Since it was founded in 2003, the Syracuse City School District Educational Foundation has hosted an Annual Recognition Breakfast fundraiser. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, plans for the 17th Annual Recognition Breakfast paused. We are pleased to announce that the Syracuse City School District Educational Foundation has partnered with WCNY to host the first virtual Recognition Breakfast, which will broadcast Saturday, September 26 at 9:30 a.m. on WCNY-TV. Immediately following the broadcast, please join us at 10 a.m. for the hour-long premiere of the breakfast program in the virtual watch party!

The funds raised by the Annual Recognition Breakfast support the mission of the Educational Foundation, which is to enhance the quality of life and education of children in the Syracuse City Schools. Donations to this event support supplemental educational grants for teachers.

During these challenging times for students, teachers, parents, and school administrators, funds raised by the Educational Foundation are critical to the education in Syracuse City Schools. We are hoping to expand this year’s application opportunities to provide the supplies, technology, and services for teachers and students who are learning in schools and remotely.

In the past 17 years, the Educational Foundation has distributed more than $875,000 in grants for education projects throughout the district. We encourage you to visit the Foundation’s website and learn how these funds are used in Syracuse schools.

We hope you will support the 2020 Educational Foundation Virtual Recognition Breakfast. The success of the Syracuse City School District is fundamental to the health and vitality of the greater Central New York community and we thank you for your commitment to the education of our students

Donations can be made on our website at www.scsdfoundation.org, or by contacting Foundation administrator Jan Quitzau  at 315.391.0259 or by email at jquitzau@scsdfoundation.org

The mission of the SCSD Educational Foundation is to supplement, support, and enrich the student experience to prepare them for a successful future. The Foundation is an independent fundraising organization charged with providing supplemental resources for educational programs in our Syracuse City Schools. Founded in 2003, the SCSD Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation overseen by a 25‐member working Board of Directors. Board members include representatives of local corporations, school district administrators, government officials, parents, and two district high school students.

Over the past 17 years the Foundation has successfully provided more than $850,000 in education grants for projects that otherwise would not have been possible. Teachers and district administrators may apply for grants online, and funding awards are announced every year in October. Funds provided by sponsors and donors have purchased a wide array of educational resources, including iPads, computers,SMART Boards, classroom programming aides, books, tutorial programs, supplies, instructional software programs, equipment, and the components necessary for presentations and classroom initiatives. The Foundation has actively supported STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, environmental responsibility (green projects), literacy, and living and learning through arts education.

The SCSD Educational Foundation hosts two fundraising events each year: a breakfast in the spring and a golf tournament in the summer. The success of the Foundation has is due to the generous support and donations from major corporations, local businesses and individuals, SCSD alumni, United Way contributions, and personal donations provided by school district employees, administrators, and retirees.

For questions on joining the OVEE watch party, please refer to our FAQ to be sure your computer settings are up to date.

1. RSVP to the screening is free. You are only required to enter your email address. You should receive a confirmation email immediately following.
2. One hour before the event begins, you will receive a reminder email from OVEE with a link to the screening.
3. When launching OVEE, please be sure to ensure your flash player settings are up to date and you have turned on your sound. OVEE works best with the Google Chrome browser.

However, if you are using a different browser, please refer to the media settings guide and help sheet: View

4. When you join the event, you are not required to provide your name. You can join anonymously if you prefer.
5. OVEE complies with the Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and therefore requires all attendees to verify they are over the age of 18 when joining the event. Those under the age of 13 should watch with a parent.
6. If you leave the screening, you can rejoin at any time. You do not need to RSVP again.
7. You cannot pause OVEE. If you do, the film will not resume where you left it. It will fast forward and play the program at the current time.
8. Once the program is finished, you cannot rewind or watch it again.

The awards ceremony is virtual, but breakfast isn’t! Here are some recipes from PBS Food to cook at home, so you can eat along with the show!

Banana Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce

Crispy Belgian Waffles

Apple Sultana Cinnamon Swirls

Spring Onion Salmon Frittata

Strawberry Chia Parfait

Eggs Benedict

Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie

Classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Recognition Awards

Recognizing businesses, organizations, volunteers, or alumni that have given above and beyond in providing support to teachers, students, and programs in the Syracuse City School District or to the Educational Foundation.

The 2020 Annual Recognition Award will be presented to:

• Banker Healthcare Group, for their dedicated volunteer efforts and support of students
  and teachers at Dr. Weeks Elementary School.
• Amanda Murphy, a volunteer who has tirelessly supported the teachers and students at Salem-Hyde Elementary School.

Educators of the Year Awards

Each year, in cooperation with the Syracuse City School District, also recognizes District teachers, administrators, and support staff who help to ensure educational excellence in Syracuse City schools. Candidates must be a full-time staff member and they can be nominated by colleagues/peers, students, parents, or community organizations.

The 2020 Educator of the Year award winners are:

• Carol Thresh, 1st Grade Teacher at Franklin Elementary School.
• Kyle Voyer, Special Education Teacher at Clary Middle School.
• Rachel Murphy, Director of SCSD Food and Nutrition Services.
• Roger Sanford, Recreational Aide/Food Service Helper at Meachem Elementary School.
• Robert Leslie, Director of SCSD Career and Tech Education.