The school is buzzing this year with positive energy, talented staff members, and a rich assortment of programs. Each day I observe something in the classroom or on the playground that reminds me what an amazingly special place Oxford is for children.
- Janet Levenson, Principal


September 2006

We should all be very proud of the many improvements we have achieved at Oxford. Our school is so fantastic today because many, many families participate in our community events, volunteer in classrooms, and provide financial support through Oxford's Enrichment Fund for our enrichment programs. Just last year, an increase in the donations to the Enrichment Fund allowed us to expand the enrichment programs that benefit every Oxford student. It is this enthusiastic community spirit at Oxford that has made our school so special, and we ask for your continued generosity to support and expand the opportunities for our children.

What does the Enrichment Fund pay for?
While other schools have been forced to cut back, Oxford has been able to launch many new exciting programs to enhance our curriculum. Key among these are:
1. Teacher supplies and field trips, $11,400: We provide each teacher with funds each year to help pay for their field trips and extra classroom supplies (although this doesn't cover all of their annual expenses);
2. Art instruction for every classroom, $9,000: For the first time in many years, every student will have art classes during this school year. Each classroom will have a half year of Art instruction with a professional Art Instructor, and we hope to expand this program in future years;
3. The Gardening Program, $25,000: Students learn through participation in this unique tradition at Oxford, planting, tending and finally harvesting and tasting their crops. Each year the Enrichment Fund pays for this program, including salary for our fabulous gardening teacher, Chris Nakao;
4. Kindergarten Music Instruction, $6,500: Although the District pays for music instruction beginning in first grade, we wanted to provide this opportunity for every student at our school. With this funding, the Kindergartners can join their schoolmates in music instruction and performances;
5. "Reading is Fundamental" or "RIF" Books, $1,000: Four times a year, every student gets to pick a new book to take home and keep through this fun literacy program;
6. Reading Coaches, $30,000: Last year we began a new program to provide a reading coach to help every student at their own level. We have applied for and received some grants to help with the cost of supplies and a professional coordinator for our volunteers coaches;
7. Counseling Services, $5,000: Bay Area Children First provides counseling services for individuals and small groups in our Oxford Community;

...and much, much more!

Your Participation is Critical
Our programs are paid for in part through funds raised at events like the Harvest Fair, Sally Foster, the Raffle and the other PTA fundraisers. However, our Fundraisers pay for about half of the program expenses, so your donations to the Enrichment Fund are critical to ensure that we can continue - and hopefully expand - our programs!

Fund Goals
Every donation to the Enrichment Fund makes a difference. Our goal is 100% participation - that is, that each of our 245 Oxford Families give what they can. Whether it is $25 or $100, whether a one time donation or a monthly donation, every amount goes towards supporting these programs.

Of course, we also have a total goal of $45,000 this year, which we can reach much faster and more easily if many families contribute whatever they can. This goal was chosen to ensure that our current programs can continue, and to provide some additional funding for expansion. Last year's Enrichment Fund totalled $30,000 for the year. However, we will have additional costs for our expanded programs this year.

Anyone can contribute!
Remember, anyone can contribute to the Enrichment Fund. Is there a friend or relative who would be excited about making a difference for your child's educational experience? It never hurts to ask, and contributions are accepted anytime, all year round, and are tax deductible.

Supporting these enrichment activities is an important investment in your child's education. We hope you will consider a generous donation to the school.

How to make a donation
Click here for information about how to make a donation with a check, credit card or debit card, for one time donations or monthly donations. Your gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Thank you so much for your contribution, and for all the ways you help build the Oxford community - we would not be the incredible school that we are without you!


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Last updated on 1/17/07