Founded in 2006, the Northampton County Education Foundation, Inc. (NCEF) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors consisting of community members and ex-officio members from Northampton County Public Schools (NCPS).
Community is the core of our success throughout Northampton County Public Schools. Supporting educational activities with resources from the community enhances the academic experience of students in areas that are not funded through the school budget. NCEF has supported the public schools in many ways, including initial and ongoing funding of programs that support student education, and through support for our teachers.
WE SUPPORT ALL NORTHAMPTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Kiptopeke Elementary School
Occohannock
Elementary School
This includes:
1,345 STUDENTS
136 TEACHERS
Northampton Middle School
Northampton High School
Quest Program
208 SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS
OUR MISSION
To engage the community and mobilize resources to promote student performance and excellence in teaching in our public schools.
OUR VISION
We envision an environment where businesses, social organizations, parents, community members, community organizations, and government entities continuously engage in efforts to ensure excellence in teaching and student learning in Northampton County Public Schools.
The Northampton County Education Foundation (NCEF) has effected significant benefits for Northampton County public schools, and their community. We are proud to share a summary of our successes for the 2023-2024 school year.
MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends and Supporters of NCEF,
As we move into the 2024-2025 school year in Northampton County, I am continually inspired by the dedication and passion of our community. Together, we are not only shaping minds but also transforming futures. NCEF once again has grown as an organization with unwavering community support through donations, advocacy and volunteerism.
Our continued partnership with Bay Creek Development Company and our more recent collaboration with The Shanty Restaurant as host of Oysters for Education fundraiser has greatly enhanced our ability to provide funding and materials to the school system. As a result, this year we raised over $95,000 to enhance our public school system. Direct support enhanced school system initiatives to promote academic success, extracurricular programs, teacher training, and teacher appreciation celebrations and materials. NCEF also financed Pre-K Camp at two elementary schools, and we manage several student scholarships for graduating seniors.
The all-volunteer board of directors works tirelessly throughout the year to promote, enrich, and provide needed support to our school system. Our overhead costs are a small percentage of our total budget allowing almost 85% of the annual budget to go directly to school projects and funding
Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. With your continued partnership, we will explore new opportunities to enhance educational experiences.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication and generosity. Together, we will continue to make a difference.
Warmest Regards,
Billie-Jean Bensen CHAIR, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION
DISTRICT INITIATIVES
PRE-K CAMP
The annual summer Pre-K Camp promotes school readiness for children registered to attend pre-kindergarten and helps the child, family, and school build the foundation for a close partnership that will ensure the child’s success throughout their school career. Parents universally report that they and their children benefit from the program. Pre-K teachers report that Pre-K Camp graduates separate from their parents and settle into the classroom routine with ease, freeing teachers to focus on students who need help adjusting. They also say Pre-K Camp parents tend to be more at ease interacting with teachers and other school staff and more involved with their children’s education.
$3,000
$3,850
27 Families participated this
ALL DISTRICT READS
All District Reads, a nonprofit organization, partners with schools to encourage reading aloud with children. All District Reads engages the entire school division to involve elementary school students and their families. Northampton County completed two books this school year, “The World According to Humphrey” and “Friendship According to Humphrey”. Both books, written by Betty G. Birney, follow the adventures of a lovable hamster named Humphrey. Children and parents/caregivers read these books aloud in their homes. Many community members recorded chapters to make the books available in audio form. Recordings in English and Spanish were added to the NCPS website each day for families to enjoy.
Northampton County schools partnered with All District Reads this past year to promote literacy with
Members of NCEF and the community help prepare books for distribution.
helped fund Pre-K Camp at both elementary schools.
Pre-K campers and their families learning and celebrating success.
year!
SHORE MENTORS
This year, we welcomed Shore Mentors under the NCEF umbrella. Shore Mentors seeks to enhance academic and social development for Northampton County children and youth through adult mentorship. The program recruits, screens, trains, and supports volunteers to work with students and educators district wide. Since its 2022 launch with 12 volunteers supporting Kiptopeke, Northampton Middle and High Schools, Shore Mentors has
expanded significantly. By 2023-2024, the program grew to 23 volunteers, aiding Occohannock elementary school, a new theater program, and offering tutoring for high school athletes. These volunteers provided over 350 hours of support, including small group activities, STEM projects, social-emotional learning, and classroom assistance. Teachers have praised their support, “Having an additional
adult in the room means more opportunities to work with students who require extra support. Being able to assign students to my volunteer and knowing they are receiving valuable oneon-one time has been invaluable."
Looking ahead, Shore Mentors is committed to broadening its influence by attracting and training a larger cohort of volunteers from across the Eastern Shore to serve students in grades K-12 within Northampton's public schools.
STUDENT IMPACT
KIDS CLOSET
The Kids Closet Program serves the middle/high school and the two elementary schools. The closet at the middle/high school is used daily by students in need of clothing or hygiene items, free of charge, with no stigma attached. Thanks to community funding and donations, students in need of formal dresses or suits can now shop for these items in the closet. The closets in the elementary schools are on a smaller scale and provide clean pants, socks, underwear, and other items for these students.
Eastern Shore Signs, LLC is a great supporter of the Kids Closet with donations of t-shirts and hoodies. Another special thank you goes out to the Cape Chuck Bike Gang who rode their bikes throughout Cape Charles and solicited over $2,000 in donations!
ADOPT-A-CLASS
Our Adopt-A-Class program allows parents, grandparents, community members, and businesses to adopt specific classrooms through direct online contributions. A total of $5,350 was provided directly to teachers for use in their classrooms as needed. The flexibility of these grants makes them a favorite of teachers and a very efficient way to meet immediate needs. Donors go directly to the NCEF website to adopt a classroom.
FUND-A-PROJECT
Through this program, teachers request funds for special classroom and extracurricular activities that are not provided for in the school budget.
$5,245 bought clothing and hygiene products for all three kids closets this year
$5,350
funded 18 CLASSROOMS
Top to Bottom: The Eastern Shore Signs, LLC Team; The Cape Chuck Bike Gang
Ms. Lembke’s classroom in the TECH Center was adopted.
$ 4,925
By using the Fund-A-Project link on the NCEF website, you can view a virtual wish list that enables you to support these innovative programs with a few clicks and keystrokes.
Several special projects were supported this year:
BOYS’ STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS
At the end of the 2023 school year, for the first time in program history, the Northampton High School Boys Soccer team won the Class 1 state championship! They wanted a keepsake to remember the moment forever, but the cost of purchasing rings was prohibitive. After working for months to fundraise, they were still short. That’s when the community stepped in and funded the $3,020 needed via an NCEF Fund-A-Project.
PROM
This year’s Prom Committee wanted to create a “Night in Paris” for party-goers. With $1,100 of help from a Fund-AProject they were able to have
a beautiful prom with lots of delicious food.
AMPLIFY THE SOUND
When the Northampton Marching Band needed to upgrade their sound equipment to make it safer for students and to level the playing field with other competitive marching bands, our community answered the call and donated $545 through this Fund-A-Project. NCEF filled in with $260 more and the new equipment was purchased!
GRANTS
The School Grants Program is designed to support classroom initiatives and special events/activities that improve education for students in Northampton County Public Schools.
Grants this year included:
• The newly reinstated choral program at Northampton Middle/High School was in desperate need of safe choral risers and was awarded a $12,961 grant to help offset the cost.
• The Interact Club at Northampton High School was awarded a $2,000 grant to improve the Custodian's Lounge.
offset fingerprinting fees to allow Shore Mentors volunteers to work in the schools.
• The social and emotional well-being of students is of great importance, and $750 in grants allowed students to enjoy dances and endof-the-year socials.
supported several special Fund-A-Projects of Grants were funded.
• A $1,853 grant helped to
• When the middle school asked for funds to purchase rewards for students who have gone “Above and Beyond”, NCEF answered with a $550 grant.
• A grant of $350 enabled eleventh grade Language Arts students the honor of listening to a Native American Speaker.
• A pen pal program to foster writing and socio-emotional skills between high school and elementary students culminated in a field trip to the elementary school so that everyone could meet and enjoy a special treat. A $250 grant from NCEF helped to offset these costs.
$18,714
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Northampton County Education Foundation serves as the fiscal agent to five scholarships made available to graduating seniors of Northampton High School. These scholarships are funded by our community partners, and
while we manage the funds, we take no part in awarding the funds. Lessening the financial burdens on families, these scholarships help make it possible for the graduating senior to attend the college or trade school of their choice. in scholarships from our community partners was awarded to
$9,000 8 Graduates
I want to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me this scholarship. It has truly lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and allows me to fully concentrate on my passion for music. My career goal is to become a music teacher, helping others discover and develop their love for music. Your support is making this dream more achievable, and I can’t thank you enough for believing in me.
JOEL ROBINSON
Left to Right; Top to Bottom: Northampton High School’s Class 1 Boys Soccer State Champions; "Night in Paris" Prom Logo; Native American speaker for the eleventh-grade language arts class; choral students
TEACHER SUPPORT
Recognizing and supporting teachers is an important component of the Northampton County Education Foundation (NCEF) mission, and helps to promote teacher morale, teacher retention, and excellence in the classroom.
STAFF APPRECIATION
$4,500 was provided to support TEACHERS
NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION LUNCHEON
Each year, NCEF connects with new teachers through a luncheon that welcomes them to our public school system and introduces NCEF as a source of support. This year, $500 funded the luncheon for new teachers.
NEW TEACHER SUPPLIES
In the 2023-2024 school year, there were many new teachers in Northampton County Public Schools. Starting a classroom from scratch gets expensive, and NCEF helped to offload some of these costs by providing $2,000 for new teacher wish lists.
School staff appreciation is not just a gesture of gratitude but a recognition of the pivotal role they play in shaping young minds and fostering a nurturing environment for learning and growth. From teachers who impart knowledge with passion and dedication, to administrators who ensure smooth operations, and support staff who provide essential services behind the scenes, each member contributes uniquely to the educational ecosystem. NCEF proudly provided $2,000 to help recognize and celebrate these contributions.
SUPPORT FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Funds for Professional Development are included in the NCEF budget to be used by the superintendent to provide staff development opportunities.
Left to Right : New Teacher Orientation; Teacher Appreciation
$2,000 helped to fund the annual Excellence in Education event.
TEACHER/STAFF RECOGNITION DINNER
NCEF promotes excellence in teaching in our school system by recognizing teachers and staff who have a special impact on students. NCEF provides funds for recognition of the dedication and loyalty of these teachers and staff.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND FUNDRAISING
NCEF has a mission to engage the community and mobilize resources to support Northampton County Public Schools. While the need is great and the resources are few, the people and businesses of Northampton County have truly come together and believe in the importance of public education.
$50,000 generously donated $25,000. The community matched the challenge for a total of
SEASON OF GIVING
The 2023 Season of Giving was again kicked off with a generous $25,000 donation from Bay Creek. Just like last year, the community demonstrated strong support, matching the $25,000 challenge, for a total of $50,000 to support Northampton County Public Schools. Without the generosity of the community, this would not have been possible.
50/50 RAFFLE
As part of our fundraising efforts, NCEF organized a 50-50 raffle. In a heartwarming display of generosity, local resident Claudette Lajoie emerged as a true community hero after winning the drawing and choosing to donate her entire winnings, $2,725, back to NCEF. This money funded various educational programs and initiatives supported by NCEF.
FESTIVE FRIDAYS LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
1. The Boardwalk provided a percentage of profits ($178) during Festive Fridays to NCEF.
2. Chuckletown organized Rounded Up for the Arts to champion arts in public schools (drama, music, visual arts) to the tune of $200
3. At Altitude hosted the 50-50 Raffle drawing.
At Altitude Gallery 50-50 Raffle Night.
ROMMEL’S ACE HARDWARE
Rommel’s Ace Hardware in Exmore supported NCEF through a “Round Up for Education” campaign and raised just over $1,200!
LOCAL CHURCHES
• Emmanuel Episcopal Church donated over $1,400.
• Holmes Presbyterian Church Women’s Group donated $750.
COMMUNITY DIRECTED FUNDING
Sometimes our donors desire to fund specific projects, programs, and causes. These funds, and sometimes supplies, pass through NCEF and go directly to the designated need.
• $1300 was specifically earmarked for After School Athletic Tutoring.
$45,000 was raised through OYSTERS FOR EDUCATION
In March of 2024, NCEF kicked off its 1st annual oyster roast and silent auction, Oysters for Education. The day was beautiful, the food was delicious, and bids were flying! Fulfilling our mission of bringing together businesses and community, we were able to net $45,000 for the upcoming school year. A huge thank you goes out to our presenting sponsor, The Shanty! We look forward to working with Jon Dempster and his crew next year when we do it all again on March 8, 2025
• Every year, a generous donor provides $300 to Occohannock Elementary School to defray the cost of their staff t-shirts.
• The big-hearted team at OBS graciously donated all supplies necessary for Mr. Baxa’s physics class to build catapults.
• $7,500 was donated to directly support the high school varsity soccer teams.
Left to Right: Rommel’s Ace Hardware; Emmanuel Episcopal Church; Holmes Presbyterian Church; Physics Class Catapults
Top to Bottom; Left to Right: Silent Auction Baskets; Mingling in the Shanty; Our Sponsors; Clara & Co, Oysters
FINANCE SUMMARY 2023-2024
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
NCEF is so proud of our community who partners with us to make a significant impact for Northampton County Public Schools.
NCEF INCOME
* Money raised in any fiscal year, not including pass-through or directed donations, goes to support our budget for the next fiscal year. The 23-24 fiscal year saw an amazing increase in donations and fundraising, largely due to the Oysters for Education fundraiser.
NCEF EXPENDITURES
* Includes cost to host new major fundraiser.
Northampton County Education Foundation has made every attempt to be accurate in this Annual Report. If you do notice any errors, please report to ncef@ncedufoundation.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Billie-Jean Bensen
CHAIRPERSON
Kate Latham
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Liz Jones
SECRETARY
Martina Coker
TREASURER
Lori McDonald COMMUNICATIONS
Wayne Bell
Linda Buskey
Ami Butta
Charlena Jones
Clare Nowakowski
Bill Payne
Dr. Elizabeth
Zachry Rutschow
Dr. Linda Schulz
Jackie Smith
Terry Solano
Dave Wilcox
Crosby Johnson
EMERITUS
PARTNERS/DONORS
DONORS
Theresa Aberg
Kimbery Abod
Kevin Abt
Jim Altadona and Keith Dodson D
Maria Anzualda
Sandra and Bill Baker
Sam Barker
Chase Baxa
Gary Baxter
Wayne Bell
William Bell
Margaret Belote
Billie-Jean Benson and Don Marette S
Bobbi Berklite
Betty and Paul
Bibbins
Caroline Bott
Gillian
Bredimus-Peters
Richard Burger
Marty Burgess D
Cara Burton
Darlene Burton
Linda Buskey
Nathan Cabello
Beth Calder
Julie Callahan
April Canade
Cristina Carollo
Susan Carrigan
Sarah Castillo
JoAnn Clark
Martina and John Coker S
Jan Collins
Odelle Collins
January Collins
Catherine Combs-Smith
Marlene Cree
Michael Crist
Emily and Frank Cullen
Maria Francia Dalinsky
Patricia Davidson
Mariko Davidson
Diane Davis
Penny Deck
William Decker
Jerri and Jon Deily
Kira DeRemer
Maggie Deuel
Randolph Diamond
Kim Diaz
Nancy Dix
Helen Doughty
Nancy Drury
Debra Dziubinski
Cynthia Emrich
Michael Enright
Debra Facciolli
Donna Fauber
Lakita Fisher
Regina Gallihugh
Rebecca Geary
Caroline Gibson
Linda Giddens
Karen Gliedman
Linda Glover
Phil Goetkin
Kathryn Graff
James Granger
Andrew Grider
Lisa Guzzardo
Natalie Hagler
Catherine Hardy
Katherine Hardy
Patricia Harris
Vaughan Harris Pod
Ann Hess
Wendy Higgins
Penney Holland
Holly Hubbard
Jason James
Annemarie Jobmann
Edith and Crosby
Johnson
Karen Jolly Davis
Barbara Jones
Elizabeth Jones
Emily Jones
Julie and Samuel Jones
Liz and Will Jones
Norma Jones
Traci Jones
Roberta Kellam
Angela Kerns
Mary Killmon
Claudette Lajoie
Laura and Brian
Laskowski
Kate Latham
Cynthia Lattimore
Donna Lawson
Karen Leffel
Atanya Lewis
Wendy Marshall
Wendy Martin
Susan Mason
Cathleen McCloy
Andrea McCready
Lori and Ian
McDonald
Jane McKinley
Thomas McKnight
Tim Mclatchy
Linda McMillen
Debby and Chip Miller
Cynthia Mitchell
Keith Moody
Marion and David Naar
Joan Natali
Meghan Neville
Bonnie Nordstrom
Janyce and Robert O'Brien
Barbara and Bill O'Hare
Stan Osmolenski D
Madison Partington
Annemarie Patterson
Anne Payne
Bill Payne
Mark Payne
Fiameta Pellicer
Matthew Perrie
Amy and Mike Plew
Todd Powell
Lori Prendergast D
Nancy and George
Proto
Caroline Purvis
Jene Radcliffe
Shipman
Maxine Rasmussen
Elizabeth Reid
Katherine Reid
James Ritch
Etta Robins
Katherine Robinson
Sarah Rodriguez
Dulce Rosales
Allison Rouse
Susan and Tim
Russell
Elizabeth Rutschow
Beth Ann Sabo D
Carol Sabo
Linda Schulz
Gary Shrieves
Jackie Smith
Theresa Solano
Julia Stone
Linda Thomas-Glover
Sara Thompson
Nicki and Paul
Tiffany
Robert Toner
Nancy and James Townsend
Stefan Triandafilou
Sandra Vesty
Margaret Volk
Marianne Voltin
Miriamn Wagner
Kristin Webb
Paula Wells
Carolyn Wilfong
Sheila Witmer
Lynn and William Young
Kristina Young
Stephanie Zodun
BUSINESS PARTNERS
Amazon Smile
Andy Dunton Decoys D
ANEC S
At Altitude Gallery D
Barrier Island Center D
Barrier Island Salt Company D
Bay Creek Golf D
Bay Creek LLC
Bay Creek Realty D
Bay Haven Inn D
Bayside Luxury
Picnics D
Bethel AME Church
Central
Blue Crab Bay Company D
Blue Heron Vaction Rentals
Blue Heron Realty S Boardwalk
By The Strand D
Cape Charles Candy Company D
Cape Charles Main Street D Carasoft S Chatham Vineyards D
Catherine Anderson
Studio D
Cherrystone Aqua Farms S
Chesapeake Properties S Children's Harbor S
Chuckletown Productions
Coastal Baking Company D
Country Way Mercantile D
Cowlick's Creamery D Cravings D
Davis Disposal S Dink Shop D
Dominion Concrete S Drizzles D
Eastern Shore Association of Realtors
Eastern Shore
Coastal Roasting D
Eastern Shore Popcorn Company D
Eastern Shore Signs S
Edible Picasso D
Edward Jones S
Ellen Moore Gallery D
Farm Bureau
Franktown Methodist Church
Franktown United Methodist Women
Gull Hummock D
Hall Automotive Group S
Hog Island Creations D
Hottporcelain Ceramics D
K Coast D
KM Cash
Construction S
Knight Magee
Insurance S
Laura McGowan
Fine Art D
Local Honey
Chesapeake Bay Charters D
Machipongo Trading Company S
Mason Avenue
Bakery D
Modern Hoopla D
Moonrise Jewelers D
Northampton County
YMCA D
Northampton Hotel S
Ocean Leisure
Pools S
Peach Street
Books S
Peach Street
Shaved Ice D
Photo By The Bay D
Pickett's Harbor Farms D
Practical Business Solutions
Print Cottage S
Quail Cove Farms D
Robyn's Shore to Table D
Seaside Boheme
Studio D
Seaside Ecotours D
Shore Soccer League
Smalls BBQ D
Southeast
Expeditions D
Table and Tonic D
Tankard Nurseries S
The Nature
Conservancy
Turner Sculptures D
Turner Wiggins S
Vacation Homeowners of Cape Charles S
Washington Nationals
Baseball D
Windsor Woodworks D
YES for Schools
Your support is what allows us to provide the resources to promote student performance and teaching in our public schools. We have many options for you to provide support.
PLEASE DONATE VIA OUR WEBSITE www.ncedufoundation.com
You can donate securely and quickly online via our website. The site offers options to donate by clicking on the Donate link, or by clicking on Adopt-a-Classroom to donate to a specific classroom, if desired. AND FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK-SQUARE @NorthamptonCountyEducationFoundationNCEF INSTAGRAM @ncedfund to watch for Fund-a-Project opportunities throughout the year.
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