Inspiring Innovative and Creative Learning

Atlanta ISD Education Foundation

Pam HuffmanExecutive Director

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

www.atlantarabbits.org 2016 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, 2016.

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 Pam Huffman - (903) 796-4194 ext. 1025 - www.atlantarabbits.org

Top 10% of the Class of 2016:Valedictorian - Kellianne Huffman Salutatorian - Alexandria Oliver

Parker Simmons, Alaina Oliver, Carson Lambert, Jared Parker, Jessica Barnett, Raegan Aslin, John Crane, Alexandra

Wood, Ma’Jory Herron, Marshay Hatley, Madison Head and Joshua Seavey

2016 Distinguished Educators:Stacy Anthony, Renee Rosser, Elaine Johnson, Tobie Dunlap, Misha Duke, Kim Charleston, Charlotte Snow, Dena McCord, Alisa Morris, Kristie Alexander,

Daniel Hawkins, Alison Highland, Susan Greig and David Wommack

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...............................

Need More Information?...........................

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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 Joe Wall, Amanda Ellis, Steven Smith (accepted by Linda Smith), Jane Barnhill

2016 Distinguished Alumni

Pictured is the Atlanta High School Top 10% of the Class of 2016. Each class member was honored along with an educator, chosen by the student, who impacted their lives the most in AISD.

AEFSpecialEvents

Committee

Dear Friends,

What a great year 2016 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 honored 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 memo-ries 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. This year we honored Jane Cook Barnhill, Class of 1956, the late Steven Smith, Class of 1974, and Amanda Ellis, Class of 1994. In addition, we honored Joe Wall, Class of 1960, with the Distinguished Service Award.

Atlanta ISD Education

Foundation, Inc.

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 positive 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 community. 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

A Word From Our President

Statement of Financial Position Years Ending December 31, 2016 and 2015

Statement of Activities For the years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

Unrestricted Net AssetsSupport Contributions, memorials and fundraising, net of write-offs $ 49,554 $ 42,249Interest and dividends 283 276 Total support $ 49,837 $ 42,525

Expenses Program services, including grants to teachers 10,021 19,063Management and general 10,127 10,338Fundraising 7,956 12,977

Total expenses 28,104 42,378

Total increase (decrease) in net assets $ 21,733 $ 147

ASSETSCurrent Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,728 $ 85,911Unconditional promises to give 5,255 6,339

Total Current Assets 113,983 92,250

TOTAL ASSETS $ 113,983 $ 92,250

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETSLiabilities Accounts Payable - -

Net Assets Unrestricted net assets 80,814 45,654Permanently restricted net assets 33,169 46,596

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 113,983 $ 92,250

2016 2015

2016 2015

ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES OVER $4,000

FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS!!

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

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

Students at the Atlanta Middle School joined the Prize Patrol in helping

present a check to Stacy Nash and

Shelly Waldon for $964 for their Learner’s Nook grant.

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.

Junior National Honor Society Reception

Junior NationalHonor Society

Receptionwelcome

committeeKelly Joslin

&Kim Miller

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 Marshay Hatley as she accepts her Eddy Award from Alison Stanley, her honored teacher, at the Atlanta Education Foundation’s

Top 10% Gala.

Atlanta music teacher Katherine Stubbs was honored by the Prize Patrol with a grant for $2,192.

Guaranty Bank & Trust N.A.International Brotherhood of TeamstersRichard Reynolds

Pamela BoyceLanny GieslerRex & Kristi HendersonHeritage Insurance Co.Alison HighlandJeff Peace FinancialKelly Evans JoslinLinebarger Goggan & Sampson LLPKim MillerTim & Susy O’KelleyBrent & Holly PrimroseRed River Lumber Co.Nancy RinehartStanco ManufacturingWesley House

Gold Partners

2016 Foundation Partners Our Purpose

Our Mission

Foundation Friends

Bob’s Printing/ Best Office SolutionsClements Construction & Realty Co.Chad & Christy ClementsLori CullinsDomino Federal Credit UnionDuncan Thompson TransportationFamily Eye Care Clinic, PCFinish Line Automotive LLCEric GriffinAngela GrissomHarp Diamond JewelersStacey HarrellNancy HarristJo Ann Hill

Silver Partners

Kristie AlexanderAngela BarnesLee Ellen BenjaminPamela BoyceDianna CarneySharon CarpenterClass of 1965Class of 1974Deborah ClaytonMarilyn CobbDana “Dee Dee” EasleyTeresa GardnerJoseph & Rebecca GeletkaLinda HaileyDerek & Rae HammondsSidney HarristCarolyn J. HeldtLinda HowardMary Kay KutzNalga Price Mebane

Kathy MeredithKathleen O’KelleyLana PaigeTravis & Billie PartainPiazza Paint & BodyChaney RaleyPhil & Donna RiceLinda RobertsKelsey RotheryLinda SmithTammy SprawlsParker SteeleJoe WallDavid WallsDianne WhatleyDanny WhitehornDonna WilkinsYolanda WindersDavid WommackJay Wylie

2016 Legacy Bricks Partners

Maroon Partners

Gwen AndersonBilly Bob & Stephanie BarrRobert D. BarrRichard BlackwoodBowie-Cass Electric Co-op, Inc.Cathy ClementsGeorge E. DickinsonTammie DuncanMargaret FittsGolden Villa Healthcare LLCGloria HerringJoan HoltonLee Ellen BenjaminOffenhauser & CompanyJennifer OwensRichardson InsuranceCharlotte StanleyTEXAR Credit UnionTexarkana CollegeDylan ThompsonCherise Wicks

Foundation Friends

Honors & Memorials

Margie SandlinTammie Duncan

Estelle Caldwell*Sidney Harrist

*Jeff Siler*Bret Caldwell

*Stacy Caldwell*Ron Caldwell, Jr.

*Dan & Gretchen Nichols*Bruce Penny*Dorothy Ables

*Brad Lott*Mary Colson

*John & Ann Broadway

Huffman Petroleum Engineering ServiceShauna LeeCynthia Maxie-HendersonRod Elliot MullensDoty NascheDan & Gretchen NicholsTerri PeacePrice Hardware, Inc.Raegan RiceCaren RumseyLoree SaffelLori SeaveyLori SmithFrances R. StingleyThe Ark Veterinary Hosptal

Steven Smith*Cindy Jorgensen

*APS Staff*Travis Layton

*Ron & Jo Caldwell*Donald & Gail Peace

*Kevin M. Kucera*Vincent & Lisa Sloterdijk

*Bruce Penny*Eric Griffin

*Steven & Nora Pratt*Debbie Kennedy*Dianne Watley

*Marcia Lane Perkins

*Richard & Kimberly Rasmussen

*Margaret Fitts*Phil & Babs McCoy

*Bryan & Heather Boyer*Tammie Duncan Shool

Of Dance*Kathy Gilbert

*Mark & Carol Smithers*Angela Grissom*Jay S. Clements*Michael Sandlin

*Granite City US Steel Employees

Shannon Anderson Midkiff

*Margaret Fitts

LaVearn Kennedy Smith*Ron & Jo Caldwell

Margie Virginia Lee*Ron & Jo Caldwell

Floyd Kirkland*Margaret Fitts

*Ron & Jo Caldwell

Steven Smith

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 2016. 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* Dr. Adam Cox Family Eye Care Clinic* Tammie Duncan Tammie Duncan School of Dance* Margaret Fitts Retired Teacher, AISD* Joey Geletka AISD Deputy Superintendent* Dr. Lanny Giesler Dentist* Angie Grissom Clements Realty* Kerri Hanner Hanner Funeral Service and Insurance

* 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 2016 AEF Board of

Directors pictured at the “Night of the Academic Stars” dinner honoring

the Top 10% of the Class of 2016

Foundation Directors

Another grant presented to a group of deserving Atlanta Elementary School teachers in the amount of $1,980 for Osmo’sis: Loree Saffel, Tammi Clements, April Britton,

and Leigh Stanley.

* Katie Martin TxDot* Anna Parker Retired Teacher, AISD* Holly Primrose Thompson Transportation* Keri Richardson Heritage Insurance* Deanne Simmons TxDot

Our Scope

Innovative Teaching Grant Program

Board of Directors 2016 Grant RecipientsAtlanta Middle School:

* Stacy Nash and Shelly Waldon “Learner’s Nook” - $964

* AMS 6th Grade Science Teachers “Speedometry” - $980

Atlanta Primary & Middle School: * Katherine Stubbs

“Good Vibration” - $2,192

Atlanta Elementary School:* April Britton, Susan Tidwell &

Tammi Clements“Kanopy” - $2,399

* Loree Saffel, Tammi ClementsApril Britton and Leigh Stanley

“Osmo’sis” - $1,980

AEF’s Prize Patrol awards a $2,399 grant to Atlanta Elementary teachers.

President:Kelly JoslinLicensed Professional Counselor

Vice President:Susy O’KelleyRegistered Nurse

Secretary:Sidney HarristAISD Superintendent

Treasurer:Marilyn Cobb, CPAAssistant Superintendent Atlanta ISD

At-Large:Peggy CullinsRetired Teacher, AISD

At-Large:Dylan ThompsonDylan Thompson Wealth Management

At-Large:Charlotte StanleyBoard of Trustees AISD

Executive Director:Pam HuffmanHuffman PetroleumEngineering Services

* Leigh Stanley Retired Teacher, AISD* Joel Steger President, AISD Board Trustees, Offenhauser Insurance* Jana Swanson Farmhouse Flowers