The Jericho Educational Foundation (JEF) recently presented its first gift to the Jericho Board of Education. The JEF is providing the school district with the necessary funds to refurbish the High School Little Theater. The project will include new woodworking, curtains, carpeting and painting. The work is scheduled to begin during the April recess and continue for approximately four weeks. Before finalizing plans, the JEF reviewed the project with administration and faculty to ensure that all facets of the refurbishment will be appropriate. The board of education unanimously accepted the gift and thanked the JEF for their ongoing efforts.

This project has been made possible through the generosity many community members. The group also received tremendous support during the Champions for Charity shopping event week at the Americana, which raised nearly $10,000.

Honoring Jeffrey Ratner and Martin Weissman

To continue fundraising efforts, the JEF is organizing its first dinner event fundraiser on May 11 at The Metropolitan in Glen Cove. The first "Distinguished Educator Award" honorees are Jericho school principals Jeffrey Ratner and Martin Weissman. These two retiring administrators have dedicated many years to providing an outstanding educational environment for Jericho's children.

In addition to presenting the Distinguished Educator Award to two retiring principals, this event promises to be a very special and memorable evening including music by the Jericho High School String Ensemble, Jericho Singers, and Brian Cho - pianist. Parents and well-wishers will have the chance to personally congratulate and bid farewell to two beloved leaders and mentors in our community.

Seating is limited. To purchase tickets now ($90 per person) either through our website at www.JerichoEducationalFoundation.org or make your checks payable to:

Jericho Educational Foundation

99 Cedar Swamp Road

Jericho, NY 11753

As the event journal is now complete, the JEF would like to thank all parents, community members, and local businesses for their overwhelming support.

The JEF is an independent nonprofit organization whose goal is to support and enrich the school and community by identifying, facilitating, and funding projects that will enhance the standard of educational excellence in the Jericho School District. The JEF is a tax-exempt organization comprised of parents and other community leaders. The primary aim of the foundation is to engage private resources, parents and alumni, sponsorships, and the business community to fund key school programs, community outreach efforts, and facility improvements all designed to have a positive impact on learning in the district.

For more information, please visit www.JerichoEducationalFoundation.org.