Starfish Inspiration

Our Foundation is inspired by Loren Eisley's story about starfish. Here's the gist of it.

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.
Then, smiling at the man, he said, ”I made a difference for that one.”
We hope that our efforts make a difference to at least one student. We encourage our students to place academics as one of their top priorities.

Stuttgart Education Foundation

The Stuttgart Education Foundation, Inc. was founded by Jim Rogers in 2006 to help the Stuttgart Public Schools educate the youth of Stuttgart. The Board of Directors raises money from individuals, businesses, and organizations of Stuttgart and the surrounding areas that is used to support the Stuttgart Public Schools in areas where public funds may be restricted. Contributions are used to improve the academic performance of Stuttgart Public Schools and its students.

The Stuttgart Education Foundation, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity.
Donations are eligible for tax deduction.
Monetary donations, donated auction items, and volunteers are welcomed.

Recent SEF activities include hosting fundraisers and providing funding for several projects to benefit the Stuttgart Public Schools :
· 2007-2008 Accelerated Reading Program Incentives in grades 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th to meet the SPS’s focus on literacy (Provided cookout at Meekins Middle School and trip to Gator Golf- · 2007 Academic Awards Ceremony (238 students) including door prizes for each test level of iPods. Recognizing students scoring advanced on end of course and benchmark testing.
· 2008-2009 Welcome Back Pool Party for Teachers and Staff
· 2008 Academic Awards Ceremony (314 Students) including door prizes for each test level of Nintendo handheld games with educational software.
· 2008 Hamburger Fundraiser—Mack’s Fall Festival
· 2009 Wildlife Dinner and Auction Fundraiser
· 2009 Funding Opportunity for Teacher Recruitment Bonus
· 2009 Academic Signing Day for Class of 2009 including gift of 212º books to all Seniors. Recognized students continuing to higher education.
· 2009 Appreciation Gifts for Teachers during benchmark testing.
· 2009 Academic Awards Ceremony (316 Students) including door prizes for each test level of iPods. and bicycles.
· 2009 Attendance Incentives for 11th Grade Literacy Tutoring Program

Upcoming Events:
2010 Academic Signing Day for Class of 2009