October 12, 2006

Simonds Music and Technology Foundation kicks off new
school year with movie night and walk-a-thon fund-raisers

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Schools are always in need of capital to pay for music and technology since the dissolution of public funds for these departments. At Simonds Elementary School, the Music and Technology Foundation solved the problem for the elementary school by funding teachers and supplies with innovative fund-raisers like movie night, a walk-a-thon and the spring auction.

Apex Promotions’ Carl Schiefer presents Simonds Music and Foundation President Joy Spodick with a check for $1,324 while walk-a-thon co-chair Renee Vado, movie night co-chair Kari Solo and Principal Janice Samuels are all smiles. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“We’re at it again and we have tremendous support,” said Simonds Music and Technology Foundation President Joy Spodick. “We start the year with the pledge drive and the families really come through. And then there are all the parent volunteers who help with the plans for movie night, the walk-a-thon, the spring auction and other events. We keep meeting the costs to have these programs but each year they go up. From last year, they’re up 50 percent.”

The Simonds Music and Technology Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the student community of the school. It is dedicated to raising the funds necessary to improve and maintain the educational experience by funding 100 percent of salaries of both the music and technology teachers, programs and support. And without the support and hard work of parent volunteers, the programs would not exist.

“Movie night and the walk-a-thon are wonderful events and a great way to raise funds for the music and technology departments,” said Simonds Principal Janice Samuels. “I’d heard so much about the events the Foundation sponsors and am looking forward to all of them. It’s really awesome what they do for the students and the community.”

Movie night
Six hundred kids and their families and friends brought chairs, blankets and even sleeping bags to watch the animated, family film “Madagascar” on the blacktop at Simonds under a canopy of shining stars. Apex Promotions donated the big screen outdoor theater and provided concession stands of hot dogs, colas, popcorn and nacho treats for movie night. All of the profits after costs were presented to the Foundation by owner Carl Schiefer to the tune of $1,324. Spodick announced that the total revenue for the night at the movies was $2,175.

Apex Promotions’ Carl Schiefer presents Simonds Music and Foundation President Joy Spodick with a check for $1,324 while walk-a-thon co-chair Renee Vado, movie night co-chair Kari Solo and Principal Janice Samuels are all smiles. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“The kids really have a blast,” said movie night co-chair Kari Salo who shares responsibilities with Pam McGill. “And they get to be at school at night. It’s really exciting for them.”

And there are some extra surprises at movie night. Tucked inside five chocolate bars are golden tickets. And what do the lucky kids win? They lead the opening of the walk-a-thon with Principal Samuels and the San Jose Police Department’s Mounted Unit.

“There are two important components for our fund-raisers,” said Spodick. “Number one is that the kids have fun. Number two is that they are involved and help with the programs they benefit from. The kids learn that they can initiate change in their lives and make a difference.”

Walk-a-thon
On your mark, get ready, go and with that Simonds kids walk laps around their school to fulfill pledges made by family and friends for the Music and Technology Foundation. The theme for the walk-a-thon is the Simonds beach party where prizes of water bottles, visors, surfboard key chains and ocean related gifts the kids receive for walking round the field and blacktop.

But it’s not just the students who are actively involved: teachers hand out start up packets and all donate movie dates and lunch, cookie baking in the classroom, pizza parties and even a petroglyphs art class by Mr. Politoski that parents bid on at the teacher treat auction. Principal Daniels even has a prize that offers her services as a teacher while the winning instructor leads the school for a day. It all spells fun for everyone involved.

All the Simonds teachers support the annual movie night and walk-a-thon fund-raisers. Here they all smile before the annual walk-a-thon. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

And the winners of the golden tickets who have the prestigious opening of the walk-a-thon with Principal Samuels and SJPD’s mounted unit? Third grader Jackson Spilker, second grader Brandon Blum, first grader Mason Triplett, second grader Hannah Park and kindergartner Anthony Paquet lead the way.

But all this excitement takes planning. Parent and Blue Sky Balloons owner Jan Chase donates hot-air decorations while 10-year-old son Gregory walks his laps. It’s all about teamwork at the Foundation. Other family members mark the pledged laps and keep the event running smoothly.

All this walking creates hunger pangs and there’s a tantalizing menu for whatever the hungry walkers desire—barbequed hot dogs, chicken and hamburgers as well as snack shack goodies. And the early-bird parents and kids are treated to breakfast at the 7 a.m. set up call. Parents Kim Earnshaw and Renee Vado are the co-chairs for the annual fall walk-a-thon fund-raiser. Spodick credits Earnshaw with the brainchild of the event now in its fourth year.

“Each year the walk-a-thon runs even more smoothly,” said Earnshaw who also added teaching second grade at Simonds to her resume this year. “And the kids are so excited. That’s what it’s all about. We have one child, fifth grader Connor Blum, who always walks the most laps. Last year we figured he walked 20 miles. He’s like the rabbit who leads the way for the kids.”

And the winner who runs the most laps? Of course, a golden tennis shoe decorated with rhinestones they keep all school year.

“It’s a very prestigious award,” said Vado. “We have hundreds of students participating with the walk and even more that attend to support the children and the school. The kids work very hard to win. This is a great event.”

Principal Janice Samuels starts the walk-a-thon with the five winners. Left, second grader Brandon Blum, third grader Jackson Spilker, first grader Mason Triplett, second grader Hannah Park and kindergartner Anthony Paquet.

And the numbers are equally impressive. Spodick announced that the walk-a-thon netted almost $40,000 for the Foundation. But she was equally thrilled that the approximately 475 kids walked 11,994 laps averaging 26 per child.

“It was a terrific day for the Simonds community and the Foundation is well on our way to funding another great year of music and technology programming for the kids,” said Spodick.

Spring auction
Now it’s time to focus on other fund-raising events, including the spring auction. Known at Simonds as the “party of the year” and the biggest fund-raiser for the Foundation, this year’s theme will be “Palm Trees and a Tropical Breeze” and is scheduled to be held at Willow Glen’s ARC in March.

“We’re really excited about this year’s auction,” said Spodick. “It will be more relaxed and casual. The fellows can wear Hawaiian shirts and no suits. And we are accepting donations already for the silent and live auction.”

Spodick shared that her ultimate goal for the Simonds Music and Technology Foundation is a move into an endowment phase before her fourth grader Hannah graduates. And there’s no doubt that this will happen with the dedicated parents and students who support the Music and Technology Foundation.

For donations or to become involved with Simonds Elementary School and the Music and Technology Foundation call (408) 535-6251 or visit http://myschoolonline.com/site/0,1876,1646-99918-1-105892,00.html.