“Out of the public school grows the greatness of a nation.” Mark Twain

Linda Fornaciari, Foundation for the Future President

We all know that public funding alone is insufficient to fully fund a comprehensive academic program at Menlo-Atherton High School; this is the reality of education in California. Yet every challenge can bring opportunity, and this is where the Foundation for the Future makes a difference.

For the last two years, our donors have enabled the Foundation for the Future to gift over $1M per year to M-A. Working closely with Principal Matthew Zito and his staff, we have carefully directed these funds so that they directly impact the high quality of academic life and programs at M-A.

With the help of generous donors like you, we will provide funds this year for:

• Seven courses that otherwise would have been cancelled due to budget cuts, including advanced languages, drama, yearbook and music.
• 23 class sections to reduce class sizes in Freshman and upper level English, Geometry, and World Studies.
• Two new science courses, Astronomy and AP Physics.
• Staff positions for the College Information Specialist, an additional Guidance Counselor, Leadership staffing and the Dean of Students. All critical functions for the present and future lives of our kids.
• SAT and subject test prep classes and Spanish translation services allowing students at all levels to achieve their fullest potential.
• Teacher training, certification and support for their work in the classroom.

These additions are tangible proof that your donation to the Foundation has an immediate effect on your student’s experience at M-A this year.  We are incredibly grateful to our donors, for without your support these important investments would not be possible.

Looking ahead, it is likely that State budget woes will continue to challenge public schools.  In 2009/10, the Foundation goal is to raise over $1M so that we can maintain the programs and educational excellence at M-A that we’ve built over the years. This is what we must keep, and together we can do this.

Warm regards,

Linda Fornaciari, Foundation for the Future President

P.S.  Stay tuned for information about our fall Annual Campaign, on-line auction and other events in the weeks and months ahead.