NOW Education Foundation hosting Open House
The Mammoth Schools NOW Education Foundation will be hosting an Open House at the Mammoth High School Library on Monday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. Stop by and meet the new district leadership team, including Superintendent Rich Boccia, Mammoth High School Principal Gabe Solorio, Mammoth Middle School Principal Joseph Skaff and Mammoth Elementary School Principal Rosanne Lampariello. You’ll also hear the goals and objectives of the NOW Education Foundation and find out what you can do to help our local schools!
The Mammoth Schools NOW Education Foundation recently formed as a non-profit to enhance educational excellence in the public schools of Mammoth Lakes through partnerships and fund raising to support programs that improve school culture, facilities, and academic flexibility. The foundation provides a vehicle for individuals and corporations to make private, tax-deductible donations to be allocated to needed programs within our schools.
The NOW Education Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of concerned parents, community leaders, and school administrators. The Foundation will work closely with the community, school district, and site administrators to identify unmet needs. With no paid staff, the Foundation will rely entirely on the generosity of its donors and the volunteer efforts off its Board of Directors. Board members include: Shanna Bissonette, President; Kristy Williams, Vice President; Bonnie Gregory, Treasurer; Jennifer Peckenpaugh, Secretary; Lea Ann Eller; Dan Dawson; Pam Bold, representing Mammoth Elementary School PTO; Julie Thompson, representing Mammoth Middle School Organization; Jeff DeSalvo, representing Mammoth High School Boosters, Gloria Vasquez, ex-officio, Mammoth Unified School District Board of Trustees President and Rich Boccia, ex-officio, Mammoth Unified School District Superintendent.
In 2009/2010, the NOW Education Foundation received a generous $250,000 donation from the Gregory Family to restructure the Charter School and integrate it into Mammoth High School. These funds have been used to form the Independent Study Center at Mammoth High School which benefits all MHS students by offering academic flexibly to student athletes and students who desire to take courses that are not offered in the standard curriculum. Funds from this initial donation have also been used to support additional staff, tutors, curriculum materials and staff development. The NOW Education Board is working with the Mammoth Unified School Board and administration to identify other areas at all of the schools that lack funds to either support a new program or preserve an effective program that is being discontinued due to budget cuts.
Rusty Gregory, CEO of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area has committed ongoing financial support from the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation (MMCF). The Foundation’s mission regarding education is to enrich the educational environment in our community by supporting existing institutions and by developing additional facilities and services to enable our students to reach their highest personal goals.
“The purpose of the NOW Education foundation is to support all of our students in the Mammoth Unified School District by engaging our community in the education of students as we prepare them for college and career in their pursuit to be competitive citizens in the global market place,” said Rich Boccia, Mammoth Unified School District’s new Superintendent.
”One of the greatest assets of our small town is our ability to work together towards common goals. The formation of the NOW Education Foundation will provide a platform for the public to become more engaged in funding programs that will have a positive impact on our students and our overall community,” added Shanna Bissonette, NOW Education Foundation president. “Come to our open house on Aug. 23 to find out more about the goals and aspirations of the foundation and how you may be able to contribute to the success of our students and community.”
-Press Release
