RSF School parents participate in telethon – improving involvement
in RSF Education Foundation

Bill Gaylord, father of 4th grader.

On Monday, Feb. 22, Glenn Oratz, father of twin first graders at the Ranch School, and a member of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees, led a telethon to increase financial participation for RSF School’s Education Foundation.
Volunteers called families that have not yet contributed to the Education Foundation, asking them to participate in funding the vital programs that it provides and that benefit all children at the school. This year’s grant to the school by the Foundation is $800,000 or $1,096 per child. The volunteers explained how funds are used to provide a “Five-Star Education,” specifically: 1) Small Class Size of 20 or below (average class size is 17 and teacher to student-ratio is 1:11), 2) a Literacy Excellence program for Reading & Writing from Columbia University, providing training for all school teachers, as well as additional specialized literacy teachers and coaches, 3) Specialized Teachers with degrees in their field for Science, Spanish, Art, Athletics, Math, Music, 4) a new Scripps Ocean Partnership study program, and 5) a variety of Enrichment Programs and events throughout the year.

Beth Nelson, mother of 4th and 1st graders.

The telethon was held to encourage non-donors to take advantage of matching funds being offered during the month of February. The matching funds for this effort were possible thanks to the philanthropic leadership of a group of generous school families. At press time, the calling efforts had helped to raise over $50,000 for the Education Foundation in just one week!!
“We realize it’s not possible for all parents to contribute at the Fair Share level of $1,096 per child,” said Carey Cimino, Education Foundation Co-Chair, “but we like to see all families demonstrating support of their kids’ education by participating at whatever financial level is comfortable for them. Every dollar makes a difference and lets us know that parents are behind our efforts to give their kids a fantastic education.”