October 5, 2023
Full Steam Ahead
Family night isn’t just for the weekends anymore! The East Penn Chamber of Commerce, a proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The East Penn School District (EPSD) Education Foundation is excited to host a scholarship fundraiser event at this popular family hang-out spot this Tuesday, October 10th from 5:30 to 7:30PM.
At this event, families and individuals alike will be able to enjoy dinner from local food trucks, cold refreshments, lawn games, networking, and hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) focused educational activities with local organizations like Juxtahub and the Emmaus Arts Commission. In addition, Rising River Brewing will release a custom brewed Steam Ale at this event, the first of its kind for this locally-based Macungie brewery! $2 from each pint sold will go back to the East Penn Scholarship Fund and The EPSD Education Foundation.
STEAM education has become an increasing focus throughout the country over the last several years. This event spearheaded by two community focused groups strives to bring awareness to their organizations as well as raise funds to support both of their missions.
The EPSD Education Foundation, a teacher Innovator Grant program, offers teachers the opportunity to bring STEAM-Powered innovation to their East Penn classrooms, hence the focus on making this a STEAM centric event. When asked about this partnered event, current President John Mulder of The EPSD Education Foundation stated “When Rising River agreed to produce a Steam Ale to support STEAM learning in the District, I was thrilled. Allowing us to put our name on such a unique beer is an unbelievable opportunity! I can't wait for the community to try it.” In addition to having more information about how to get involved in the foundation, custom Steam Ale pints will be available for purchase to contribute back to their annual fundraising goal.
“We are so excited to be partnering with these two amazing community focused organizations for this event”, stated Hayden Rinde from the East Penn Chamber of Commerce, part of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Our East Penn Chamber strives to support the businesses and the community while giving back with our annual scholarship fund; so this partnership with Rising River and The EPSD Education Foundation was a no brainer for us!”
The East Penn Chamber was able to give out 4, $1,000 scholarships in 2023 to graduating seniors of Emmaus High School through their scholarship fund and hopes to raise enough money from this and other fundraising events like the annual Holiday Luncheon in partnership with the Western Lehigh Chamber, to be able to match or exceed the scholarship dollars given out last year.
All are invited to attend this community fun, education-based event on Tuesday October 10th from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Guests are encouraged to come hungry, thirsty, and ready to learn more about STEAM education and the local organizations that promote it!
November 16, 2022
$23,500 in Innovator Grants Awarded
The EPSD Education Foundation had another highly competitive year with many East Penn educators submitting detailed grant proposals outlining STEAM ideas for their classrooms. The Foundation is pleased to announce that 12 grants totaling $23,500 will be funded. Congratulations to the following winners of the 2022/2023 East Penn School District Education Foundation Innovator Grants.
For a complete list and photos of this year’s winners Read More
April 18, 2022
2021 Annual Report Published
In his President’s Letter, John Mulder writes “In 2021 we witnessed resilience in our District’s students, its teachers and its administration. We also were fortunate to feel the passion surrounding the Foundation. We believe that great teachers change lives and improve learning. It’s the reason we exist.”
With events like the First Annual Golf Outing, the Foundation continued to connect with local businesses and community leaders.
“In the coming year, we will work to better serve our students by sharing exciting learning opportunities,” says Mulder.
Everything this Foundation accomplishes is made possible by the dedicated members of the Board of Directors and the community at large.
November 21, 2021
2021/2022 Innovator Grants Awarded
Joseph Bigley and his class accept a $2000 Grant from the East Penn School District Education Foundation, for their Tinkering Lab at Willow Lane Elementary School.
The EPSD Education Foundation had another highly competitive year with many East Penn educators submitting detailed grant proposals outlining STEAM ideas for their classrooms. Grant proposals were evaluated and scored in areas of innovation, impact, sustainability, and overall alignment with the Foundation’s STEAM focus. The Foundation is pleased to announce that 16 grants totaling $19,500 will be funded this year. We are fortunate to have this level of innovation in our classrooms!
For the complete list of recipients of the 2021-2022 East Penn School District Education Foundation Innovator Grants and additional photos click here.
October 4, 2021
1st Annual Golf Outing Wrap-up
The threat of rain didn't keep 22 teams of golfers (86 in all) from enjoying the 1st Annual EPSD Education Foundation Golf Outing on Monday, October 4 at Brookside Country Club. In total, the Foundation raised $24,000 for the Innovator Grant program which gives teachers the opportunity to bring STEAM-Powered innovation to their East Penn classrooms. The foundation would like to offer our sincerest thank you to everyone who helped make the day a huge success!
86 golfers prepare to take the course for the 1st Annual EPSD Education Foundation Golf Outing!
The Event Sponsors also deserve an extra special thank you for their generous support. Red Robin - Presenting Sponsor, KCBA Architects - Green & Gold, Spillman Farmer Architects - Green & Gold, Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba - The Stinger, Lehigh Valley Health Network - Cart Sponsor, Ai Orthodontics - Cart Sponsor, and Snyder Hoffman - The Buzz.
“It’s inspiring to see how incredibly supportive our community is in our mission. All of the golfers really helped us tee up another successful year for our East Penn schools,” said Foundation President, John Zayaitz.
The East Penn Education Foundation will provide seventeen Innovator Grants for the 2021-2022 school year. The grants will be distributed to the school of each recipient in the coming weeks.
February 25, 2020
2019 Annual Report Released
“With each and every visit to one of our schools, I have witnessed the dedication and passion of our Teachers and the administration. It is this passion that drives the foundation and the reason we exist,” says Salvatore B. Verrastro, who recently finished his second term as President of the Foundation.
The Foundation believes that great teachers change lives and improve learning. The most effective way to harness great teachers is to support them in their desire to excel in their fields. The direct recipients of great teachers are the students.
Verrastro says, “Everything that has been accomplishment by this Foundation is made possible by the dedicated members of the Board of Directors and the generosity of our faithful supporters. We are grateful for and humbled by the generous spirit of our supporters.”
January 21, 2020
Seventeen STEAM Innovator Grants Totalling $15,000 Awarded to East Penn School District teachers.
$500 Winner Kathleen Farrell from Macungie Elementary School will use the grant to lead students in the “Exploration of Fish in the Kindergarten Classroom.”
The East Penn Education Foundation 2019 - 2020 STEAM Innovator Grant Program awarded seventeen grants to the teachers of the East Penn School District. They funded STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) focused programs in district classrooms K - 12.
Grants were announced on June 30, 2019 to the East Penn School District staff. Applications were accepted through September 30, 2019. Thirty-three (33) applications were submitted and received a blind reading and evaluation by twelve (12) members of reading team. Seventeen grants, totaling $15,000 were awarded on October 21, 2019. Grant implementation will run from October 2019 through May 31, 2020. Beginning with foundation members visiting the winning teacher’s classrooms with a “big check” and balloons.
The grant award winners will contribute pictures and complete a final report that will be due on or before May 31, 2020. One hundred percent of the money awarded will be spent on the budgets proposed at the time of the initial applications and will be reported on the final grant reports. All items purchased with the grants (non-consumable) will be used in the classrooms again in following years. The East Penn School District Education Foundation Innovator Grants reached over 1,275 students in kindergarten through grade twelve.
March 3, 2019
The EPSD Education Foundation releases 2018 Annual Report
As we continue to assist in the advancement of our education system here in the East Penn School District, we will gather even more support from our local community. Donations and other forms of support provided by our sponsors help provide opportunities for enhanced learning experiences in and out of the classroom.
“The Foundation’s goals can only be achieved if we earn the trust of our parents and the community. I assure you that we are and will continue to be great stewards of your generous donations and make you proud to be a part of the East Penn School District. I promise that you will not be disappointed in your contributions.” Salvatore B. Verrastro, President
January 17, 2019
Gena Beky Joins the EPSD Education Foundation Board
[Emmaus, PA January 17, 2019] The East Penn School District Education Foundation is pleased to announce that Gena Beky has been unanimously approved to serve on the board of directors as the Elementary Classroom Teacher representative.
Gena is a dedicated and energetic elementary school teacher with a passion for the development of children’s emotional, behavioral, and academic growth. She has more than twenty years of professional experience and a proven knowledge of instructional techniques, classroom management, and child development.
“I want to leverage my skills to successfully fill my role on the East Penn Education Foundation Board of Directors,” says Beky.
Having taught kindergarten, first, fourth, and fifth grade, Gena Beky brings a wealth of experience and expertise and will be a tremendous asset to the board’s mission of enriching, extending, and deepening the educational experiences of East Penn School District students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics; the five pillars of critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and problem solving.
The East Penn School District Education Foundation supports programs that put learning in motion by giving students the tools they need to think actively in a complex and changing world.
November 15, 2018
Full STEAM Ahead: Preparing a New Generation of U.S. Workers
PBS39 News Tonight reporter, Chloe Nouvelle discovers how teachers in the East Penn School District are preparing their students to become a generation of creators with the help of STEAM Innovator Grants.
OCTOBER 18, 2018
14 Grants Totaling $14,500 Awarded
$1000 Winner ~Frank Meyers “3D Printing in 2nd Grade”~Willow Lane Elementary
The Foundation is pleased to announce that 14 grants totaling $14,500 have been awarded for the 2018-2019 school year. “We are fortunate to have this level of innovation in our classrooms!”