Embracing Longmeadow Schools

A Message From LEEF Co-Presidents Ellen McKenna and Peter Greenberg

The Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) is an independent, non-profit, community organization. LEEF's mission is to raise funds for programs that enhance, enrich and ensure excellence in our Longmeadow Public Schools. Established in 2001, the Foundation maintains both a Sustaining Fund and a permanent Endowment Fund that provides grants for innovative educational programs beyond the tax-supported budget of the town.

In just six years, LEEF has raised over $1 million and awarded 128 grants to teachers exceeding $472,000. Our generous contributors include local businesses, community leaders and residents with and without children in the school system. They provide funds that allow LEEF to impact the education of every student in the Longmeadow school system. Our grants include a wide array of subject areas: math enrichment, writing skills, science, language and the arts, progressive technologies and professional development.

In the past year, we expanded our Board of Directors and voted to partner with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for investment and fund raising support opportunities. One of LEEF's primary goals this year is to strengthen our Grant Writing and Research efforts in order to exceed the $94,000 awarded to teachers for this current school year. Fall fund raisers include: the publication of the second Annual School and Town Resource Guide, and the sixth Annual Fall Gala which we are excited to announce will be held for the first time at the Longmeadow Country Club. Our Parent Fund Drive and Phonathon will be scheduled again this coming spring while we continue to expand our year-round efforts of Direct Giving and Alumni outreach.

The current Board of Directors represents a broad cross section of our community including professionals, business leaders, educators, and alumni. All share a common commitment - To inspire our teachers with grants that will enrich the educational experience of our Longmeadow public school students. On behalf of the dedicated LEEF Board of Directors, and the many volunteers across town, we thank our donors and contributors for making what was once an ambitious plan, a most rewarding reality. Our devoted and committed teachers continue to deserve only the best for what they do to preserve the standard of excellence for our students. Our children are our future and we can make a difference!

If you share our same ideals and wish to contribute in any way, please contact us. Mark your calendars for our Annual Fall Gala on Saturday, November 17th at The Longmeadow Country Club. It promises to be a great event for our town. See you there!

Peter Greenberg and Ellen McKenna
Co-Presidents
Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation