The Waterford
Foundation, established in 1984, is proud to proclaim it has an endowment just
over $1,000,000.
Foundation trustees, volunteers, and patrons
have raised well over a million dollars and funded so many
worthy projects. The Foundation exists only to promote and
recognize excellence in teaching and learning. The trustees
serve with no compensation or perks, receiving only the
satisfaction of public service. In fact, trustees dig deep in
their pockets to help fund teacher and student recognition
events such as Select Fifty, the Foundation Annual Golf Outing,
and the Outstanding Teacher Reception. Funding for projects,
ranging from district wide music and arts programs to modestly
budgeted classroom literacy activities, are provided by the
Foundation. The Foundation's support is meant to supplement and
complement Waterford School District funding, not to supplant
it.
Teachers are, of course, the difference and the Foundation
supports an annual Teacher of the Year Program where nominations
are invited for deserving teachers from staff, students, and the
community. A citizen committee reviews nominations and follows
up with personal interviews and classroom observations. All
finalists are honored at a community event and Suburban Ford,
provides a new car for the deserving winner.
Fifty outstanding high school seniors are cited annually at a
special awards dinner. Also, distinguished grads are honored at
our Annual Foundation Golf Outing. This event is also our major
fund raiser with recent profits of $35,000. Again, it's the
sponsors that provide most of the income to the foundation. Other important fund raisers, along with employee payroll
contributions and memorial gifts provide funding for the grants.
The late Al Dittrich was a generous contributor to many
Foundation activities. In addition Don and Marge Arsen created
and funded an endowment which provides grants in early childhood
development. Space precludes listing all of our contributors
but the students salute you.
Inspire, educate, and empower our students for their future!