Mission Statement
The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Endowment Fund (HWPSEF) is an independent organization of alumni, families, and friends of Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools. It is designed to establish an endowment through fundraising that will provide a continuing and sustainable source of support for projects to enrich the learning experience of all Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools' students now and for generations to come. The goal is to build a fund that is self-sustaining through intelligent investment so that we can provide valuable, enriching services to the school district's students indefinitely.
The HWPSEF exists to enhance the educational experience of our children. Despite our school district's budget size and annual growth, the vast majority of budget expenditures are committed to "fixed" expenses such as salaries, health and retirement benefits and building maintenance. Little remains for discretionary investment in educational innovation. In these challenging times, our mission has never been more important: fund projects in our schools that otherwise would never happen or would have to be eliminated, filling in the gaps where our taxes can't reach. Talking to parents of children who passed through the Hewlett-Woodmere School District just a decade ago and it's clear that in spite of having an exceptional school system, there are services that are no longer funded through our tax dollars.
In essence, HWPSEF provides "venture capital" for new ideas. These ideas should be generated by teachers, administrators, students, parents and our committed and active community with the goal of enriching students throughout the district.
In past years the HWPSEF has provided Grants for:
- Provided the initial funding for the highly successful "Project Bulldog." As a result, a School District Trust has been established to provide ongoing support for art programs throughout the district.
- Provided the funding to the HHS Social Studies Department for a memorable presentation by two of the surviving Tuskegee Airmen. During this assembly, the students were mesmerized by their tales of heroism and valor, providing invaluable first-hand testimony to a momentous time in our country's history.
- Provided funding to the HHS Business Department's Virtual Enterprise program. This course provides students with the opportunity to create a virtual business, formulate and implement a business plan, and compete with 3,000 Virtual Enterprise business from around the world, by selling virtual products over the course of the year. The HHS team took first place for Long Island this January and qualified for the National Competition at the Armory in NYC in April.
By enhancing our school district's capability to provide innovative programs, we serve a number of important purposes:
- In an increasingly global and competitive economy, the education and success of our children depends upon their exposure and ability to adapt to fresh ideas and challenges.
- Our district's teachers and administrators derive motivation and fulfillment from knowing that their creative ideas are valued, encouraged and may be funded.
- As financial pressures on our school budget mounts, exploratory and innovative programs are likely targets for cost reduction.
- The leadership and deserved reputation of our school district serves our children well, but also reflects favorably on our community's reputation and real estate values.
Links for further information: Grant Application Form | Board Members
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