FEF is Proud to Support Our Schools

Think back to your high school experience. OK, some of you might refuse, but humor me.

What memories stand out? The time spent in class? Or the relationships and life lessons learned?

School is so much more than the basics, and Ferndale Education Foundation appreciates that. We are a charitable organization independent of the school district that raises money for innovative programs in the Ferndale Schools. 

One great example is the Camp Skyline trip for high school students. 

At Camp Skyline, participants spend a few days away from campus getting to know kids who aren't in their regular circle of friends. Team-building exercises help them get to know each other better and learn about trust, respect and leadership.

FHS junior Kate Jahn attended this year. Here's how she described it:

"Skyline has been one of the most beneficial and life-changing experiences I have ever encountered. I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity and I would hope that anyone who is ever offered the chance to go does. I learned to be a better listener, I developed a deeper understanding of my fellow classmates, and I was empowered as a person."

Jahn's mother, Karin, added: 

"This experience gave Kate an opportunity to really learn about and better understand her fellow classmates and teachers - many that she sees walking down the hall every day or had a class with a couple of years ago but never really got to know. For a very short time at Skyline she did," she said. "It is wonderful for kids to have a chance to get out of their own little bubble. Fussing about the next "have to have" seems rather trite when you learn what it takes for some kids just to make it to school each morning."

Sophomore Sophie Michalak said she felt lucky to have been chosen to attend Skyline this year.

"I can't believe how close I feel with these new friends in such a short amount of time. It feels like I've known them forever," Michalak said. "These are new friends that I would have never hung out with otherwise. This was a really great experience for me and I would love to go back."

Hundreds of kids have gone through Camp Skyline through the years, including .

Did you attend Camp Skyline? I'd love to hear your memories; leave a comment at the end of this post. 

FEF is proud to financially support Camp Skyline for . We also give mini-grants for innovative teaching concepts, fund after-school and summer tutoring, and bring visiting authors to the schools. We are an all-volunteer organization that raises money throughout the year, including FEF's wine tasting a last fall at the .

Our next big event is our annual dinner/auction on Thursday, March 15, at . This year's big raffle drawing's top prize $5,000. Tickets are $10 and are available now. Come to this and look for our FEF table -- you can buy your tickets there! Watch our FEF facebook page for updates. 

The Ferndale Schools community is so supportive and generous. Ferndale Education Foundation is proud to bring that community together for a common goal -- enriching the lives of our teachers and students.

– Amy Butters, FEF board member