OSEF raises $500,000 for teacher grant fund

Sarah, Madeline, Matthew and Caroline gather around new WeatherBug computer.

The Oakwood Schools Education Foundation wrapped up 2007 by announcing the completion of its Visions for Tomorrow campaign to create a special Endowment Fund within the Foundation.  The goal to raise $500,000 for classroom teacher grants was realized after an 18-month effort.  The community responded to personal requests and mailings by the Foundation and its members, who were able to illustrate the need to fund programs that provide opportunities to stretch the boundaries of learning for all Oakwood students.  Campaign co-chair Harry Ebeling expressed appreciation for the Council’s 100 percent participation and generous support of local families, alumni and community leaders:  “We could not have been successful without our loyal friends who appreciate and support the Oakwood Schools.”

Announcements of teacher and administrative grants are made in the spring and fall each year. The community may read about our total grant cycle in the annual “Report to the Community,” distributed each spring. During the past 15 years, over $366,500 in grants have been awarded in all academic areas, funding such projects as innovative technology and equipment for Science and Math, Accelerated Reader at the elementary schools, on-site master teachers, technology to improve writing skills, the Lange School playground challenge, and the Smith School gazebo learning space.

Recently, the Oakwood High School science department announced some of the classroom activities made possible by the grant awarded for the purchase of 20 microscopes. Forensic Science students now are able to closely examine the characteristics of dollar bills, hair and other items. With the ability to manipulate equipment, students who are visual or tactile learners benefit academically.  Another announcement in January told of Oakwood students at Smith School being linked with 8,000 other students nationally in the WeatherBug Achieve program. Using the Internet, students can compare data with other schools. Of emphasis is the learning opportunity to present real world situations dealing with math, science and geography, together with oral and analytical presentation skills.

These are just two examples of the use of grant funds totaling $54,000 in 2007 alone. In 2006, the Foundation filled grant requests for $38,300, illustrating how the need
for grant money continues to increase each year and the possibilities afforded by having the Endowment Fund. The Visions for Tomorrow fund, which now totals over
$507, 300, is open to future gifts to increase the amount available for investment in coming years. Please consider making contributions or bequests to benefit students today and for future generations. For more information, please contact the Foundation office at (937) 297-5332.

38 Tree City, USA communities visit Oakwood

Last Friday, the city of Oakwood was host to 164 visitors from thirty eight separate communities in southwestern Ohio who were given Tree City, USA awards.

A luncheon was held in the Great Room at the Oakwood Community Center, followed by greetings and comments from various officials and a keynote speech from Eric Sauer, ASLA, of Envision Works.

Oakwood was cited as being only second to Cincinnati, Ohio with the Tree City, USA designation, having first been given the award in 1982 and having received it every year since for 26 years in a row.

Beth Abraham formal dedication set for May 4

Beth Abraham Synagogue, the newest member of the Oakwood community, would like to invite the general community to join with the congregation in the formal dedication of its new building on Sunday, May 4 at 3 p.m.  

The address is 305 Sugar Camp Circle and is so new that it can’t be plotted on Mapquest nor found on Google Maps. The building is accessed by taking Far Hills Avenue to Schantz Avenue and entering through the main gate.

Chaired by Linda and Steve Horenstein, the afternoon festivities include a Dedication program, entertainment, tours of the building and a dessert reception. One of the highlights of the afternoon will be the debut of a new piece of music composed by Cantor Jerome B. Kopmar, Beth Abraham’s Cantor Emeritus, performed by Beth Abraham’s Cantor Andrea Raizen.

Everyone is welcome to join the celebration!  RSVPs can be made to the synagogue office at 293-9520.

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