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Message WestervilleEducationFoundationSummer 2025 Newsletter

OUR BOARDEXECUTIVE BOARDCam PiattPresidentJessica DialloVice PresidentGreg RubanTreasurer Beth WeinhardtSecretaryMike CollinsPast PresidentMarty SweterlitschDevelopment Committee ChairAT LARGE BOARDNick GurichLaTresa DouglasCoutanya CoombsRachael IngramTodd GagyiJeff HilpertsKerry PannellAnnamarie CarlsonEX-OFFICIO BOARDAngie HambergSuperintendentMelanie AmatoEx. Director of Communications andCommunity EngagementKristy MeyerWCS School Board PresidentEXECUTIVE DIRECTOREmma NelsonMEET OUR NEWESTBOARD MEMBERSAnnamarie Carlsonbrings a passion forlearning and workingwith children to WEF,along with valuableexperience as theYouth Manager at theWesterville PublicLibrary. She’s excitedto support WEF as anew member.Jeff Hilperts has builthis career inphilanthropy and heis excited to bringthose skills to WEF.Jeff lives inWesterville with hiswife and threechildren, all whomattend WestervilleCity Schools. Board Member SpotlightDr. Coutanya CoombsYears on the Board:Annamarie CarlsonJeff HilpertsDonate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact UsWhat do you love about WestervilleCity Schools?Why did you get involved with WEF?My children did not attend WCS until high school,therefore I had no real knowledge of our city schoolsbelow high school level. I felt it would be a goodopportunity to ascertain the needs of younger studentsand teachers at the primary and elementary level.Vice MayorPart-time faculty member atOtterbein UniversityService: Westerville Fund,Westerville Industry andCommerce Corporation(WICC), Westerville Finance &Audit CommitteeI love how the Westerville City Schools engagethemselves with the students and parents, and howthey partner with the City and businessesthroughout the city.Outside of WEF:4

Community Activity ClubDr. Renee Klautky; Westerville North The Community Activity Club at Westerville North HighSchool, founded by English Learner teacher Amal Doom,helps about 30 EL students connect with their peers andexperience American culture through monthly communityactivities like bowling, movies, and going to the zoo. Interdisciplinary Stained GlassMeegan Moore and Juls Rathje, Genoa Middle SchoolStudents in grades seven and eight will explore the art of stained glasswhile integrating math and science concepts into the creative process.This hands-on project will engage multiple staff members and enrichstudents’ educational experiences by connecting the arts with STEMdisciplines.Glow ForwardJacquie Patterson, Hawthorne and AnnehurstA light table combined with manipulatives offers anengaging, hands-on way for children to develop fine motorskills. This multi-sensory approach makes skill-building bothfun and effective.Diversity Through LiteracySusan Kaul, Mark TwainThrough WEF grant funds, Mark Twain Elementary continues itssupport of student diversity through literacy. Mark Twain runs areading program in which EVERY student has EQUAL access tocurrent books to take with them to build their personal homelibraries.Spring 2025 Grant AwardsWe are proud to present our spring 2025 grant projects, approved in our Spring 2025 GrantCycle. It’s an honor to support a diverse range of innovative initiatives, spanning the arts, STEM,literacy, and more!Donate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact Us

Sew Far, Sew Good: Costume Shop UpgradeKatie Smith, Westerville SouthThis project will support students from Westerville South TheaterTroupe 513 interested in clothing construction, costume design, andtextile arts by upgrading equipment and providing resources forcostume construction and education.Scrapbooking Your StoryAmy Tankovich, Westerville CentralFunded by the Tombaugh FundScrapbooking Your Story is a project for English Language Learners tocelebrate and share their story and culture with the rest of WCHS whiledeveloping their command of the English language. Every story isdifferent and a new beginning for every student.Together We PlaySerena Casale, Mark Twain Funded through the Tombaugh FundInclusive playground equipment ensures all children, regardlessof ability, can play together, fostering a sense of community andbelonging. By adding features like wheelchair-accessibleswings, sensory-friendly panels, and adaptive structures, wecreate an environment where every child can explore, learn, andhave fun.ChickenologyTeresa Ballou, Mia Grube, Ashley Evans, Kenton ScharffWesterville NorthThis project will take students on a tour through the genetichistory and potential future of our favorite fowl. This STEM-basedpoultry curriculum uses immersive learning experiences and realgenetic samples for students to dive deep in related topics..3D PrintersJeff Owdom, Westerville SouthThis project will help Engineering students show off their work inCAD (Computer Aided Design) by using 3D printers to assist themmaking products and items to help teachers make their lessonsand classrooms more interesting and current.Donate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact Us

Adaptive Music Technology for Differentiated Learning in the SLCClassroomJennifer Hall, Robert FrostThe goal of this project is to bring adaptive technology into musicclass for these SLC units to provide opportunities for all students tohave a meaningful music education experience, regardless of skill orability.Wilder STEM MakerspaceWilder ElementaryThe Wilder STEM Makerspace will empower students to explore, create,and innovate through hands-on projects in robotics, coding,engineering, and design. By providing equitable access to cutting-edgetechnology, this makerspace will inspire future engineers, inventors, andproblem-solvers, preparing all students for success.Elementary Physical Education on WheelsMike Henderson, All Westerville Elementary Schools PE teachers across the district are rolling out a skating unit,teaching students the joys of roller skating in effort to improvecoordination, balance, and leg strength! The teachers are leading a2-3 week skating program before the skates travel to the nextelementary school for their turn to rock and roll!Donate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact UsFall 2025 Grant Application Now Open!Our Fall 2025 Grant Cycle is open from Monday, September 8 through Friday, October 10 at5:00 p.m. All teachers, staff, and students within the Westerville City School District areencouraged to apply for a Westerville Education Foundation Grant. These grants are designedto support innovative ideas, classroom projects, and student-led initiatives that enhancelearning for students. Full application details are available on the WEF website.Apply NowSpecial thanks to ourPresenting Sponsors:

Our 2024-25 Impact$40,134Total Funding Awardedincrease from2023-202473%12,99020Students ImpactedBuildingsImpactedSubject Areas Fundedof WCS studentswere impacted by aWEF grant in the2024-25 school year.89%STEM The ArtsDiversity & ELLSpecial EducationPhys Ed/AthleticsLiteracySELSTEM 24%The ArtsSpecialEducaionDiversity &ELLPhysicalEducation/AthleticsLiteracySocial & EmotionalLearning (SEL)24%14%14%10%7%7%A break down of theimpact made byWEF in the 2024-25academic year27GrantsAwarded

Donate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact UsThe 2025 Arts Alive Festival was truly a day to remember andWEF was excited to be able to support this Westerville Centraltradition!Arts Alive is an all-school festival that celebrates the visual andperforming arts put on by Central’s dedicated art departmenteach spring. This year’s grant funded chalk for more than 100massive murals (each 4 feet wide, created by teams of students!),as well as supplies for henna and face painting stations. The Westerville Central Art Department was awarded funding inthe Fall 2024 Grant Cycle. The grant also allowed Central to bring in Guest Artist Miss Birdy, who spent five hoursdemonstrating her incredible spray-paint mural technique, chatting with students, and leaving herfinished piece as a gift to the school.The day was a true community celebration:400+ students participated in the chalk mural walk, with the entire student body visiting to seetheir peers’ work.Students competed in a sticker and t-shirt design contest, with five sticker winners and one t-shirt winner.Galleries showcased student art inside and outside, the student film festival played throughoutthe day, and music filled the air with performances by orchestra, band, choir, and soloists.Tie-dye, face paint, and henna stations added to the colorful fun — all at no cost to students.Deb Bergman examines some of the fossilmaterials delivered from the LaFargeQuarry in Paulding, Ohio.Grant Spotlight: Arts Alive at WestervilleCentral High SchoolFor many students, especially those who don’t play sportsor participate in other extracurriculars, Arts Alive is theirfavorite day of the year. Art teacher Jen Kiko says studentsdescribe it as the reason Westerville Central feels uniqueand inclusive.Despite the joy and success of Arts Alive, its future isuncertain. With district funding cuts due to the 2024failed levy, this beloved tradition may not happen againwithout outside support.WEF was proud to support this longstanding traditionand help Westerville Central celebrate the arts!

Donate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact UsGrant Spotlight: Viriditas: Regulation ThroughNature at Fouse ElementaryAt Fouse Elementary, 19 students in three Life Skills classroomshad a chance to connect with nature, and themselves, thanks tothe Viriditas: Regulation Through Nature grant. This project gave students the opportunity to explore their sensesthrough hands-on, nature-based activities designed to promoteemotional regulation, create calming classroom environments,and provide real-world learning experiences aligned with districtcurriculum.The most impactful part of the project? The sensory explorationmaterials. Each classroom used them in a way that best fit theirstudents’ needs. In one 2nd–3rd grade classroom, studentsspent 30 minutes each day rotating through centers, playing with water, digging in a sand table,building flowers, and exploring a rock and gem bucket. This daily, technology-free routine quicklybecame their favorite part of the day—providing a much-needed break while supportingindependent play and emotional regulation.“It is crucial for our particular groups of students to provide and uphold routines. I would never havebeen able to incorporate this portion of our daily routine without the grant funding,” said teacherKatie O'Leary.Even better, many of the materials can be reused next year, allowing this sensory-rich experience tocontinue impacting students for years to come.WEF is proud to have supported this grant that helped students learn how to regulate emotions,engage with peers, and thrive in a calm, supportive environment.

WEF Prepares to Once Again Honor Excellent Educators withNew Sponor: Buckeye Heating, Cooling, & PlumbingNominate a TeacherTeacher of the MonthCommitteeCoutanya CoombsKristy MeyerBeth WeindhardtLisa DapozEmma NelsonMike CollinsMarty SweterlitschRachael Ingram Donate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact UsThe Westerville Education Foundation is pleased toprovide our community with an opportunity to recognizeoutstanding teachers in the Westerville City School Districtthrough our Teacher of the Month program. This year, weare joined in this effort by our Patrons for EducationSponsor, Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We are sograteful for their support of WEF and Westerville teachers!Each month, three recipients are chosen from thenominations we receive. Winners are surprised with bakedgoods donated by Schneider's Bakery, a certificatecelebrating them as our Teacher of the Month, and $100for their classroom account. 2025-2026 Teacher of the Month Schedule SeptemberCherrington ElementaryWilder ElementaryAnnehurst ElementaryMinerva Park Middle SchoolMinerva France Elementary Hawthorne Elementary December November Huber Ridge ElementaryPointview Elementary Early Learning CenterMark Twain ElementaryMcVay ElementaryWalnut Springs Middle SchoolOctober February North High SchoolRobert Frost ElementaryHeritage Middle SchoolWhittier ElementaryEmerson ElementaryHanby Elementary MarchJanuary Fouse ElementaryGenoa Middle SchoolCentral High SchoolAlcott ElementaryEducational Options forSuccess (EOS) programWesterville South Blendon Middle SchoolAprilHelp us recognize the extraordinary teachers in our community. Review the schedule andsubmit your nomination—you could be the reason a teacher gets celebrated this month!

Last year, WSEF students made meaningful contributions through a variety of projects. Theypromoted good sportsmanship by attending elementary school field days, hosted a job fair toprepare fellow high schoolers for future careers, and inspired younger students by leading areading initiative.These efforts align with WSEF’s mission: to empower students from our district's high schools tocollaborate, serve, and lead by addressing key challenges within their schools and contributing tothe broader community. Through teamwork, service, and innovation, WSEF strives to foster aculture of collaboration and instill a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact.With KEMBA’s support, WSEF is poised for another impactful year of student-led change. Staytuned as these young leaders continue to make a difference in Westerville.KEMBA Financial Credit Union Sponsors Westerville StudentEducation Foundation for 2025-26 School YearDonate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact UsThe Westerville Student Education Foundation (WSEF) isproud to announce KEMBA Financial Credit Union as asponsor for the 2025 school year. With a deepcommitment to education and community development,KEMBA’s support will empower high school studentsacross the Westerville City School District to continue theirmission of leadership, service, and positive impact.WSEF brings together students from Westerville Central,North, and South High Schools to lead initiatives thataddress real needs in their school communities. Thesestudent-led groups are guided by dedicated teacheradvisors: Allison Hennessy and Nikki Dunbar at Central,John Sands at North, and Ricky Robbins at South. Alreadythis year, the groups have started meeting and planninghow they will serve their schools and the broadercommunity.WSEF Students engaged in projects throughout thedistrict during the 2024-2025 school year.

Over the summer, the Westerville Education Foundation was out in the community connectingwith families and sharing our mission! We were thrilled to see so many of you at the WestervilleMusic & Arts Festival and the Farmers Market in August.There is more to come! You can catch us at the September 20th Farmers Market and OctoberFourth Friday. At every event, community members get to cast their vote for one of threealready-funded grants to receive an extra $500 from WEF. It’s a fun and meaningful way to seeyour vote directly support creative learning in Westerville Schools!Stop by, say hello, and help us decide which project gets that extra funding!SUMMER & FALL EVENTSDonate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact UsCOMING UP240 VOTESCOMMUNITY ACTIVITY CLUBWESTERVILLE NORTHTake English Language Learningstudents to do activities to exposethem to American culture andimprove language skills. 288 VOTESINTERDISCIPLINARY STAINED GLASSGENOA MIDDLE SCHOOLA stained glass unit for 7 and 8graders that brings together art,math, and science. th th287 VOTESDIVERSITY THROUGH LITERACY MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARYA literacy program that providesfree books for all Mark Twainstudents and helps them buildtheir at home libraries.UPTOWN FARMERS MARKETSaturday, September 209:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.North High Brewing Parking LotFOURTH FRIDAYFriday, October 246:00 - 9:00 p.m.Uptown WestervilleThe Votes So Far240 S. State St.

Sponsorship LevelsPremier Sponsor$20,000Elite Sponsor$15,000Presenting Sponsor$10,000Patron for Education$5,000Champion for Education$2,500Partner in Education$1,000Friend of Education$500Thank You to Our SponsorsThank you to all of our sponsors! Your generous support is deeplyappreciated by WEF and the Westerville community. Why sponsor WEF?Support Local Education – Your sponsorship directly fundsinnovative classroom grants,student programs, and educatorinitiatives that enhance learningin Westerville schools.Community Visibility &Recognition – Gain exposurethrough WEF’s events, website,social media, and promotionalmaterials, showcasing yourbusiness as a committedsupporter of education.Invest in Future Leaders – By supporting WEF, you’rehelping to create opportunitiesfor students to thrive, fostering astrong and educated workforcefor the future.Interested insponsoring WEF?Contact Emma Nelson. Partners in EducationPresenting SponsorsPatron for EducationChampions for EducationFriends of EducationDonate at WestervilleEducationFoundation.comContact Us*Official Teacher of theMonth Sponsor*Westerville StudentEducation FoundationSponsor