6 minute read
Nickajack Elementary Foundation
by Heather Meliski
This month I’m taking a break from my monthly travel article to share with you an initiative I am passionate about, the Nickajack Elementary Foundation. I’d like to share some of the amazing things we have accomplished so far this year. The Nickajack Elementary Foundation (NEF) is comprised of a board of parent volunteers and staff whose mission is to help fund STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education initiatives for the 1,100+ students of Nickajack Elementary School. Our goal is to spark inspiration through STEAM learning and technology to cultivate potential STEAM-related future leaders. We achieve these initiatives and goals through the generous support of our Nickajack community by individual donations and corporate matching, as well as corporate sponsorship. As of the time of this printing, we have raised over $118,000 – and counting – for the 2019-20 Back the Jack campaign primarily through individual donations and corporate matching. This amount has greatly exceeded our fundraising goal of $100,000. This has allowed the
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NEF to fund a variety of initiatives such as Nickajack’s new Math lab which provides additional hands-on learning in Math that supplements our regular classroom learning, teacher grants, other hands-on learning experiences, classroom tools, student enrichment and instructional programs via online learning software, and professional development for teachers.
At the beginning of October, we hosted our Great Skate event which is our annual celebration of another successful Back the Jack campaign. Everyone had an amazing time at Sparkles skating, playing games, getting their faces painted, enjoying delicious food provided by Siracusa’s Pizza and Twin Smokers BBQ, and meeting some of our corporate sponsors. In January the NEF hosted STEAM Night which is an evening of handson exploration, games, exhibits, and fun for our students and families. The dancers from be Dance with Ms. Reggy kicked off the night with a great performance and some of the fun activities the kids participated in included planting seeds, board breaking, a flight simulator, and live art demonstrations.
In addition to individual donations and corporate matching, an important aspect of our ability to reach our annual fundraising goals is corporate sponsorship by local businesses (which is my role on the board and the area I am most passionate about) which also saw significant year-over-year growth. Our largest corporate donation for 2019-20 was given by our Platinum sponsor, Yongsa Martial Arts. Yongsa is a martial arts studio and active community partner in Smyrna, and they believe in enriching lives through the practice of martial arts. They were also a featured sponsor at both the Great Skate event and STEAM Night where their activities were a fan-favorite! I would like to thank Yongsa on behalf of the NEF board for their generous donation and their continued support of the Nickajack community. Other NEF corporate sponsors include our Gold sponsors – BE Orthodontics, Los Bravos, and Twin Smokers BBQ – and our Silver sponsors – A Grade Ahead, Atlanta Smiles & Wellness, be Dance with Ms. Reggy, Black Knight Martial Arts, Hotworx, and Siracusa’s Pizza. On behalf of the Nickajack Elementary Foundation I want to say thank you to all of our Friends of the Foundation who contributed to the success of this year’s Back the Jack campaign. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we come together as a community to support our children and I’m blown away by how the Nickajack community raises the bar year after year. And if you’re a local business owner or individual interested in contributing to the continued success of one of our local schools, I would love for you to consider a contribution to the Nickajack Elementary Foundation! www.nesfoundation.com
KENNESAW VALENTINES DANCE PARTY:
February 8th from 6 to 9pm at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Dr. NW in Kennesaw. Feast, play and dance the night away to all of your favorite tunes spun by a professional DJ. This family-friendly event will feature an “all-you-care-to-eat” dinner and dessert bar and plenty of memorable photo opportunities. All adults must be accompanied by a child and all small children must be accompanied by an adult. Seating will be open; however, tables will be reserved for parties of six or more. Tickets are only $15 per person and can be purchased online at www.kennesawparksandrec.com or at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Advance purchase is required. Tickets are non-refundable after February 1st.
SMYRNA DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE:
Saturday, February 8th, from 7-9pm. Ages 9 months to 12 years old at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle in Smyrna. Your daughter is sure to have an enchanted evening at this year’s “Under the Sea” Daddy Daughter dance. There will be a DJ, crafts, photo booth, delectable snacks and so much more. Don’t miss out on this very special night for daughters and their dads. Registration is limited - register at www.apm.activecommunities. com/smyrnacityrec/ today. Contact Jodi at 678.631.5540 for more information.
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MARIETTA DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE: The annual Daddy Daughter Dance is one of Marietta Parks, Recreation and Facilities’ most popular events. The event is open to girls ages 5 to 12 years old and their fathers or other special person in their life. The afternoon is filled with music, dancing, games and activities. Dress is semi-formal to formal. February 9th, from 2:30 to 5pm at Custer Park Sports and Fitness Center, 545 Kenneth E. Marcus Way in Marietta. www.mariettaga.gov/190/Daddy-Daughter-Dance
MARIETTA MARDI GRAS 5K FUN RUN AND
WALK: Presented by the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta, will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 8am at the Historic Marietta Square. The 5k is a Peachtree Qualifier and USATF certified. With a 5k, 1k and Tot Trot to boast, it’s a festive family-friendly race that is fun for everyone! Register at www.runsignup.com.
POLAR PLUNGE: BE FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON! The Special Olympics Polar Plunge, hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Georgia, will take place at Acworth Beach at Cauble Park (4425 Beach St) in Acworth on Saturday, February 22nd. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and the Plunge begins at 1:00 p.m. The purpose behind the Polar Plunge is to support and spread awareness for the 27,115 Special Olympics Georgia athletes. The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising effort benefiting Special Olympics. Many states across the nation participate in this annual event through the efforts of their Law Enforcement Torch Run program. Sign up at www. polarplungega.org.
BORN AGAIN BLESSINGS CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE: Children’s and maternity clothes, shoes, toys, nursery items, baby equipment, furniture and more! Friday March 13 from 9am-7pm. and Saturday March 14 from 9am-noon. The preview sale on Thursday is open to workers and sellers only. First time moms can sign up for early shopping privileges. Riverstone Church, 2005 Stilesboro Rd. NW in Kennesaw. More info:www.bornagainblessings.com
