It was the parents’ turn to learn during the Wrightsville Beach School Foundation’s Sept. 16 Sunset Social at Bluewater Grill.
But first, parents caught up over a complimentary dinner provided by Bluewater and music by Wrightsville Beach School music teacher David DiMuro. Aimee Jones, foundation president, said the annual event is organized to be fun as well as informative.
Jones shared the history and work of the foundation with parents before school needs and the foundation’s priority projects for the 2014-15 school year were unveiled.
The foundation supplements assistance provided by the Wrightsville Beach School PTA. Free from national PTA guidelines on raising and spending money, the foundation uses profits to tackle more expensive projects like providing iPads and Smart Boards, running electricity and fresh water to the school’s pier, even hiring a part-time Spanish teacher during its first two years.
“We can fill in the gaps and step in to give our children what other schools have and what our school is missing,” Jones said.
One of the big goals for the year is paving the school’s track.
The currently unpaved track is used for many activities, including Girls on the Run and STRIDE, plus a new school-wide fitness club launched by physical education teacher Joelle Newman this year. Jones said other elementary schools, like Parsley Elementary, have paved tracks for students.
The foundation prides itself on its ability to step in during school emergencies, Jones said, and works with Principal MaryPaul Beall to address school needs as they arise. One priority for this 2014-15 school year popped up only a few weeks ago, when the foundation was informed laptops used by fifth graders, many of whom meet at remote sites like the Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church, are not expected to last the rest of the year.
The foundation plans to respond by purchasing 60 new laptops for fifth-grade classrooms, each estimated to cost approximately $540.
Keeping the school Spanish teacher on the payroll is another priority.
Profits from Casino Night, the foundation’s main fundraiser, will be instrumental in helping the organization accomplish its goals. A 1970s theme for the Feb. 7, 2015, event was unveiled at the Sunset Social.
Parents attending the event were encouraged but not required to donate to the foundation. Other forms of support, like attending events and sharing information about the foundation’s work, were also requested.
A little more than 100 parents donated $16,000 during the 2013 Sunset Social. Tax-deductible donations can be made on the foundation’s website at www.wbsfoundation.org
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