March 2016 MARKETPLACEcontracosta.com 23 beaker of water inside the bell jar. When the air is removed the water boils. As it boils, the water gets colder until it suddenly freezes.” This project is an example of interactive learning where students learn by doing. HEF received thank you notes from the students. The sentiments of two students were representative of the class: “I want to express my appreciation for your generosity in support of our class. Your personal commitment was incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal. Your assistance means so much to me but even more to our class.” “Thank you for the lovely vacuum pump and bell jar. My teacher was able to demonstrate many physics concepts with it. We were able to see physics actually work, not just read about it. Thank you again for your generous donation. It has definitely helped us learn and understand physics better.” HEF has sponsored career programs for Middle School and High School students for the past five years. The Choices program is a two-day interactive workshop for eighth grade students where student learn the value of staying in school and why college and higher education is important for a student’s success in life. The program has been given to over 6 million students across the country. The program challenges students to think about why school is important and how the decisions they make affect their future. The Choices program has demonstrated significant success in lowering dropout rates and increasing academic success. With the assistance of parent volunteers, the workshop is given once a year to all eighth graders. The students are given rewards for completing the two-day class, and both student and teacher evaluations demonstrate the value of the program. Career Day is a biennial event sponsored by HEF and the Hercules Chamber of Commerce. High school students select two sessions in advance from a choice of 40-50 career seminars. The seminars have included presentations from current parents and other community members that are practicing doctors, lawyers, nurses, chefs, EMT’s, accountants, electricians, welders, administrators, writers, policemen, firefighters, and numerous other professions. One of the most popular sessions is presented by a mortician from one of the local mortuaries. Students have a chance to learn from real professionals in the field and ask questions about the education and training required for each occupation. After the two morning sessions, all the teachers and seminar speakers are treated to a free barbecue lunch as a big “thank you.” For 2016, the Hercules Education Foundation plans to continue funding similar classroom projects and career programs, and would like to expand its impact in our local schools. Creativity and Innovation are keys to success. There are opportunities for new volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors and help with fundraising events. HEF holds an annual golf tournament at Franklin Canyon in the fall and participates in community events such as the Kids Expo and Holiday Tree Lighting. Last year, HEF co-sponsored a Read-a-thon fundraiser with the Hercules Library Foundation. HEF is interested in collaborating with other school and community groups and developing stronger relationships with local businesses. Working together we can truly make a difference for Hercules kids! For more information, contact HEF at (510) 224-3722, or visit our website: herculeseducationfoundation.org.
Contra Costa Marketplace - March 2016
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