With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Arlington Education Foundation’s holiday STARs campaign is in full swing. STAR awards recognize the contributions of individual teachers and staff members, while also supporting educational innovation in Arlington.

STARs can be purchased for anyone from across Arlington Public Schools, not just classroom teachers. Custodians, librarians, lunch staff, nurses and administrative assistants, or even an entire learning community at the middle school level, are all eligible to receive an award. Each STAR costs $20, and donors can add a short message to be included on the certificate, if they choose. AEF will deliver the personalized awards to recipients before winter break. 

“By purchasing a STAR, you not only honor an individual educator, you also invest in future creativity and growth across Arlington Public Schools,” AEF co-president Stephanie Murphy said. “Your donation to AEF funds our many grant programs, including Innovations and Continuing Scholar awards that help teachers and students explore new ideas and bring inspiring projects to life.”

In the past year alone, AEF awarded over $170,000 in grants to Arlington Public Schools that allowed educators to attend conferences, participate in workshops and retreats, and explore new methods of teaching in their classrooms. Other grant highlights include:

    • An exciting new $4,000 pilot program to award funds to clubs at Arlington High School. Students applied for these grants, took ownership of projects, built leadership skills and made a real impact. 
    • $20,000 to the district to support the Spy Ponder Threads Closet and Community Welcome Center, providing essential resources to students and families. 
    • $4,000 to Ottoson Middle School for the creation of a soundproof Music Production Studio, where students can record projects and explore sound engineering.
  • $4,000 to Brackett Elementary School to create a Native Learning Garden to provide students with hands-on experience in exploring and building ecological habitats that support pollinators, birds and water management.

To learn more and to purchase a STAR, log onto www.aefma.org/stars. Deadline is Nov. 30 for delivery prior to winter break!