November 2020 |
Wherever you are reading this from, I hope you are finding moments of peace as we have all experienced a rather turbulent year. Here in the Midwest we are enjoying a beautiful fall with the changing of the leaves, morning frosts and warm afternoons. It won’t last long, after all it is Nebraska, but we are enjoying it while it lasts!
One of the many benefits of being a member of the National Schools Foundation Association is unlimited access to colleagues around the country who are experiencing the same or similar to you and your Foundation, who have some advice on how they are addressing a particular issue, or are just willing to lend a thoughtful ear. I have personally found great solace in this perk and consider it quite therapeutic. Covid has shown us that Zoom, Teams, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (to name just a few) are our links to the outside world. The efficiency created with the remote option of meetings alone will forever change the way we conduct meetings and conferences considering the time and money saved, though I truly look forward to the time when we can again meet in person.
I hope you will join us in February for our Annual Conference and while it will be virtual, there will be no lack of talent-showcasing topics facing our industry. Please make sure you receive the early-bird discount and join your colleagues from across the country as we work to ensure we are fully prepared for the changing times.
As I reflect on 2020, I’m so proud of the fact that our Foundation (as I’m sure yours has too!) has always had an appreciation for our teachers (especially since February 28th when our District had to close its doors). And we continue to be grateful to our District’s Operational Services Department – but this year we saw them in a new light. Remember to herald your nutritional services staff who work tirelessly to feed students whether they are remote or in person, the custodians and building engineers who are ensuring that classrooms are disinfected, the bus drivers who are getting the students to and from school in every type of weather and purchasing staff who are finding the cleaning supplies to keep it all moving forward. Laud your teachers, curriculum specialists, counselors, social workers, principals, human resources staff and other members of District Administration. Superintendent’s must always be superheroes, but THIS YEAR has proven that they need the strength of Captain Marvel, the agility of Spider Man, the negotiation skills of a good Secretary of State, the creativity of Iron Man and most of all have the bracelets of Wonder Woman. Make sure you remember your District village during this time of constant change, regardless of the size or membership of your student body.
Lastly, I want to thank the thousands of volunteers who help our foundations raise money, tell our story, support our staff, advocate in the community and help the millions of children in this country receive the necessary and exceptional tools to ensure Every Student, Every Day is Prepared for Success. Wishing you all a good holiday season and remember we’re all in this together. Please reach out any time to me (toba.cohendunning@ops.org), our amazing board of directors or the incredibly talented team at AMI. Cheers to a bright and joyous 2021! #SchoolFoundationsRUsToba Cohen-Dunning, CEFL, MSW, MPA
President, National School Foundation Association
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