Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is with great excitement that I accepted the appointment as Executive Director of the Poughkeepsie Public Schools Foundation. I join a committed and active group of volunteers at the Poughkeepsie Public Schools Foundation: members of the board of trustees, who have given countless hours and raised much-needed funds for our schools; two Vassar students, who have provided so much support even while carrying full course loads; Poughkeepsie School District liaisons Superintendent, Dr. Eric J. Rosser, Kristina Giangreco (Director of Special Projects), Felecia Watson (Board of Education President), Debra Long (Board of Education Designee), and Paul Donnelly (Poughkeepsie Public Schools teacher); and Gabriella Fryer from the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, our fiscal sponsor and tremendous organizational resource. Other friends of the Foundation are donating time, talent, and treasure as well. They know that supporting our children supports our schools and our community. These are some of the most community-minded people ever! It is an honor to be on the team with them.
In the coming months, I look forward to hearing from students, parents, teachers, and administrators about what is important to them. That will be at the heart of the Foundation’s fundraising and grantmaking efforts in alignment with the District’s strategic plan and our mission to provide support that enriches the education of all Poughkeepsie City School District students. In these times of uncertainty, our schools are facing unprecedented challenges. The Poughkeepsie Public Schools Foundation is ready to step up with vital resources to support programs and projects that fall outside the District’s budget, such as Saturday Morning Lights and the Summer Reading Program at Bartlett Park.
I look forward to leading these efforts and hope you will join us. An anonymous alumnus has offered a challenge grant to match every dollar contributed by other alums up to $15,000, resulting in $30,000 for the Foundation to use for students. Help us meet the challenge! No gift is too small, and every gift is welcome. And everyone is invited to join us on May 20th at 7pm for our virtual fundraising gala where entertainment will include performances by the Poughkeepsie High School Step Team Precision and alumni/ae musicians from around the globe. Details coming soon on our website and social media.
This is a tremendous community. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received and I extend that welcome to all. Join us! And make a difference in the lives of Poughkeepsie Public Schools students.
Our Children * Our Schools * Our Community,
G. Angela Henry
Executive Director