SPRING 2016

trusteesJ.C. AndersonSharon AustinSophie BauchetKate BeckrowScott BerryRandy BettichTom BuckleitnerChad Deja

Phillip FreemanJeff HannanJim KepplerLori MarciniakKim McAllisterLisa McDowellPhil MolloyKameron Morris

Lakeshore Excellence Foundation

Julia PechtelKimberly RiskJim Roberts Bill ScalettaLaurie SchmidtKim ThompsonNaomi VenturaSandy Welch

LEF Grants make a difference at Lakeshore Public Schools. PAGE 10.

SAVE THE DATE for upcoming Lakeshore Excellence Foundation fundraising events.

Spaghetti DinnerApril 14, 2016

Lakeshore ScrambleJune 20, 2016

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Lakeshore ScrambleLakeshore Excellence Foundation

Monday, June 20, 2016Hosted by Harbor Shores Golf Club

Shotgun start 9:00 A.M.Scramble Format, 4-person Teams

Buffet Lunch, Raffles, Tee Gifts, Games & More! Great Prizes!

Register online at: LEFonline.org

Proceeds to support the LEF’s grants and projects for Lakeshore students and staff.

Could you or your business be an event sponsor?Please contact Event Chairman Bill Scaletta at: 269-429-1638 or williamscaletta@sbcglobal.net

SAVE THE DATE - MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016

Fundraising Events

ThursdayApril 14, 20164:00-7:00 P.M. Lakeshore High School Cafeteria(dine in or take out available)Adults: $10; Children 5-12: $5; 4 and under: Free.

Proceeds will benefit Lakeshore Rotary, the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation, and the Lakeshore High School Fine Arts program for a brand new piano.Tickets are available from any Lakeshore Rotarian or LEF Trustee. (LEFReachHigher@gmail.com)Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Walk ins welcome!

Get Ready for Spaghetti!

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Our Next Big Project

J.C. AndersonLEF Chairperson

2016 LAUNCH OF STEM CURRICULUM INITIATIVE

In working with Superintendent Phil Free-man and the Board of Education, we are in consensus that the highest priority is the implementation of the STEM curriculum.

STEM is the acro-

nym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The curriculum will be imple-mented in all 12 grades, starting in the middle school this fall. The STEM program will benefit students by better preparing them for future college, vocational, and/or business ventures.

Overall test scores, compared to the rest of the state and national averages, should see dramatic improvement as we enhance the education of Lakeshore students.

Our next major fundraising effort for STEM will support the required curriculum purchase, the training of the instructors, technology compo-nents and the purchase of classroom supplies/

equipment. This is an ex-citing project and you will hear much more about the specifics in the future.

The need for the LEF organization, and your continued support, is as great as ever.

Lakeshore is in the bottom 16% of the public school districts that receive state of Michigan funding. In other words, 84% of the public school systems in Michigan receive more money per student than Lakeshore.

The LEF helps to close this gap to enable an equal, if not better education, than those schools

(84% of the Michigan schools) who have more revenue to work with. I’m always interested in your thoughts, beliefs, and constructive critique. I can be reached by phone (269-921-2513) or by email (anderjcna@gmail.com). Sincerely, J.C. Anderson LEF Chairperson

On January 25, 2016 the Lakeshore Excellence Foun-dation was honored to receive recognition from the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

2015 was a great year for the LEF. We were able to raise a net $442,000, which will be provided to Lakeshore Public Schools through major projects and grants. The award was accepted by the LEF Board and honors our donors and the Lakeshore com-munity. LEF success is directly tied to your financial support.

On behalf of the LEF we honor you with this award.

2015 ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

21st Century Learning Centers Transformation Nears CompletionLEF is proud to announce that the $600,000 transformation of five Lakeshore Public School libraries into 21st Century Learning Centers is nearing completion. Thank you for your support.

STEMSCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS

INTRODUCING OUR NEXT BIG PROJECT:

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LEF Receives Award

On January 25 at the Lakeshore Chamber Annual Dinner, LEF Chairman J.C. Anderson and Secretary Kimberly Risk were presented with an award.

The Chamber gave its Organization of the Year Award to LEF in apprecia-tion of outstanding proj-ects and programs that have enhanced, enriched and supplemented oppor-tunities for learning for Lakeshore students, staff and community.

The Chamber cited LEF projects such as ART AROUND TOWN and the 21ST CENTURY LEARN�ING CENTERS. The LEF recently raised $600,000 over three years to fund the transformation of the libraries and media centers in all five school buildings.

In addition, State Representative Al Pscholka present-ed LEF with a certificate of special tribute from the Michigan State Legislature. The tribute was signed by Congressman Fred Upton, State Senator John Proos, and State Representative Al Pscholka.

“We are grateful for all that the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation has contributed to making Southwest Michigan a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

In accepting the awards, Chairman Anderson told the Chamber members how LEF, an all-volunteer organiza-tion, has worked hard to increase the net contribution to Lakeshore Schools from a plateau of $210-215,000

prior to 2013 to $442,000 in 2015. As the audience took in that impressive fundrais-ing number, Anderson fol-lowed up by revealing the major motivating factor for the board:

“Lakeshore is in the bottom 16% of the pub-lic school districts that receive state of Michi-

gan funding,“ he said. “That means 84% of the districts receive more dollars per student than Lakeshore!”

Superintendent Phil Freeman, also on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, felt the LEF was very deserving of the Organization of the Year Award.

“In all, the Lakeshore Excellence Foun-dation has raised over $2.5 million since its inception, with over $1 million being raised in just the last three years! The LEF is supported by a fully volunteer Board of Trustees, led by Chairperson J.C. Anderson, that works tirelessly to support the Lakeshore Public Schools,” Freeman said.

The Lakeshore Excellence Foundation is garnering recognition for significantly increasing funding support of the Lakeshore Public Schools over the past three years and in turn, increasing amounts applied to grants and major projects.

LEF Chairman J.C. Anderson and Secretary Kimberly Risk were presented with an award from the Chamber.

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Lakeshore Excellence Foundation Endowment FundThe Endowment Fund is our long-term strategy to funding the LEF mission of learning for generations to come. Annually the LEF Board evaluates the health of the Fund, makes con-tributions based on giving and project needs, and reinvests the earned interest. If you are interested in learning more about the Endowment Fund, please contact J.C. Anderson at 269.921.2513 or email at anderjcna@gmail.com.

Lakeshore Alumni News

Attention Alumni Class of 1986! This year is our 30th class reunion. The event is scheduled for September 1-3, 2016. Anyone interested in attending please contact Dawn (Klass) Batcho at: dbatcho@sbcglobal.net

Alexandra Soos, a 2011 Lakeshore graduate, earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Michigan in May 2015. She began a 27-month service with the Peace Corps in September 2015 in Mozam-bique, Africa. She teaches 9th grade chemistry in Portuguese, which is the country’s national language.

"Every day I feel like I'm learning more about myself, and ev-ery day I am trying to be the best person I can be," said Soos. "It's hard to give back even half of what I'm learning from this experience, but I'm trying to help inside and outside of the classroom."

Awesome AlumniAlexandra Soos - Peace Corps

If you would like to submit a photo and short “Awesome Alumni” story, please send an email to: LEFReachHigher@gmail.com

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Libraries/Media Centers

21st Century Learning CentersTRANSFORMATION

GOAL → REDEFINE AVAILABLE SPACE

√ Completed at the high school – existing library walls moved; guidance offices creat-ed; small group learning room created; glass walls installed to connect office, group study and storage spaces; enlarged lounge area for students created; and new carpet through-out.

√ Completed at the middle school – reconfig-ured small group and private reading spaces; moved new circulation desk to the middle; installed glass walls to open up the work room and office area; large group interactive technology space created; and converted space for a production studio.

GOAL → PURCHASE UPDATED TECHNOLOGY

√ New technology in place at high school and middle school – multimedia components for group presentations; collaboration areas with Wi-Fi and charging stations; and stand-alone computers and printers.

GOAL → PURCHASE ADAPTABLE FURNITURE

√ New flexible and lighter weight furniture is partially in place at the high school and mid-dle school learning centers.

NEXT…High School Learning Commons Phase 2 – a major visual transformation improving both comfort and ambience. The circulation desk will move and become the central hub, much like the information desk in a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Book cabinets and shelv-ing, as well as new chairs and desks, will be moveable. New seating will be added to the lounge area. Along with new paint colors, the ceiling will have different levels to help define large group areas from small group areas.

Middle School Learning Center – In place of a lit-tle-used meeting room, a production studio is in the process of completion. Students will be able to make and edit videos with a sound stage and recording equipment. New furniture will be placed in the large group instruction space.

Hollywood, Roosevelt & Stewart – New lighter weight, adaptable furniture and group areas with multimedia presentation technology will be incor-porated. New bookcases with wheels will be easy to move and allow for large group gatherings.

ALL LEARNING CENTERS due for completion FALL 2016

LEF is in the final stretch of completing our largest-ever project, the 3-year $600,000 renovation of all five libraries in the district. We have reached our fundraising goal! We are thankful to all the donors who have made this vital work possible.

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Lakeshore Middle School bookcase on wheels. Lakeshore Middle School learning center class area.

12 Corners Vineyards1st Source Bank LakeshoreAbonmarche ConsultantsAce HardwareAEP/Indiana Michigan PowerAllure Hair DesignAni-Med Animal Health CareArcadiaAustin Tax & Financial GroupB.E.R Refrigeration, Heating, Cooling & PlumbingBarrett and Driscoll PediatricsBerrien Regional Associates in NeurologyBoelcke Heating & Air ConditioningBosch Community FundBoulevard Inn & BistroBridgman Family Dental CareChemical BankChili's Grill & BarClementine'sCoach's Bar & GrillCompetitive EdgeCultivate Brewing CompanyCustom Tool & DieDance ArtsDawson Manufacturing CompanyDeFrancesco & DienesDiamond Factory ServiceDoubleday Office Products Inc.Eagle Technologies GroupEdgewater BankFifth Third BankFounders Wine Cellar

Frederick S. Upton FoundationGordon Food ServiceGrande Mere InnGranger ConstructionGreat Lakes Eye CareGreat Lakes Furniture Supply, Inc.Hanson Family FoundationHartline FarmsHoekstra Roofing CompanyHonor Credit UnionHorizon BankHudak Chiropractic ClinicJim Roberts Enterprises LLCJohn Proos for State SenateKCH Services, Inc.Kingscott ArchitectsKohn-Bancroft Family FoundationKruggel Lawton CPAsLake Michigan CollegeLakeland HealthLakeshore Athletic BoostersLakeshore Rotary ClubLeValley Chevrolet Buick GMC TruckLinear Electric, Inc.Lakeshore Public Schools StaffMartin's Super MarketMary Kay - Kelly BushuMary Kay - Stacey HengyMathnasiumMidwest Glass & MirrorMike Gilbert State FarmNelson Specialties CompanyOtt Insurance Agency

Papa Vino'sPfizer Foundation Plante & Moran, PLLCPri Mar Petroleum, Inc.Priebe's Creative WoodworkingPrinciple Business EnterprisesProduct Design Services LLCProfessional Hearing Services, LTD.RMB Capital Management, LLCRobert O'Neill General Tix BuyersSchultz Roofing Supply Co.Scott Berry PromotionsSensational SpasSiemans in BridgmanSilver Beach PizzaStevensville Family DentistryStifel NicolausSun Coast PackagingSunset ToolSupreme Casting Inc.Tabor Hill Restaurant & WineryThe Mark IIITom Mikel State Farm Insur. AgencyTrickl-Eez IrrigationTucker Creative Photo/TeachingTyler HondaUnited Federal Credit UnionUnited WayUpton for All of UsVail Rubber Works, Inc.West Michigan Tool & Die Co.Whirlpool CorporationWhirlpool Integrated Supply ChainWhirlpool Foundation

Thank You Business Donors

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James & Ann AlderinkRajean AlexanderDr. Jim & Michele AllenWill & Tracy AlthouseJ.C. & Nancy AndersonNancy AndersonKenneth Ankli & Ann MillerAnonymousRoy & Marcia ArmesJennifer AscoleseCami AshleyTom & Sharon AustinKeith & Amy AveryBill & Joy BancroftSue & Bill BatsonEric & Sophie BauchetAllyson BaumanLudovic & Marie BeaufilsEarl & Claudette BecherDr. Jason & Kate BeckrowJudy BenjaminScott & Angela BerryRandy & Trisha BettichDavid & Michele BinkleyDr. Marc & Anja BitzerHon. Hugh & Nanette BlackSandra BloughJohn BollmanRon & Marcia BowmanKevin BrightAnne & David BrockwayMichael BrowTom & Mary BuckleitnerKari ButcherTaylor Callagan

Dr. Gary & Karen CampbellLori CarlisleAdam CarrValerie CarrIraida CartwrightDavid CastonguayTom CataniaMark & Carole ChoeDeanna ChornyDoug ClemJimmie ColemanTed & Carole ConradRichard and Diane ConradAlex ConstantelosJoe & Lynn CookLinda CramerJillian CrockettChad & Lori DejaMonica DeLaTorreAmy DeloriaTara Dent-ReevesDenny & Sue DockLarry & Lori DoggettAnn DoschCasey DrabikStan & Joni DubbertDiana EberhardtAndrea EddyDoug EdwardsDavid & Andrea ElliottJane EmeryJennifer EnglemanChristy EricksonCorin EttingerKelley Fast

Erik FiskarsAmy FlemingDonald & Nancy FrankPhilip & Marie FreemanGregory & Karen GaravaliaMichael GathrightChuck GearhiserRaemond & Verna GermanChristian & Christine GianniRichard & Judy GoldbaumKristi GoulettePam GrapisSteve GrazianoChristine GreenPam GreiffendorfErin GriffithsTommye HamKen HankinsonMike & Claudia HanleyJeff & Julie HannanGreg & Connie HansonMerlin & Carolyn HansonVerlin & Roberta HarderBob & Sue HardyGail HarrahBarbara HarrisDr. Bob & Janine HarrisonJulie HauschildDouglas HaygoodDewayne & Lori HellangaLinda HenningPerry & Maria HepplerChristine HogueDan HoppCindy Huff

Lakeshore Middle School learning center lounge area.

Libraries/Media Centers

21st Century Learning CentersTRANSFORMATION

Thank you to our donors!

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Phil HuffRobert HusekJennifer HyrnsChuck JagerTonya JahnkeCraig & Sue JenningsKate KappKaren KeeslerBryan KeimLaurie KellyJim & Chantel KepplerKaren KietzerKari KietzerCasey KingCassie KingAlaina KinneyCynthia KliemchenDennis & Sharon KniolaDawn KnuthLoren KorfmacherTony KoricanDan & Lori KuntzBob LaMannaKimberly LandeckPhilip LaneyJamie LangeMelissa LapekasPeggy Latini - Supreme TravelMike & Renee Longyear FamilyDawn LuckritzClark & Stacy LybbertJoe & Natalie MacerataBill MagraneJames & Marion MaierMichelle & David Marcade

Patrick & Lori MarciniakDr. John & Susan MarohnBill & Jane MarohnMichael MattiDave & Kim McAllisterJack & Madelyn McGrathJon McIverDr. Ron & Brenda McKeyPam McLeanMindy McVeyNancy MerrillChristopher & Joni MillerChad MilleticsPaul MilliganEd & Mary MohrAudra MurdochBetsy NortonGreg & Marian O'NeilSuzanne OnkenMike & Julia PechtelJoan PedenAmy PerkinsJim & Heidi PetersAmy PietrogalloPam PorterJulie PowellNancy RacineDave ReschScott & Kimberly RiskPeter & Jamie RossowKathryn CarpenterBrian SamuelJulie SamuelJim SanfordBill & Linda Scaletta

Lakeshore Middle School learning center work area.

Joanne SchauJudy SchultzRebecca SichmellerChristine SloanBradley T. SmithLynda SmithMichael & Tanya SobaskiHeidi SouthardJim SpicerDick StaufferStacey StephensBeat & Linda StockerCarol StockmanDorothy B. StoverMike ThienemanQuentin & Kim ThompsonJim & Nancy TomczykBernice TrethewayChris & Shanna TylerStephen & Elizabeth UptonGil UrbanTammy VanderWeideCindy VaughnLaura VeldmanLarry VenturelliJerry & Trish ViganskyMegan VreeCarl & Sharon WarrenLarry & Kris WeberFrederick & Sandra WelchJohn & Joy WelchMike & Lisa WelchWarren & Marcy WhitePete & Kathryn WhiteheadChristy WhitelawStacy WhittDavid WhitwamMark & Mary WhitwamAndrew WilliamsTony & Eileen WilliamsHeidi WinklelmannAngela WinsmanKathleen WolfTim WorrrellJeff & Brittany YauchstetterPauline Yost

Thank you to our donors!

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LEF Grants Making a Difference

Students at Stewart Elementary “Learn Like A Pirate”

Thanks to a grant from the LEF, 14 educators from Stewart Elementary participated in a Learn Like a Pirate book study.

“Our goal was to learn how to empower our students to collaborate, lead, and succeed.”

Participating educators met weekly for five sessions to dis-cuss the benefits of a student-led classroom and planned how to implement strategies promoting student empow-erment. Under discussion were the six elements that Paul Solarz addresses in his book that promotes student lead-ership in the classroom: Peer Collaboration, Improvement Focus vs. Grade Focus, Responsibility, Active Learning, 21st Century Skills, and Empowerment.

Throughout the book study, we worked to build an image of what Learning Like a Pirate would look like at Stewart.

Some of us wholeheartedly dove in and started imple-menting the “Pirate” techniques for student leadership in our classrooms. Others took pieces of the Pirate book and incorporated them into their classroom culture seamless-ly. In all, educators agreed that this was a valuable book study. It opened our eyes to new ideas for success for our students in our classrooms and also reinforced what we already knew was effective in our teaching.

“In my classroom stu-dents set goals for their own learning and mon-itor their success. They take responsibility for their learning and work with others to keep them accountable through the use of “accountability partners.” Active learning and peer collaboration involves demonstrating understanding by shar-ing with peers. Students take leadership roles in the management of our classroom by leading transitions.” -- Cindy Vaughn

LEF Grants make a difference. These Stewart Elementary students are Learning Like Pirates!

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Welcome to the Board

Kameron MorrisKameron Morris has been an LEF Trustee since early February 2016. He is a native to southwest Mich-igan as a graduate of Watervliet High School with a Bach-elor’s of Business Administration from Siena Heights Univer-

sity. Kameron and his wife Kristy welcomed their first child in December of 2015 and are excited to become a part of the Ste-vensville community.

He is thrilled to be a part of the LEF to help ensure the best educational opportunities for tomorrow’s future leaders. Kameron is currently Branch Manager for United Federal Credit Union in Stevensville and has been with the company for over five years. He also serves as on the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Lakeland Health Foundation Advocates Group, and is a member of the Lakeshore Rotary Club. In his spare time, Kameron enjoys spending time with his family, trav-eling, and volunteering in the community.

Laurie Schmidt

Laurie SchmidtLaurie is an attorney and cur-rently serves as the St. Joseph City Attorney. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in busi-ness from Western Michigan University and a JD from Indiana University, Blooming-ton. Laurie is a member of the State Bar Association of Mich-igan, Berrien County Bar As-sociation, Berrien Community

Foundation, Character & Fitness Committee of the Michigan Bar Association, and the Board of World Trade Firmitas. She has served on many law affiliat-ed committees, volunteered with the Cornerstone

Kameron Morris

☐ Check here if this is an anonymous contribution.

Name of Contributor(s): _________________________________________________________

Address/City/State: _________________________________________________________

Phone (Home):________________Phone (Work):________________ Phone (Cell):_________________ Email:_______________________Are you a Lakeshore graduate? ☐ YES ☐ NO If YES, what year did you graduate? ________

Will your employer match this contribution? ☐ YES ☐ NO

My contribution amount: $_____________

Optional:My gift is in honor/memory of: ________________________________________________________

Address/City/State: ________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to Lakeshore Excellence Foundation. Send form and contribution to:

Lakeshore Excellence Foundation5771 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, MI 49127

LEF is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. Your contributions to LEF are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

CONTRIBUTION FORM

Alliance Womens’ Business Center, and volunteered at area high schools for Constitutional Law Day programs. Her interest in LEF is due to its commitment to support Lakeshore schools, teachers and students in achieving the best educational opportunities possible.

Laurie grew up in Benton Harbor and returned to this area in 1999. Laurie and her husband, Hans, have two children, Max and Erik, who loved attending Lakeshore Schools from kindergarten through high school gradua-tion. Laurie was active in the PTO, volunteered at Roos-evelt Elementary, and was active in many sports related activities that her children were involved in, including soccer, baseball and football. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, boating and traveling.

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STEPPING STONESApplication Deadline:April 15, 2016

QUESTIONS:Lori MarciniakPh. (269) 208-2154 marciniak5@comcast.netApplication available at LEFonline.org

• The Stepping Stones Grant provides financial assistance to Lakeshore students who pursue their interests, whether it is band, academics, language skills, athlet-ics, and much more.• Stepping Stones has approved assistance for programs such as Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Chi-nese Language classes, Nike Golf Camp, Children’s Music Work-shop, and many more!• Grades and family economics are NOT a factor in approving the application. This LEF funded program is open to ALL Lakeshore students, from kindergarteners to high school seniors.

LEF Grant InformationSTAFF SUPPORT GRANT (formerly Innovation Grant)Application Deadline:October 15, 2016

QUESTIONS:Julia PechtelPh. (269) 556-1654jpechtel@sbcglobal.netApplication available at LEFonline.org

• The Staff Support Grant is typically a request with a completion cost of up to $2500.• The proposal is to be completed within the following school year. • The proposal should be creative, innovative, and supportive of the LEF mission statement. It should be an idea that the district endors-es, but cannot fund within its current fiscal budget. • The grant proposal should offer a quality educational experience/ opportunity for Lake-shore students, staff, and/or community.

FOUNDATION PROJECT Application Deadline:April 15, 2016 &October 15, 2016

QUESTIONS:Kim McAllisterPh. (269) 408-1509kdmcall@yahoo.comApplication available at LEFonline.org

• The Project Grant is typically a request with a completion cost of more than $2500.• The proposal may take up to three years to fully implement.• The proposal should be cre-ative, innovative, and supportive of the LEF mission statement. It should be an idea that the district endorses, but cannot fund — this grant is an opportunity to think BIG!• The proposal should impact a large constituency of Lakeshore students, staff, and/or commu-nity.

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTDeadline: May 1, 2016

QUESTIONS:Sandy Welch Ph. (269) 313-7401sandywelch@truevine.net Application available at LEFonline.org

• This grant may be used for a Professional Development op-portunity, i.e.: conference, seminar, continuing education college courses, etc. • The grant may only be used for the cost of registration and fees. • Please note: Meals, travel, and hotel expenses will not be covered by the grant.• If a substitute teacher is needed to cover your class(es) in your absence, the cost of $100/day must be included in the grant. • The grant request amount may not exceed $750. • The Professional Development opportunity should be some-thing that the Lakeshore School District would not be able to provide.

MissionThe mission of the LakeshoreExcellence Foundation is to acquireand distribute resources thatsupport various Lakeshore PublicSchool programs and projectsaimed at enhancing, enriching,or supplementing learningopportunities for stu-dents, staff,and community.