On Sept. 25, the Woodside Foundation held Brochure Night to send thank yous to the families who have donated to the Foundation and to ask for donations again. However, what does the Foundation do outside of asking for donations?
The Woodside Foundation works closely with Principal Karen van Putten to determine what funding will benefit students. The foundation funds electives like digital filmmaking, leadership and other electives and allows students to have extra classes.
“[The foundation] provides funding so that all students have access, so more elective classes, smaller class sizes and more opportunities,” van Putten said. “So it’s pretty cool.”
During Foundation nights, Woodside students can help the Foundation by sending and signing thank you notes and letters.
“I really like working for [the Foundation],” senior Sophia Bravo said. “We wrote little thank-you notes and signed our names. The moms are really nice and they always give us food. It’s a great experience.”
The Foundation’s co-presidents, Elizabeth Albanese and Marline Sloger, work together to manage the foundation.
“The purpose of the annual campaign is to raise money for the school. This year, our ask remains the same at $1,750,” Albanese said. “The money raised by the foundation benefits the students in many ways.”
The Foundation uses 45% of its funds to support smaller class sizes and 31% to provide students with access to college programs and college counselors. The remaining goes to things such as guidance counselors, the mental health center, students field trips, electives and AP exam coordination.
“I think we are so lucky [to have the Foundation],” van Putten said. “I just want our students to know how lucky we are in terms of the Foundation’s work behind the scenes in positively reaching out to the community and people who have no connection to our school.”
