Make It Happen in May!
Note from the Superintendent
May 15, 2026
Dear Families and Community Members,
This month, we’re celebrating the incredible learning experiences made possible through your generous support of the San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF). Your contributions help provide an exceptional, future-ready education for every SCSD student — one that supports the whole child in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
For years, SCEF has helped bridge the gap between state funding and the true cost of a high-quality public education. Your support helps fund:
PTA programs through joint fundraising partnerships
Project Based Learning resources
Social-emotional learning and mental health support
Music instruction for all TK–8 students
Library and literacy programs
Middle school electives
Elementary PE
STEAM programming
SCEF Supports Teacher Learning
Recently, thanks to your generous donations, several SCSD educators attended the CUE/CALIE conference, where they collaborated with educators from across California, explored innovative instructional practices, and learned new tools to support student learning. These experiences help build expertise across our district, empowering teachers to bring fresh ideas back to their school sites and share their learning with colleagues. Investing in our educators directly enhances classroom experiences and supports high-quality learning opportunities for all students.
SCEF Supports Rich Learning Experiences
This spring’s art shows, concerts, and Celebrations of Learning, showcase the impact of SCEF funding in our schools. From beginning band performances by enthusiastic 5th graders to advanced middle school music concerts, students are able to experience the joy and confidence that come from access to quality arts education. Because of SCEF support, all students have access to instruments and music instruction. In partnership with our PTAs, SCEF also helps fund Art in Action and certified visual arts teachers who inspire creativity and self-expression in our learners.
SCEF Funds Educator Growth
Another exciting investment made possible through SCEF support is the Elkes Foundation Scholarship. This program provides annual tuition reimbursement grants ranging from $1,000–$5,000 for eligible SCSD employees pursuing certifications, credentials, or degree programs that support their professional growth within the district.
The initiative is designed to “grow our own” educators by supporting pathways from instructional aide to credentialed teacher, or from classroom teacher to specialist roles, including special education and administration. This scholarship fills a critical need, while we’ve offered residencies and formed partnerships with higher education, we’ve lacked dedicated tuition support for aspiring educators. This program helps change that—and strengthens recruitment for our district.
With your help — and the dedication of our amazing educators and staff — San Carlos schools continue to be among the top-performing districts in the state.
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I invite you to Make it Happen in May with a donation to SCEF at secure.scefkids.org/donate. Every contribution helps ensure strong schools and extraordinary opportunities for every child.
Thank you, as always, for your generosity and partnership.
Onward!
Jennifer
