We want to say a special thank you to Ridgewood and Associates, a locally owned Tucson public relations firm, who designed and assisted us in executing the campaign. We owe them a debt of gratitude for donating their time, energy and talent to save teaching positions in a difficult time.

We are honored and humbled by the depth of support by hundreds of families from across the Foothills and the nation – individuals, alumni, families and friends who came together to say “no” to the loss of teachers in District 16. Young and old from across the district joined in and raised donations in innovative and creative ways – lemonade stands, garage sales and supporting the SCORE rally. They gave with their hearts and we thank them!

The CFSD Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educational excellence in District 16. Although the 30/60 Challenge has ended, we continue to welcome donations that fund teaching positions and other educational programs that otherwise would not exist due to shortfalls in state funding for public education.

We are just a few dollars short of raising $250,000 for the campaign. Because of the generosity of our members, we will provide a $500,000 gift to the district to fund teachers for the 2009-2010 school year. Thank you for joining us to ensure all District 16 schools continue to excel and every student is allowed to achieve their full potential.

Its not too late to donate — thank you!

Our very own family operated Bistro 44 has offered to continue its commitment to the 30/60 Challenge by extending their sponsorship of the Dining Challenge through the end of June. Do you realize what this means?

This means that you can take your dad there for Father’s Day, or your husband or wife there for a Saturday night date, or get the girls/guys together for a summer soiree. Lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch…it doesn’t matter. The kind folks at Bistro 44 are happy to honor our teachers anytime. Not only will they donate a portion of your food bill, but your bar bill, as well! But you must act before June 30th.

So make a reservation today, or just walk in and announce to all in earshot, that you are sponsoring our teachers who are the lifeblood of our excelling district.

With just a few days remaining, we ask everyone who has been waiting to make a donation to join us today — reach out to your friends and neighbors by reminding them that our entire community benefits when District 16 provides a quality education for every student. Please donate today and join over 450 families from across our district who are making a difference!

On behalf of every student in District 16, our deepest thanks to each family, individual and organization who donated. Together we can make a difference!

The CFSD Foundation
http://www.cfsdfoundation.org/
P.O. Box 65150
Tucson, AZ
85728-5150

With ten days left to take the 30/60 Challenge, have you helped? It is time now for everyone who is thinking about supporting this important effort to step forward and give. Reach out to your friends and neighbors by reminding them that our entire community benefits when District 16 provides a quality education for every student. Please donate today and join the hundreds of families from across our district who are making a difference!

Since August, the CFSD Foundation has raised over $535,000 to fund teaching positions and in-classroom activities that otherwise would not be funded by the state. With this last push, together we will make it possible to secure even more teaching positions for the next school year. Together we can make a difference.

On behalf of every student in District 16, our deepest thanks to each family, individual and organization who donated. Together we can make a difference!

The CFSD Foundation
http://www.cfsdfoundation.org/
P.O. Box 65150
Tucson, AZ
85728-5150

We ask each family to raise or donate $500 by 15 June to help fully fund the teaching positions slated for cut. In these difficult economic times our community can preserve the promise of tomorrow for our students. Donations of any size donation are greatly appreciated.

In addition several restaurants and business partners have joined us – you can contribute by using our Dining Challenge restaurants. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, meeting for a client lunch, or just taking out the family, this is an exciting new way to support saving teachers! Check out the dining calendar and don’t forget your coupons.

If you have a hankering for some tender Smokey Texas barbeque and just haven’t even gotten home from work and driving the kids? Pick up a family meal with chicken, ribs, pulled pork and the Dickey’s barbeque sauce and sides on your way home! Dickey’s will make it easy to pull right up, check out the what you might be wanting to order and find some cole slaw, salad, corn bread or other mouth-watering fixins and bring it all home to the family. Or, if you get home before the family, go ahead and tell them you cooked all afternoon to serve up the delicious meal!

. . .or, if you’d rather them bring it all to your table and clean ‘er up, stay and eat at the restaurant

Do not forget your coupon!

We have now raised over $208,000.00 and continue to march forward toward our goal — with three weeks left, we encourage everyone who has not donated to join the over 400 local families, and those from across the nation, by contributing today. Together we can, and will, make a difference!

Our hope to raise $500 per family, but recognize these difficult times and some families may not be in the position to donate or raise $500. We welcome any donation, regardless of size. Every dollar counts.

There are several easy ways to donate:
On line using the button to your right or mail us a check (made payable to the “CFSD Foundation” and on the memo write “30/60 Challenge”) to:

CFSD Foundation
P.O. Box 65150
Tucson, AZ
85728-5150

Foothills residents rally to save teachers
By David Sanders
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.21.2009
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85718/293598

Oversized sunglasses and brightly colored straw hats made for a festive afternoon Sunday as about 500 people attended the 30/60 Challenge rally at Catalina Foothills High School.

The rally raised $12,000 that day, bringing the 30/60 Challenge total to $185,000. The rally was part of a 60-day effort for the Catalina Foothills School District to raise enough money to cover the salaries of 30 teachers, said Mark Kipphut, president of the Catalina Foothills School District Foundation.

“We are trying to raise $1.3 million for teachers and save the 30 teachers that are at risk,” Kipphut said. “One of the reasons this district performs so strongly is because we have small classroom sizes, K-12. What will happen if we lose those 30 teachers, our class size will grow about 20 percent to about 28 to 30 students range. That’s what this all really comes down to.”

With a “Walk a Mile in Your Teacher’s Shoes” event around the track, a dunk tank and various music, art and academic demonstrations, the rally was as educational as it was fun. Sports teams were also on hand in an effort to raise tax-credit dollars.

“This is a joint effort with our community and schools to bring in tax-credit dollars and 30/60 dollars,” said part-time high school English teacher Lisa Millerd, who helped organize the event.

“We are kind of hoping that this not only brings information to people about how this all works in terms of education dollars, but that they feel involved and that they can support the programs and academics that they need to,” she said.

Catalina Foothills alumna Madison Carroll enjoyed the event and seeing everyone care about the district and the high school, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive.

“I love this school. I went here all four years. I had a great time, but with the budget cuts, it’s reality, but it’s nice to to see everyone come together and help out the community,” Carroll said as she surveyed the activities. “It’s my way of giving back.”

● Contact photographer David Sanders at 573-4155 or dsanders@azstarnet.com

Our hope to raise $500 per family, but recognize these difficult times and some families may not be in the position to donate or raise $500. We welcome any donation, regardless of size. Every dollar counts.
There are three ways to donate on line:
1. 30/60 Challenge web site (http://3060challenge.com/)
2. CFSD Foundation web site (http://www.cfsdfoundation.org/)
3. FaceBook 30/60 Challenge Cause Page (http://apps.facebook.com/causes/265190/23609740)
Or mail us a check…make the check payable to “CFSD Foundation” and on the memo write “30/60 Challenge:”
CFSD Foundation
P.O. Box 65150
Tucson, AZ
85728-5150

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/293623
Arizona Daily Star
May 20, 2009
Valuable Flinn Scholarships go to 3 Catalina Foothills students

Three students from Catalina Foothills High School are among 17 Arizona high school seniors who will attend one of the state’s universities on a Flinn Scholarship.

The Flinn Foundation launched the scholarship program in 1986, paying for four years of study at an Arizona university as well as offering opportunities for academic travel and faculty mentorship.

This is only the second time in 24 years that the incoming Flinn Scholar class has fewer than 20 students. Organizers say several students declined the offer, expressing concern about the state’s commitment to education given recent cuts to higher education by state lawmakers.

Among other criteria, students had to rank in the top 5 percent of the graduating class and carry a 3.5 minimum grade-point average.

Applicants also had to demonstrate leadership ability, submit three essays and take part in two personal interviews.

Winning students were selected from high schools across Arizona, from Patagonia to Yuma to Flagstaff.

The three Catalina Foothills students are:
• Laurel Gray, an Advanced Placement Scholar, served as captain of the varsity swim team, a translator at a Nogales clinic and was a high-school ambassador for middle-school students.

• Emma Kleiner, a National Merit Scholar, served as president of the speech and debate team, was an intern for former Gov. Janet Napolitano and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and was a campus liaison for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

• Ravi Ram, an AP Scholar with distinction, was co-captain of the varsity tennis team, a state champion on the Science Olympiad team, secretary of the speech and debate team and a teen columnist for the Tucson Citizen.