LASF and the IRS?

It seems tax time is on everyone's mind. At the LASF office, we have gotten suggestions that we ask folks to donate their tax refunds to LASF during our spring fundraising campaign. Well, we are a bit reluctant to associate LASF and the IRS, but we would be delighted to share those tax refund dollars. And while your tax dollars may go to fill the proverbial pothole, you might be more gratified to see your LASF dollars at work at an elementary school science fair - or Stanley Middle School's musical "Beauty and the Beast" or the display of digital design artwork at Acalanes Open House. Donate Now Before the Phonathon! Once again our LASF volunteers will be calling all Acalanes, Stanley, Burton Valley, Lafayette, Happy Valley and Springhill parents to ask for your support for the 2010-11 school year. You can save our time and yours by making your contribution in advance.

Donate online at www.lasf.org
Mail in the remittance envelope in your soon-to-be-delivered copy of the LASF annual report
Drop off your pledge or gift at your student's school on Donation Day, Friday April 16 or at Starbucks, Peets or Papillon between 8:30-10:30 AM.

You can avoid the Phonathon call if your donation is received by April 21.

Where does the money go? Who decides? What percentage of parents donate?

LASF is often asked these questions. And given that the world of education budgets and school fundraising is fast- changing, the answers change, too. To help you understand exactly what LASF does, where your donation dollars go, etc. - please take a look at our Spring 2010 Fundraising FAQs online. If you can't find the answer in our FAQs, contact our office (925.299.1644) or your school site LASF Head Rep, Shoshana Mark at themarkteam@comcast.net.

News from the World languages Department

LASF is looking for a German speaking tutor to work with students at Stanley about once a week during school hours. This is an LASF position and he tutor will be an independent contractor. The individual should be able to relate well with middle school kids, be flexible and fluent in German. Please contact Claudia Windfuhr at Stanley, 925-927-3530, ext. 1604 and leave a message in German. The work is quite enjoyable and many of the tutors choose to stay on for years.

Do you know what Egyptian sarcophagi, chamber music and Rube Goldberg have in common?
They are all part of the exciting classroom experience and other support provided by the Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation to enrich the education of every Stanley Middle School student.

At Stanley Middle School, LASF delivers science, writing, social studies/art, foreign language and health education programs that supplement and enhance classroom curriculum. We provide funding for district-run programs in choral and instrumental music instruction, art, drama, woodshop and video technology.  Here are highlights of LASF programs this year:

•    In every 6th grade Core class, students embark on the ever popular Egyptian mummy sarcophagus project with LASF instructors.  Students make gold painted and bejeweled papier mache mummy cases as part of their study of ancient Egypt.  These unique pieces become family treasures that students remember long after middle school is done.

•    7th grade students meet one-on-one for two sessions with an LASF writing tutor to improve writing and organizational skills.  LASF writing tutors are experienced journalists, creative writers, teachers, and individuals with a passion for writing and helping students.

•    In the new LASF 8th grade science unit, Chemistry III, students experiment with chemical reactions using everything from yeast to magnesium to a potato slice.  They learn how transforming matter can effect a surprising change in the environment around them.

•    Music students are mentored by professional musicians funded by LASF.  Nearly every day, musicians stop by the band room to coach students on their specialty – French horn, percussion, clarinet, trombone, etc.

LASF funds over $1.2M of integral academic programs and services for Lafayette schools.  This year, we need to raise $1.5M.  If you have not already made your 2009-10 contribution to LASF, please help us reach our goal of 100% participation and donate now at www.lasf.org/donate or drop a check at the LASF table on registration day.

Every child.  Every classroom.  Every dollar counts.

Your Time is Valuable: Volunteer at LASF

Do you have professional skills in marketing, fundraising, project management, design or IT? Do you want to lead? LASF needs your talent for a variety of projects and positions. We are growing and changing in important ways. Come be a part of the solution for supporting public education in Lafayette. Contact Recruitment Chair Mary Bakos at mlbakos@yahoo.com or 284-4795.