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Frequently Asked
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What is NEF, and
what does it do? The Newburyport Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization created to offset the financial pressures put on the Newburyport School System. These pressures include rising operating costs because of government mandates, technology needs and rising special education costs. The inequity between government funds and costs is a result of the per-pupil spending goal from the Education Reform Act of 1993 and rising school costs. Without help meeting these costs, the school system is reducing services. The Newburyport Educational Foundation’s main goal is to raise funds especially to finance programs that might not get money from the government. The financial goal is $2.1 million over the next three years (2004-2006). The main goals include: 1- Upgrade and Renovate Middle School Science Facilities Funding is needed for a complete renovation and re-outfitting of the Middle School science facilities. There are eight science labs and a greenhouse at the Middle School that have not changed since they were built in 1972. Reconfigured and improved science facilities will be designed to meet the needs of the new science curriculum as well as state standards for technology integration and safety. 2- Use the High School Distance Learning and Video Production Facilities With the completion of the distance learning lab and the video production studio, the technology is in place to allow students to take courses on campuses other than NHS. 3- Technology Upgrade and Renewal, Grades K-12 Newburyport has made great progress in bringing modern technology to our schools, although we have by no means met our goals. This project would establish a fund for achieving a goal of five computers per classroom (four student computers and one teacher computer), labs in each building, and replacing technology as it ages. 4- Community-Based Education The Newburyport community is blessed with a wealth of resources, and the Public Schools have integrated many of them into the school system’s curriculum. Parents and community volunteers make fieldwork and hands-on projects feasible, but transportation costs have become a barrier. This project will make it easier for teachers to bring students into the “community classroom” so locations such as the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Maudslay State Park, the Industrial Park, and the Merrimac River can be used as learning resources. What are the other organizations that support the Newburyport School System, and how are they different from the NEF? Newburyport Education Business Coalition, Inc. The NEBC, a grant program for educators that is supported by local Newburyport businesses, does the following things: strengthens the relationship between the education and business communities provides educators and students with experiences that demonstrate the changing conditions of the world of work addresses the emerging needs of students for the future workplace How is the NEBC different from the NEF? The NEBC focuses on school-community relations They are not a fund-raising organization They help integrate students into society after they graduate ReachingHigher This organization was founded in response to a school budget crisis, and quickly redefined itself as a longer term entity. ReachingHigher is comprised of concerned citizens who believe that an information and advocacy group is essential to solid decision-making by both elected officials, and the citizenry. Their goals include the following: To ensure the long-term financial stability of our schools so that Newburyport can make uninterrupted progress toward educational excellence. To be a central source of information for educating the public about our schools, and encourage visibility and accountability in the budget development process. To provide easy access to accurate, timely, and relevant information to help Newburyport voters understand school-related issues and make informed choices. How is Reaching Higher different from the NEF? It is more of a lobbying group than the NEF. ReachingHigher is less “hands on” ReachingHigher educates the public on public education issues Parent Teacher Organizations sponsor class, grade and school-wide social events raise money for enrichment programs, assemblies, field trips and special supplies promote school spirit and parental involvement How are PTOs different from the NEF? PTOs deal with much smaller projects than the NEF, and the profits go directly into these small scale projects. It is also a way for parents to get to know each other. Alumni Association Alumni of Newburyport High School who meet eight times per year, produce and distribute a bi-annual newsletter, host a high school teachers’ appreciation breakfast and award scholarships. How is the Alumni Association different from the NEF? The Alumni Association does not raise money directly for the school. Membership fees support scholarships and the Alumni reception.
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© 2004 Newburyport
Education Foundation |