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Steve Berry, REEF Chair, Charles L. Beaty, Ph.D., RUSD Board President, Frank Vasicek and Michael Faus of E.R. Carpenter Co.
"This is why having manufacturing in your community can be a tremendous asset," says Steve Berry, Chair of REEF. "Not only does it provide good paying jobs---but benefits such as this foundation can give back to the community for decades," says Berry.
The $50,000 funding will benefit RUSD teachers that apply for 2008-09 REEF grants. "The funding specifically is for the arts--performing, visual or music. REEF will be granting up to $5,000 per grant for grade level or entire school programs," Ardie Bailor, REEF Boad Member.
REEF Grants Record Amount to Teachers
In its largest award of REEF Grants to date---over $94,000, 123 REEF Grants were awarded to teachers at RUSD. "We keep growing the foundation every year," says Steve Berry, Chair of REEF. "These grants would not be possible without the financial support of the RUSD employees, community leaders, and our sponsors," said Berry. 2007 REEF Grant Winners
Riverside - Climate change in the Arctic and man’s impact on Northern Fur Seal populations in Alaska will be studied by two Riverside Unified School District teachers selected to participate in the 2008 Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF) Earthwatch Fellowships.
Arlington High School science teacher Sheri Harris and Lake Mathews Elementary School Teacher Amanda Parker have been selected to participate in this amazing opportunity, made possible for the second consecutive year through a generous anonymous donation to REEF.
Through these fellowships, Riverside Unified School District teachers are able to conduct field research with Earthwatch Institute, an international non-profit organization founded in 1971 that engages people from all backgrounds in scientific research around the world in order to promote the understanding needed to create a sustainable environment. Participants in the one-to-three-week programs do not need any special skills in order to participate. The two teachers chosen to participate went through a selection process that included screenings by Earthwatch officials and interviews with representatives of the REEF Board of Directors.
Sheri and Amanda impressed the selection panel with their passion for teaching and for the environment as well as their plans to bring change to the world by sharing their experience with students, colleagues and the community.
This year’s Earthwatch Fellowship recipients come from different backgrounds. Sheri is a former research scientist who has taught advanced science classes for many years. Amanda, a second-grade teacher, has been teaching for four years. What they have in common is an adventurous spirit and a desire to share their love of learning with their students. Both also want their students to understand that they are stewards of our earth.
Both teachers will be assisting the world's leading scientists as part of a research team working to discover answers to some of the most critical environmental issues facing the planet. Planned projects include monitoring the Northern Fur Seal in the Bering Sea and Monitoring the Arctic vast stores of greenhouse gases in northern Canada. With environmental issues emerging as an increasing topic of global concern, these projects will provide teachers with timely information through hands-on research.
“We chose these fellowship opportunities because they tie in so perfectly with the concepts of sustainability and green living that Riverside is becoming known for,” said Steve Berry, chairman of the REEF Board of Directors. “Both teachers are passionate about environmental issues and excited about bringing their experiences into their classroom next year and in the years to come.”
Pictured is Ricki McManus and Mark Hawkins of Altura and Steve Berry with REEF
Altura Credit Union Donates $5,000 to Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation
(Riverside, Calif.) Jan. 10, 2008 - Altura Credit Union, the original schools' credit union, presented a check for $5,000 to Steve Berry, Chair of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF) at "Good Morning Riverside," the monthly meeting of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.
Altura traditionally sponsors the first "Good Morning Riverside" meeting of the new year. As part of its sponsorship today, Altura hosted the award-winning Martin Luther King Jr. High School Marching Band, which performed for an enthusiastic audience of local business people.
Altura Credit Union is one of the founders of REEF, an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enriching educational opportunities for all to Riverside Unified School District students. RUSD teachers can apply for grants up to $1000 each through REEF that can be used for special student projects. The program is supported by a number of local businesses and individuals.
"We have a solid history of supporting education and in particular our local schools," pointed out Donna Michalka, vice president, Corporate Communications, Altura Credit Union. "Our annual sponsorship of the January Good Morning Riverside meeting gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of deserving local non-profit organizations. This year, we are so pleased to focus on REEF and its goal of assisting local students."
REEF Celebrates RUSD Teachers Return from Africa and South America:
Central teacher Gary Berz with a black rhino in Africa.
To see Gary's amazing gallery of pictures from Africa, visit: http://adventureboy.zenfolio.com/p635675304/
Saying it was a memorable summer would be an understatement. The opportunity to travel to Africa and be part of a dynamic research project (endangered black rhinos) was amazing. Working hands-on, in the field, with other professionals from a variety of disciplines, was invaluable in learning new research techniques and methods. The entire experience was incredible, but it's even that much more rewarding when I can share those experiences with my students, colleagues and friends.
Although the endangered black rhino was the emphasis of the research and field work, when you're working on the savannah or in the bush in East Africa, you learn more than you would have ever thought. The experience was a comprehensive one and I'm certain that my students will benefit from it as much as I have. I hope other educators will take advantage of the opportunities that REEF and RUSD have made available and I'd like to thank them for an incredible adventure.
It was a wild summer for three RUSD teachers who participated in exciting EarthWatch programs thanks to a Riverside family. Two of our teachers -- Jennine Barrett from Taft Elementary School and Gary Berz from Central Middle School -- traveled to Kenya with the organization thanks to grants they received from the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF). Dr. Trey Pitruzzello, who teaches at King High School, traveled to Brazil with EarthWatch. He grabbed EarthWatch's attention after applying for one of the REEF Fellowships. His trip was funded by the Helen and Peter Bing Foundation. Here's what these teachers had to say about their experiences:
Taft Elementary School teacher Jennine Barrett (left) with her sister in Africa.
Jennine Barrett hangs out with Kenya's forest monkeys
“How was your trip to Africa?” is a question I’ve been asked a lot lately. Let me tell you, it was “AWESOME!” Along with five other teachers, an Oxford student, and my sister from Alaska , I spent 9 of 11 days fully immersed in a study of Kenya's Forest Monkeys.
In teams of two, under the guidance of Earthwatch field researchers, we followed females through the forest collecting behavioral data for scientific research. It was hot, wet, and usually dirty work—but incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t all work, though. EarthWatch planned fun stuff for us, too. One afternoon, on the way back to Watamu from Gede, we explored a bat cave; another day, we shopped for souvenirs and had lunch at “I Love Pizza” in the town of Malindi.
There was also snorkeling and swimming in the Indian Ocean, a dancing/drumming session with the Giryama tribe, and a visit to Mida Creek Mangrove Forest. On our own, we all opted for a two-day safari to Tsavo East.
What a great adventure that was! Kenya is a beautiful place, and we met many beautiful people there. I miss it and hope to go back someday. But for now, there are over 500 photographs gracing my dining table waiting to tell my story.
Trey Pitruzzello holds a baby Caiman during his adventures in Brazil.
Trey Pitruzzello makes friends with an anaconda in Brazil
My trip to Brazil was absolutely fabulous. The weather was perfect. The work was hard and fulfilling. And the people were warm and gracious. Brazil is a wonderful place.
We spent our time cataloguing birds, snakes, lizards frogs, and insects. We worked from sunrise to sunset, but had a nice siesta break in the afternoon. Our principal investigators were researchers from Sao Paulo University. They quickly became our mentors and our friends. We found four new species of birds for the area! There were 10 in our group. Of particular note would be the day we caught a 3.4-meter long anaconda.
You can see more of Trey's travels at:
www.travelpod.com/members/tvpitz
"This was our biggest and best year ever, REEF is definitely on a roll and the momentum is building," said Steve Berry, REEF Chair at the February 7th 2007 granting event held at Cal Baptist. Grants were awarded to 106 teachers totalling over $88,000.
Pictured is Steve Fulmer from Earthwatch, Jennine Barrett from Taft Elementary School, Gary Berz from Central Middle School and Steve Berry.
"Another way we can see the momentum building is through a growing community awareness of REEF which has led to some new community partnerships. Thanks to an anonymous Riverside donor, we have developed an exciting partnership with the Earthwatch Institute to send two RUSD teachers to Africa this summer on scientific research expeditions."
[ View 2006-07 Grants ]
REEF Welcomes Disneyland's "Legendary Imagineer" as Honorary Chairman
Steve Berry, President of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation Board of Directors recently announced that Bob Gurr, one of Disneyland's Legendary Imagineers, has accepted REEF's invitation to serve as Honorary Chairman.
Members of the REEF Board welcomed the news, for Bob's inspiration has been contagious during the past three years in which he has supported REEF's dream to enrich educational opportunities in the Riverside Unified School District.
[ view full story ]
RUSD employees that contribute to REEF will have the option of being recognized on the REEF website as a supporter of REEF.
For more information or questions about REEF, please contact Launa Whitlock in the Superintendent's office at (951) 788-7135 X 80412 or via email at: lwhitlock@rusd.k12.ca.us
Watch the 1 hour video podcast from Extinct Attractions featuring the Riverside School District student totur of famed Garner Holt Productions:
Pictured from Left to Right is REEF Golf Chair Brian Jaramillo and the winners of the first place four-some.
2007 REEF Golf Tournament raises the most funds ever!
The 11th annual REEF Golf Tournament held at Canyon Crest Country Club on June 25th 2007 was the largest fundraiser in the organization’s history. “We surpassed last year---which was the best to date,” said Brian Jaramillo, President of Tilden-Coil and REEF Golf Chair. “
These funds are going right back in the classroom through the REEF granting process which will get started in September,” said Jaramillo.
Mark your calendars for Monday, June 23rd 2008 at Canyon Crest for the 12th annual event. For more info: contact Karen Draper via email or at (951)684-5901 ext. 205
Poly High Students Tour Worlds Largest Animatronics Factory
REEF's Honorary Chairman and Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr set up a tour of Garner Holt Enterprises in San Bernardino. Garner Holt was recently named as the Technology Entrepeneur of the Year in the Inland Empire.
Employee Contribution Program
This is our second year of the Employee Contribution Program. Letters and contribution forms will go out to all employees in the next two weeks. Posters will be sent to all school and department sites please post prominently.
Employees can make a contribution to REEF through easy payroll deduction. Last year, 80 of our almost 5000 employees signed up those 80 people are allowing REEF to fund up to 14 grants!
Patricia Covarrubias of Citibank presents their contribution to REEF Chair Steve Berry.
Mrs. Hernandez's First Grade class from Alcott Elementary won top honors in the elementary school category.
60th Riverside Flower Show & Garden Tour Benefited REEF
The Riverside Flower Show & Garden Tour celebrated its 60th Scentsational Year! This year the Riverside Flower Show partnered with the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF) in an effort to further serve the community by donating to REEF a portion of every ticket purchased.
Mrs. Hernandez's First Grade class from Alcott Elementary won top honors in the elementary school category. Special thanks to Nan Simonsen for all her efforts to promote REEF in the community!
Violet Cowden, WWII WASP pilot, age 90
REEF Supports
"King High Remembers"
Seven decades of history came to life for more than 600 juniors who participated in the 2007 King High Remembers oral history project, which took place March 16 in the King High gymnasium. REEF is a proud longtime supporter of this award-winning program.
Students met with160 veterans who served in every branch of the military from World War II to present. This one-on-one interaction allows students learn from those who lived through historic events and to preserve their stories for generations to come.
Students Brittany Brubs and Ashley Ullrich, both 16, spent time with 90-year-old World War II veteran Violet Cowden. Violet was won of the well-known WASPS or Women Airfare Service Pilots. WASPS flew non-combat missions in the United States during the war, but were not classified as veterans until 1979.
Violet's eyes brightened as she told the girls about her missions, which included flying 19 different kinds of aircraft. Once, she was so busy that "for three days I didn't eat a meal in the same state."
Thank you to all of the veterans who make this experience possible by sharing their stories with another generation.