcomes and college information Strong academic and social support through peer mentors and

networking Service to the Community Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students and parents who participate in the College Pathways program will receive a wide variety of tools and services to make college a reality. In addition, students will be eligible for scholarship support with priority given to first-generation college bound students. The program was designed this year and will be implemented in the 2007-2008 school year beginning with parent academys in each of the elementary schools. Through the generous donation of Harford Cable Network, a video was produced highlighting the enthusiasm of our students and the dedication of our community and business leaders. The College Pathways video demonstrates how we are supporting our youth to move beyond high school and pursue their dreams by continuing their learning through post secondary education.

Making college a reality for each student!

Artwork provided by students from each of the Edgewood schools created an impressive backdrop for business leaders to network with educators while enjoying food and the talents of our students at the Richlin Ballroom. Even the weather could not dampen the enthusiasm, as over 100 people participated A

fter H

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Each year a team from each of the Edgewood schools come together in November to play a round robin game of Volleyball to celebrate the spirit of their community. Books are donated for admission and a book drive is sponsored by APGFCU. Books are given tostudents as gifts to support reading. This year winner Edgewood High School won the tournament and Edgewood Elementary School took home the trophy for school spirit.

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GEEF sponsored the first Franklin L. Tull Memorial 5K run at Edgewood High School. Over 100 attendees came out for the event. Trophies were awarded to the top runners. proceeds from the event were awarded to an Edgewood High School senior as a college scholarship.

Franklin L. Tull Mem

orial 5K Run a

nd Fun for Stud

ent Success

The second year of the Youth Leadership Academy was held at Harford Glen in July. Forty students learned about goal setting and leadership skills in a fun environment. The program is fully funded by businesses in the community, and facilitated by the Maryland Leadership Workshop.

Youth Leadership A

cadem

y

CELEBRATING

The Greater Edgewood Education Foundation’s Annual Gala salutes education. This event gives business and community members an opportunity to join with educators and students in the Edgewood schools to celebrate student growth and success. This evening was fun for everyone. Our speaker, Dr. Jeff Resnick, National Museum of Health and Medicine, and the Edgewood High School Chamber Orchestra provided entertainment. The proceeds from the Gala help GEEF support a wide range of programs and initiatives for both our youth and our schools.

EVERYDAY HEROES

Everyday Heroes are outstanding educators who promote exemplary dedication to the education of children and youth in the Greater Edgewood area schools. Nominated by the community, parents, students and their peers, we applaud them. These Everyday Heroes are representative of the talent in our schools.

Glenda Jackson receives award from Deb Merlock

and Edgewood Elementary principal, Lisa Sundquist Ellen Scroggins receives award from Deb Merlock and Abingdon Elementary assistant principal Pam Terry-Lewis

Angela Humphrey receives award from Deb Merlock

and Deerfield Elementary principal, Celeste Klima Sarah Dang receives award from Deb Merlock and Edgewood Middle School principal, Wayne Perry

Deborah Dainton receives award from Deb Merlock and William Paca/Old Post Rd Elem assistant principal, Joan Wiggins

Maryann Crimi receives award from Deb Merlock and Edgewood High School principal, Joe Schmitz

Established in 2003, the Greater Edgewood Education Foundation (GEEF) is the key catalyst in promoting positive relationships and engaging productive community and business partnerships between the Greater Edgewood Schools and its community. By building the capacity of collaborative partnerships, GEEF strengthens student learning experiences of the over 5700 youth in a high need, economically challenged community. The quality of the current education program coupled with the dedication of our teaching staff provides a strong platform for student success. However, our schools are less likely to have the adequate resources to meet the challenges of teaching to a culturally, socially, and economically diverse student population. GEEF addresses this critical issue for our schools by creating a link between administrators, educators, parents, and community and business leaders. GEEF provides and supports programs that empower our youth to overcome barriers that prevent them from achieving personal success and contributing to a strong community.

WHAT IS GEEF

GEEF collaborative partnerships help the students of Abingdon, Edgewood, Deerfield and William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary Schools, Edgewood Middle School, and Edgewood High School to achieve academic excellence and have a greater impact on their community.

WHO WE SERVE

The Greater Edgewood Education Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit charitable organization formed to develop collaborative community and business partnerships to support educational excellence in the Greater Edgewood Area Schools. GEEF links the dynamic energy of business and community leaders to programs that expand student experience and the enjoyment of learning which helps: Enhance academic excellence through public

resources Build public awareness and confidence about the

strengths and innovative programs of our schools Encourage positive and supportive business and

community involvement Obtain financial and non financial resources for our

programs

We believe in a high quality learning environment where all students are successful

We believe in a community proud of its schools and its accomplishments

We believe in community and business partnerships that engage in the achievement of our students

We believe in open and meaningful communication with our donors and sponsors

WHAT WE VALUE

WHO WE ARE

Fast Facts ♦ GEEF awarded its first college scholarship to Christina Mamalis for $1000 ♦ Harford Cable Network donated the production of a video for the College Pathways program ♦ The website for William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary Road, funded by GEEF, is online and ready to provide parents an additional tool for accessing information on their child’s learning. Last year GEEF funded and continues to maintain websites for Edgewood Elementary and Deerfield Elementary Schools ♦ Sixty teachers new to the Edgewood schools were presented with Welcome Packages. The packages were filled with items donated by businesses in the community ♦ GEEF partnered with Harford Community College and planned a leadership retreat for our Youth Leadership Academy Alumni ♦ The Youth Leadership Academy alumni are working on a Creative Playground Build in Edgewood

Greater Edgewood Education Foundation Statement of Revenues Collected and Expenses Paid Period: July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 Revenues: Business and Community $ 14,365 GALA 12,635 Board Giving 2,795 Interest Income 64 Gross Revenues $ 29,859 Operating Expenses: Advertising $ 2,074 Art Show 1,163 Awards & Grants 4,063 Gala 6,266 Insurance 1,000 Office 2,004 Web Site 1,785 Youth Leadership Academy 8,579 5K Run 5,690 Total Operating Expenses 32,624 Excess of Expenses over Revenues $ (2,765) =====

Statement of Financials

Generous Donors and Supporters July, 2006 – June, 2007

Donations in Kind J Vinton Schafer & Sons, Inc. U.S. Army 143rd Batallion APG Lewis Web Creations APG Federal Credit Union masterfoods, Inc. Alan Doran Mark Wolkow Benchmark Admin support Svcs Mindy McBride Chesapeake Business Consultants mercantile Bank Clarence’s Taste of New Orleans Preferred Commercial Funding Data Networks Ripken Stadium Donna Lewis Rite Aid Distribution Center Freedom Federal Credit Union Skylight Creative Ideas 1st mariner Bank Signs by Tomorrow Giovanni’s Restaurant Slavie Federal Savings Bank Harbor Landing Jewelry Staples Harford County Executive David Craig Sunshine Designs Harford County Deputy Sheriff’s Union Susquehanna Bank Hess Hotels Group total Urgent Care Huntington Learning Center charley’s Grilled Subs Kelly’s Hair Design country Kitchens

Ben Bunger, Photographer Roxanne Simons – Mary kay

$2500 - $5000 APG Federal Credit Union Hess Hotels Group $1000 - $2500 Constellation Energy Coventry Health Care, Inc. First Command Financial Planning Har-Co Federal Credit Union Harford County Govt Harford Leadership Academy 2007 Slavie Federal Savings Bank $750 - $999 Freedom Federal Credit Union Johnson Controls Rite Aid Corporation Tritronics, Inc. $500 - $749 Independent Can Company J. Vinton Schafer & Sons, Inc. Mr Mark wolkow $250 - $499 A Bright Idea Chesapeake Business Consult Edgewood Curves Gessner, Snee, Mahoney & Lutche, PA Harford County Public Schools HLA Alumni Association Kleins Supermarkets Mr Phil Logan Mark/Trece Rite Aid Corporation Route 40 Business Assoc

$125 - $249 Mrs Kathy Burr Mr Dion Guthrie Drs Andy & maria Fridberg Mr Kevin Kane Mrs Marlene Lieb M & T Bank More Than Conquerers WorshipMr & Mrs Steve Olah Ms Lisa Sundquist $100 - $124 Mr Richard Bock Campion Insurance, Inc Lt. Col. Linwood Clark Conway Management Co., Inc Frederick Ward Associates, IncLewis Web Creations Midway Liquors Provident Bank Ms Lora Scheler Mr & Mrs Gary Snedden Mrs Vanessa Tull Vision Associates $50 - $99 Ms Connie Beims Mrs Pat Carpenter Lt Col Gene Chandler Edgewood Middle School Mrs Susan Gallagher Harford County Chamber of Commerce Mrs Ann Helton Ms Bev Hibschman Senator Nancy Jacobs Drs Jenkins and Rudo Ms Christine Langrhrer Mrs Tonya Leftridge Mr Michael Lane Ms Liz Leoni

$50 - $99 Dr Richard Marshall Mr Don Morrison Ms Rhonda Norman Mr Wayne Perry Ms Fran Plotycia Ms Christine Regner Mrs Bette Rheinhardt Mr Mike Seymour Ms Donna Sigwart Ms Patricia Skebeck Ms Val Twanmoh Mrs Terry Troy Ms Lynn Villa Ms kathleen Wajer Ms Dot Ward Ms Allyn Watson Mrs. Jo White Bernice Wilhelm, LCPC Mr Kevin Williams Mrs Ann Windsor Ms Cheryl Wood

$49 or Under Ms Greta Brand Mr Les Coulson Ms Diane Dei Mrs Gail Dunlap Ms Liz Ferguson Dr Jackie haas Mrs Dorothy Hammond Ms Beth Hendricks Mr lee Merrill Mr Steve Overbay Ms Mary Perry Ms Ayesha Rankin Ms Tonya Rice Total Urgent Care Mr Bob Ward Ms Selena Williams Ms Sophie Wittelsberger Mr Mark Dardozzi Mrs Celeste Klima

Greater Edgewood Education Foundation P.O. Box 824 Edgewood, MD 21040 www.geefinc.com

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 208

ABINGDON, MD

Our Mission

The Greater Edgewood Education Foundation, Inc. is a partnershipof  diverse  community  members  who  will  build  communitypartnerships that will raise public awareness, pride and support forthe quality of education in the Greater Edgewood area schools andenhance educational opportunities for its students.