Inspiring Innovative and Creative Learning

Atlanta ISD Education Foundation

Chastity HaleExecutive Director

106 W. Main Atlanta, Texas 75551Phone: 903-796-4194 Fax: 903-799-1004

www.atlantarabbits.org 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

The Atlanta Education Foundation accepts gifts of cash, checks, property, insurance and will bequests, as well as in-kind products and services. Please consult your financial advisor for specific details. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible.

The Education Foundation has made every effort to ensure that lists of our donors and contributors are both complete and accurate for donations made before December 31, 2017.

Please let us know if changes need to be made by calling (903) 796-4194.

Atlanta ISD Foundation Partner Program

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Distinguished Partner - $10,000 or more

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Diamond Partner - $5,000 or more

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Platinum Partner - $2,500 or more

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Gold Partner - $1,000 or more

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Silver Partner - $500 or more

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Maroon Partner - $250 or more

The Foundation honors the Top 10% of

the AHS

graduating class with

Eddy Awards.The event

takes place in May of each

year

Planning a Gift

Foundation Executive Director Chastity Hale - (903) 796-4194 ext. 1007 - www.atlantarabbits.org

Top 10% of the Class of 2017:Valedictorian - Taylor Barnes

Salutatorian - Mary Katie Tigert Hannah Seavey, Josiah “Seth” Mendoza, Wendy Mendina, William “Cody” Hipp,

Vanessa Davis, Brock Childress, Emily Primrose, Savannah Riddell,

Grant Harrell, Lauren “Avery” Trotter, Angeliue “Angel” Daniels, Victoria Bergt

2017 Distinguished Educators:Susan Greig, Kristen McCasland,

Alisa Morris, Larry Breshears, Kimberly Charleston, Elaine Johnson,

Dave, Allen, Jarrod Boston, Kara Gennings, Sandy Horne, Craig Fant, Charlotte Snow,

Keith Sanders, Tobie Dunlap

President’s Message..................................

Who We Are.................................................

Our Goals....................................................

Our Purpose................................................

Our Mission.................................................

Our Scope....................................................

Innovative Teaching Grants.......................

Board of Directors......................................

Founding Partners......................................

Honors & Memorials...................................

Legacy Brick Campaign.............................

Financial Position.......................................

Planning a Gift...........................................

Red Carpet Honorees...............................

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Table of Contents

Red Carpet Honorees

Need Further Information?

The Atlanta ISD Alumni Association inducted 4 new members into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Pictured are: Gus Schuhmann, Carol Ann Clements,

Max Sandlin and Robert Andrew “Drew” Stubbs

2017 Distinguished Alumni

Pictured is the Atlanta High School Top 10% of the Class of 2017. Each class member was honored along with an educator, chosen by the student, who impacted their lives the most in AISD.

AEF Special Events Committee

Blue Jeans &Blue Jeans &

Blue Jeans &Blue Jeans &

Executive Director: Chastity Hale, Blue Jeans and Bling Committee Chair: Kirby McCasland, Blue Jeans

and Bling committee member: Brooke Giesler

Welcome! Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2018 event of the year, Blue Jeans and Bling! Sponsored by the Atlanta Education Foundation, this event is our major fundraiser each year, and enables us to carry out our mission of enhancing education in Atlanta ISD. Founded in 2010, AEF is a nonprofit, tax-exempt foundation formed under IRS Section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible. Led by a hardworking volunteer board of directors, we share a vision of inspiring teaching and learning in AISD.

Through our competitive grants, AEF provides resources to enrich teaching, inspire learning, and enhance opportunities to meet the mission of excellence in education for all students in Atlanta ISD. Over the past seven years, AEF has provided over $100,000 in grants to Atlanta teachers. These funds were all raised through efforts such as Blue Jeans and Bling and make a big difference in our classrooms and campuses. In addition, we sponsor events that recognize the academic achievement of our students and highlight the lives of distinguished Atlanta alumni.

Accomplishing this mission requires your financial support, and equally important, your commitment. The board of directors wants to thank you for attending tonight’s big event and for supporting our mission. If it weren’t for you – we wouldn’t be able to do what we do!

Enjoy your evening and have fun!

Cheers,

Kelly Joslin

President, Atlanta Education Foundation

Dear Friends,

What a great year 2017 was for the Atlanta Education Foundation!

This year started off with a bang with our annual Blue Jeans and Bling fundraiser. Each year has been bigger and better and this year was no exception. Everyone came out for great food, dancing and a live auction. Next came our AISD teacher grants. It is always a good time when the Foundation members show up at each campus with noisemakers and balloons to surprise the winning recipients of the grants. In May, the top 10% of the Atlanta graduating class was hon-ored with a first class gala, and an exciting evening was had by all. At this annual Walk of the Academic Stars there is always laughter and tears as the students and their honored teachers exchange memories of one another. As soon as school started back up in the fall we were hard at work again. This time it was to honor our Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Service Award recipients.

Atlanta ISD Education

Foundation, Inc.A Word From Our President

Statement of Financial Position Years Ending December 31, 2017 and 2016

Statement of Activities For the years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

Support Contributions, memorials and fundraising, net of write-offs $ 45,480 $ 49,554Interest and dividends 328 283 Total support $ 45,808 $ 49,837

Expenses Program services, including grants to teachers 27,580 10,021Management and general 10,899 10,127Fundraising 9,032 7,956

Total expenses 47,511 28,104

Total increase (decrease) in net assets $ (1,703) $ 21,733

ASSETSCurrent Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 109,189 $ 108,728Unconditional promises to give 2,991 5,255

Total Current Assets 112,180 113,983

TOTAL ASSETS $ 112,180 $ 113,983

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETSLiabilities Accounts Payable - -

Net Assets Unrestricted net assets 80,714 80,814Permanently restricted net assets 31,466 33,169

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 112,180 $ 113,983

2017 2016

2017 2016

TREASURER’s CORNERUsing Life Insurance To Make Charitable Donationsby Marilyn Cobb, CPA While charitable giving can certainly provide valuable tax deductions, many donors are left wishing that they could do more for organizations such as AEF and other charities that they love and support. You might wish to consider using life insurance as an effective means of leveraging the cash sup-port you are able to provide. In many cases, this can be the most effective and convenient asset that you can give. This article examines the various methods of life insurance dona-tions and their advantages.

Charitable Giving RidersCharitable giving riders are a relatively new addition to the family of riders available in life insurance policies today. These riders usually come at no additional cost and often do not increase the premium or reduce the cash value or the death benefit of the policy. These riders effectively eliminate the need to create, pay for and administer separate gift trusts until the death of the insured.

Policy DonationsGifting a life insurance policy can greatly reduce the donor’s taxable estate, which can save thousands of dollars in estate taxes, and can yield a current income tax deduction of the policy’s fair market value. Perhaps most importantly, the charity will receive the entire face amount of the policy upon the death of the insured. This is usually going to be many times the amount that they would receive from any rider, and can represent a substantial windfall. However, the cost to the donor will only be a small fraction of that amount each year, and any premiums paid after the date of the gift will be deductible as well.

Naming a Charity as BeneficiaryNaming the charity of your choice as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy is the simplest way to provide a char-ity with the death benefit proceeds from a policy, although it does not offer the income tax advantages that come with gifting a policy. However, it still reduces the donor’s estate by the amount of the death benefit. Donors who are unsure of exactly how they want to apportion their assets after death can list a charity as a revocable beneficiary if they so choose. This gives them flexibility in future planning in case their financial situation changes.

Gifting Policy DividendsAlthough gifting policy dividends will not provide the same amount of benefit to a charity as the other strategies discussed, it is possible for policyholders to receive the divi-dends paid to their life insurance policies in cash and donate them to charity. The dividends donated are deductible in the same manner as premiums paid on a gifted policy, and this strategy does not require any additional cash outlay from the donor. Corporations can also effectively implement this strat-egy as a giving policy to realize tax and community benefits.

ConclusionDonors who wish to leverage their cash donations to charity can use life insurance as an excellent means of accomplishing their goal. By using any of these methods, you can provide the charity of your choice with a large sum of money. This can provide a lasting legacy for a cause such as AEF. For more information on the use of life insurance as a gifting tool, please consult your insurance agent or financial advisor.

Kelly JoslinFoundation President

We are grateful to all our donors, patrons, and partners for your continued support of the Atlanta Education Foundation. Without you we would not be able to achieve our goals and have a posi-tive impact on the students and teachers of Atlanta ISD. I would like to thank everyone involved in serving or donating to our cause. Your contributions help to enhance the quality of education for all students in Atlanta ISD, and your support shows that you value the educational experiences of our students and recognize the benefit of this investment in our community.

I personally applaud each and every member of the Board. They have devoted much time and energy to ensure that the Foundation is successful. They all have a heart for the children of this commu-nity. I feel so honored to serve as president of this wonderful organization. Thank you for making it another great year to be an Atlanta Rabbit!

Sincerely,

Kelly Joslin, PresidentAtlanta Education Foundation

The Atlanta ISD Education Foundation, founded in October 2010, is a non-profit, tax-exempt, philanthropic organization of citizens from the Atlanta community whoshare a vision of enhancing education in the Atlanta ISD.

The Atlanta ISD Education Foundation iscomposed of a volunteer Board of Directorsworking to increase private support to fundcreative and innovative educational programsfor students in Atlanta ISD.

• Encourage all students to work to their highest potential• Support staff for innovative efforts• Recognize exemplary teaching• Continue building community awareness and support of the Atlanta ISD Education Foundation• Inspire parents and community members to participate with the school district in enriching teaching

Our Goals

AEF Prize Patrol awarding APS Music teacher

Katherine Stubbs with a check for $1,876.00 for approved grant “High Ho, High Ho, It’s Off to the Perot We Go”

The Atlanta ISD Education Foundation’s taskis twofold:

• Continue the level of grant funding available to teachers each year • Eventually grow an Endowment Fund to a self-sustaining level

Who We AreWhy is our Atlanta Education Foundation Legacy Brick Plaza so special? It honors our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and our families and friends. For many of you, Atlanta, Texas was or has been a home for many years – a place where you lived, learned, worked, played and formed lifelong friendships. The Atlanta Edu-cation Foundation is proud to offer the oppor-tunity to become a permanent part of Atlanta Independent School District history! Become “engraved in history” and part of a lasting tradition by purchasing a LEGACY BRICK. These beautifully engraved bricks enhance the entrance to Atlanta High School and are a permanent celebration of those who have a special connection to Atlanta. Your legacy brick can be engraved with your name and year of graduation, or it can serve as a trib-ute to a family member, a friend or a special occasion. A class can purchase a brick cel-ebrating your year of graduation. Each brick is $100 and can contain a maximum of two lines. An additional line may be purchased for $10. This donation is tax deductible.

The Legacy Brick Campaign

The Legacy Brick Plaza honors, memorializes and pays tribute to alumni, community members, partners, families

and educators in Atlanta ISD. This plaza is located in front of Atlanta High School

Homecoming raffle for the first

Honorary 12th Man: Winner 1st grader Brayden

Thompson joined the Atlanta

Football team during

Homecoming festivities and

got to be on the field with the team during

PreGame warm up and on the

sidelines with the team during the

game

The Atlanta ISD Education Foundation was created to support educational programs for students and staff in the Atlanta Independent School District. The Foundation provides funds for educational programs and activities which have not been funded by the normal operating budget. These funds are used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, to recognize and encourage staff excellence, and to expand community involvement from individuals, businesses, and civic organiza-tions.

Atlanta ISD Education Foundation Mission Statement:The Atlanta ISD Education Foundation generates and distributes resources to the Atlanta Independent School District for programs and projects that enhance the quality of education and provide students with opportunities to become contributing citizens in our democratic society and in our increasingly complex world.

The Foundation will achieve its mission by directing resources toward the following goals: • Encourage all students to work to their highest potential • Support staff for creative and innovative efforts • Recognize staff for exemplary teaching • Build community awareness for the Atlanta ISD Education Foundation • Inspire parents and community to participate with the school district in enriching education

All smiles for Victoria Bergt as she

accepts her Eddy award from her softball coach

and mentor Tobie Dunlap at the Atlanta Education

Foundation’s Top 10% Gala

Jamie Berry and Alison Highland were surprised by the AEF Prize Patrol with a check in the amount of $4,282.41 for their approved

grant “Write On, Right On”

Christus St. Michael Hospital - AtlantaGuaranty Bank & Trust N.A.Mike HannerKelly Evans JoslinBrent & Holly PrimroseLance & Deanne Simmons

Kenneth BabbLee Ellen BenjaminPamela BoyceCass County BankMarilyn CobbDavid & Nancy MorrisGiesler Family Dentisty, PLLCAngela GrissomCraig HaleSidney HarristRex & Kristi HendersonLinebarger Goggan & Sampson LLPTim & Susy O’KelleyRed River Lumber Co., Inc.Nancy RinehartStanco ManufacturingCharlotte StanleyDanny & Leigh StanleyWells Fargo FoundationWesley House

Gold Partners

2017 Foundation Partners Our Purpose

Our Mission

Foundation Friends

Danny AddingtonKristie AlexanderAtlanta Athletics, Inc.Michele D. AzarJerry BarfootAngela BarnesJohn & Eileen BettsJoan BirminghamPat BrabhamJoan CaldwellGlenn CaverScott CaverCyndy ChambleeClass of 1977Deborah ClaytonChad & Christy ClementsRobert E. CoxBrenda CrossCasey DobsonDana ‘Dee Dee” EasleyJoey GeletkaJ. M. GriffinChastity HaleTommie HannonStacy HarrellPeggy HarrisonNancy HarristJoAnn HillLinda HillLynn Hodges

Maroon Partners Bill AlldayTara AlldayGwen AndersonRobert D. BarrRichard BlackwoodJohn & Peggy CullinsLori CullinsGeorge E. DickinsonDuncan Thompson TransportationTammie DuncanFamily Eye Care Clinic, PCMargaret FittsGolden Villa Healthcare LLCDonna HannerCynthia Maxie-HendersonAlison HighlandJoan HoltonHuffman Petroleum Engineering ServicesPam & Kelly HuffmanLewis & Pamela LincolnBret & Brittanie LoweryDan & Gretchen NicholsOffenhauser & CompanyDr. Rafael OteroJennifer OwensAnna ParkerJulie Barr RhodesMary Lynn Miller SopherKaren Watkins

Silver Partners

MemorialsDon Walker*Margaret Fitts

*Family of Duncan and Billie Thompson

Jeff Mays*Margaret Fitts

*Barry and Marsha Stanton

*Dan & Gretchen Nichols*Danny & Leigh Stanley

*Pamela Wassom*Susan Bedier

*Georgiana Kremer*Rosemary Mote*Angela Grissom

*Clements Construction & Realty

*DC & Merle Duncan *Tammie Duncan

Keith Crow*Morgan Goodyear

Whitney AdamsAngela BarnesLee Ellen BenjaminAshley BlytheRobert E. CoxDana “Dee Dee” EasleyStacey HarrellAlison HighlandCindy Humphrey

2017 Legacy Bricks PartnersMary Kay KutzShauna LeeLana PaigeAmber SandersDeanne SimmonsLori SmithDanny StuckeyJ. M. TaylorYolanda Winders

Joe Bivins Scott*Donna Hanner

*Chris Sileo*Casey Dobson

*Rose Coats, P.C.*Dr. A.B. Jordan, Jr.

*Pat Brabbham*Yvonne Clements*Tammie Duncan

Roger Rice*Dan & Gretchen Nichols

*Phil & Babs McCoy*Carolyn & Jim Griffin

*Donna Hanner*Mr. & Mrs. Dick Stark

*Keith & Marsha Dunlap*DC & Merle

Duncan*Tammie Duncan*Yvonne Clements

*Terry & Jose Morales*Cheryl Stovall

Memorial Bricks

Keith BarfootJerry Barfoot

Gary E. YatesLee Ellen Benjamin

Keith CrowClass of 1974

Doug HancockClass of 1977

Colton DotsonSidney Harrist

Lawrence WareSidney Harrist

Foundation Friends

Linda HowardKay HunterTreaca HustonMary Kay KutzShauna LeeEric McCallPhil & Babs McCoyKim MillerDoylene MooreO. V. NortonLana PaigeJanet PattilloCaren RumseyLoree SaffelChris SileoLori & Stuart SmithTammy SprawlsMr. & Mrs. Dick StarkJoel StegerDanny StuckeyJ. M. TaylorTerri’s TreasuresRandall ThomasonJoe D. ThompsonBrenda WebsterHarriet WhatleyCherise WicksYolanda WindersJay & Jessica Wylie

The Atlanta Education Foundation funds innovative teaching techniques created by Atlanta ISD teachers. The Innovative Teaching Grant Program was developed to be an organized system of distributing donated funds. The fifth round of Innovative Teaching Grants was awarded in May 2017. The Education Founda-tion’s awarding of Innovative Teaching Grants to educators in Atlanta ISD supports the districtby enhancing academic excellence for all students.

• is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt philanthropic organization of citizens• shares a vision of enhancing educaton in Atlanta ISD• works to increase support for educational activities in Atlanta ISD• fosters creative approaches to education through innovative teaching grants and involvement• awards Foundation funds through a volunteer Board of Directors made up of business, community and educational leaders

The Atlanta ISD Education Foundation...

HOW DOES IT WORK?• Teachers observe a need in the classroom or on the campus.• Teachers use creativity and professional experience to design a project that will engage students in the learning process.• Teachers’ creative and innovative instructional ideas are assembled into a grant application.• The AEF Board reviews the application and selects the most outstanding ideas to fund each year.

Executive Officers

* Dr. Danny Addington Dentist* Tara Allday Forester Benefits* Scott Caver Caver Construction* Cyndy Chamblee RN - Healthcare Expess* Peggy Cullins Retired Teacher, AISD* Tammie Duncan Tammie Duncan School of Dance* Margaret Fitts Retired Teacher, AISD* Joey Geletka AISD Deputy Superintendent* Brooke Giesler Giesler Family Denistry* Dr. Lanny Giesler Dentist* Angie Grissom Clements Realty

* Rex Henderson First Baptist Church* Linda Hill Director, Wesley House* Raphaelle Huckaby Community Supervision & Corrections Department* Pam Lincoln Cass County Extension Agency* Brittanie Ward-Lowery Ward Timber

Some of the members of the 2017 AEF Board of Directors pictured at

the “Night of the Academic Stars”

dinner honoring the Top 10% of the Class of 2017

Foundation Directors

AEF Directors at APS serving the teachers and campus administrators a luncheon

* Katie Martin TxDot* Kirby McCasland Registered Nurse* Susy O’Kelley Retired Registered Nurse* Anna Parker Retired Teacher, AISD* Keri Richardson Heritage Insurance

Our Scope

Innovative Teaching Grant Program

Board of Directors 2017 Grant RecipientsAtlanta Middle School:

* Jamie Berry & Alison Highland “Write On/Right On” - $4,282.41

* Rachel Hogue & Rebecca Geletka “Active Learning in a Math Classroom with

Bouncy Bands” - $418.50

Atlanta Elementary School:* Tina Rapp & Bre Ainsworth

“Standing Up for Success” - $2,577.95

* April Britton, Susan Tidwell & Caren Rumsey

“21st Century School Bus” - $4727.64

* Jan Lambert, Vicki Crawford & Holly Williams

“Word Whiz Electronic Flash Card” - $910.00

Atlanta Primary School:* Katherine Stubbs, First Grade &

Kindergarten Teachers“High Ho, High Ho, It’s Off to the Perot We Go”

- $1,876.00

AEF Prize Patrol presenting AES grant recipients Tina Rapp and Bre Ainsworth with a check for $2,577.95 for “Standing Up For Success”

President:Kelly JoslinLicensed Professional Counselor

Secretary:Sidney HarristAISD Superintendent

Treasurer:Marilyn Cobb, CPAAssistant Superintendent Atlanta ISD

At-Large:Holly PrimroseThompson Transportation

At-Large:Dylan ThompsonDylan Thompson Wealth Management

At-Large:Charlotte StanleyBoard of Trustees AISD

Executive Director:Chastity HaleGrad Student

* Kevin Sherman Cass County Bank* Deanne Simmons TxDot* Leigh Stanley Retired Teacher, AISD* Joel Steger President, AISD Board Trustees, Offenhauser Insurance