Published October 16, 2020

The following was submitted by Julia Motl Lowe, the co-chair for fundraising with the Melrose Education Foundation. 

Dear Friends,

The only constant is change — that phrase keeps rolling around my head these days. As we settle into our new back-to-school routines, we all know one thing for sure: there is more change ahead. As I brace for that reality, I am so grateful to be in a community that cares about and supports each other.

This constant change has reinforced for me the importance of the Melrose Education Foundation and its role to support innovation and excellence within our schools. We want our educators to have the resources to test new ideas, technologies, and concepts so they and our students can flex their creative muscle. Without a doubt, this is the year to be doing a lot creative flexing!

HOW THE MELROSE EDUCATION FOUNDATION HELPS

Covid response for teaching and learning at home

This spring, we all scrambled to respond to a literally ever-changing landscape—and our educators were no exception. To meet urgent and unanticipated needs, the Foundation awarded nearly 100 mini-grants (almost $9,000!) to teachers across the district and shared school supply kits for students alongside the district’s free lunch program.

Grants to teachers

We also awarded a dozen grants directly to teachers totaling $12,000 to support professional development, innovation, and new projects. Here are a few examples:

• A realigned English curriculum that allows students to engage in more in-depth research through a social justice lens (MHS)

• Programming geared to elevating student voices around racial equity in our schools and community (MHS)

• Acquired video editing and virtual performance software to make remote orchestra possible (all schools)

• A biography/self-identity project and a more robust unit on the American Civil Rights Era (MVMMS)

• Professional development for occupational therapists to provide strategies that support development of critical foundation skills for students to reach their academic potential (elementary schools)

(Virtual) Parent University

Every year, in cooperation with Melrose Public Schools, we sponsor a morning of workshops for caregivers and community members with topics focused on education, our schools and parenting. This year, Parent U will be offered through a series of webinars starting in November. Stay tuned for workshop dates and registration.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

All of this would not be possible without the generosity of the Melrose community—people like you and me. Typically, we secure much of our funding through fundraising events within the community (Mystery Night Out is my favorite). This year, of course, requires change. So, today I am asking that you join my husband, Nick, and me in making an outright gift to the Melrose Education Foundation. I truly believe, now more than ever, in the power of public schools and in the good we can do by supporting our teachers, children and community. Please consider giving what you can.

With thanks and appreciation,

Julia Motl Lowe