About LASF: Contra Costa Sun Articles

LASF proudly marks 20 years of enrichment

By Sandy Mouat
CORRESPONDENT

       "It is the magic that volunteers bring to the Foundation, their ideas and enthusiasm, that has made LASF so successful in the past, and will continue to do so in the future." Carol Drevno, Former LASF co-president

         Twenty years ago, our schools were facing devastating cutbacks in the arts, an unacceptable situation to concerned Lafayette parents. In response, a small group of people came together to form the Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation for the purpose of raising funds to support those programs threatened with extinction.
         It was the vision of co-founders Bob Wood and Su Stauffer, to create a foundation run by volunteers, providing enrichment programs delivered by private instructors. Formed and supported more by heart and soul than liquid assets, the fledgling organization, just twelve people during the first few meetings, intended to establish an effective link between the schools' music and drama programs and the community, so that those programs would not only remain, but be expanded and enriched.
          Both the Acalanes and Lafayette school districts were involved right from the start, although the foundation did have to overcome some initial skepticism. According to Bob Wood, "It has been a long struggle for LASF to gain the confidence of the community in its application of resources and variety of product and expertise, not to mention its administration."
         Today, however, LASF is considered a welcome and valued partner in the educational enrichment of the students of Lafayette. Principal Fred Brill of Stanley Intermediate School remarked, "LASF is about caring individuals sharing their passions, bringing curriculum to life and developing meaningful connections with students, teachers and community members."
         Until 1993, the foundation was run on a school by school basis. Each school organized its own fundraising activities, kept its own records and allocated the monies raised. That year, the Board of Directors opted to consolidate fundraising and to broaden the scope and focus of LASF to better meet the needs of all Lafayette schools. As fundraising proved more successful, existing programs were expanded and new programs were added, keeping pace with the increased number of classes in the elementary schools. Separate committees were created to administer programs for K-5, 6-8, and 9-12, and to coordinate fundraising, and allocation of funds.
         It was also at this time that LASF's grant allocations committee was created and a formalized granting process was established. Once a year, money over and above the Foundation's annual operating expenses is earmarked to fund new and innovative projects. Among the evaluation criteria are the conditions that these projects promote excellence in the classroom, be effectively connected to the curriculum, and are an efficient use of LASF funds. They must also promote district goals such as the focus on differentiated instruction and support of fluency, comprehension and literacy development. Recent grant awards have provided materials to the schools for interdisciplinary science and math programs, and development and expansion of students' abilities to use multimedia technology across the curriculum, as well as provided seminars by visiting artists and musicians.
         LASF has provided educational enrichment to Lafayette's children through its own unique instructional programs developed in art, science and math, music and drama, humanities, and technology while maintaining alignment with district curriculum requirements. The Foundation also coordinates and sponsors art and science fairs and music festivals, and provides funding for technology education through the high school level. It sponsors such after school activities as Wildcats on Stage at Stanley and the Model UN Club and Mock Trial Club at Acalanes. Dedicated LASF volunteers and talented instructors work closely with classroom teachers and administrators, ensuring that the Foundation's offerings respond to changing student needs and district priorities at each school.
         "Students benefit immensely from the programs made possible to them through the contributions made by LASF. In the bigger picture the entire school community benefits by knowing there is a committed group of people who care about the arts and sciences enough to go the extra mile to enhance what the schools offer. As a former art teacher I have a deep appreciation for what LASF does for the arts," said Acalanes administrator, Carol Ashford.
         Today, LASF comprises more than a hundred volunteers who commit their considerable talents, skills and time to coordinating and administering a growing body of programs. At a time when many school districts have lost enrichment programs to state budget cuts, LASF offers a creative private sector solution to a public dilemma, relying on generous donations from parents and the community at large.
         Bruce Wodhams, principal of Springhill Elementary School, commented, "LASF is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when the entire community pools its many and varied resources to make public education an optimum experience for our youth. Keep up the great work! It is much appreciated."
         Thanks to Jeanne Sommer, Mark and Carol Drevno, Leslie deBoer, and Linda Hill for their contributions to this article.

05/01 Reprinted with permission. Visit the Contra Costa Times on the web at www.contracostatimes.com.

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