Established in 2006, the Foundation of Shallowford Falls (FSF) is a charitable, non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. It exists for the sole purpose of providing resources to enhance the educational experiences of our children at Shallowford Falls Elementary School with focus on science and technology.
The Foundation Board is comprised of Shallowford Falls’ parents, school administrators and teachers, who volunteer their time to raise money, allocate resources and determine future projects.
Co-Presidents - Mirna Lee & Meredith Warlick
VP Programs - Jennifer Riser
VP Fundraising – Andrea Mirsalimi
VP Events – open
Treasurer - Meredith Minano
Communications - Michelle O’Shaughnessy
Secretary - Wendy Mehta
Family Investment - Stacy Carnall
K-2 Grade Liaison - Diane Marco
3-5 Grade Liaison - Jeana Mello
Administrative Liaison - Felicia Angelle
Administrative Liaison - Jill Spiva
Foundation’s sole focus is investment into above-and-beyond educational programs for our students. Click here to see how the Foundation and the PTA work together.
The Foundation of Shallowford Falls (FSF) was established to bring high-quality curriculum enrichment programs and pay for teacher salaries that are NOT provided for in the Cobb County School District budget. Because The Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization, every dollar can go directly to fund programs and instruction specifically for all Shallowford Falls students. In addition, money raised by FSF can roll over to the next school year to continue funding current and future projects. We can pioneer new projects, fund capital improvements or buy needed equipment, but we cannot do it without your support.
Most other elementary schools have thriving Foundations that have been in existence longer than ours and some of them have operating budgets of $100,000 or more. Your child will most likely attend a middle school or high school with students who attended these elementary schools whose programs enhanced their education. Our students not only need, but deserve, a Foundation to provide them with the same educational opportunities as other schools in order to remain competitive in the future.
The Board receives input from parents, teachers and administrators on the needs for the school. Programs are prioritized by necessity, budget requirement, and the number of students impacted, among other criteria.
Think of your donation, not as a request for money but rather, as an investment to enhance your child’s education opportunities at school. The Foundation needs parents to support it every year. We depend on your donations to continue to pay teachers’ salaries and programs initiated in prior years. Your investment is a commitment renewable each year just as you would renew your support for a charity or other organization. The cost to fund these programs is over $100 for EACH STUDENT. Making the Foundation a part of your annual charitable giving directly benefits your child’s education.
No, unfortunately it does not. Our goal is to cover the Science Lab teacher’s salary for the school year with the money raised through the family investment. We also sponsor special events during the school year to raise additional monies to replace equipment and supplies, purchase new technology and upgrades, and plan for future educational opportunities.
Imagine trying to teach your child a sport such as football, basketball or tennis. Could your child read a book and learn about the sport? Yes, of course, but will they be able to play the sport? Not really. In order to learn a sport, kids need to touch the ball, practice throwing or hitting the ball and experience the sport as it was meant to be played. The same is true of Science. Students need to experience Science hands-on in a lab for better understanding and retention.
The mission and vision of The Foundation is to enhance the school’s ability to create meaningful, exceptional, and state-of-the-art educational experiences for all students and to provide the financial support necessary to ensure a world-class education. These projects and programs are above and beyond what is provided for by the Cobb County School District. Now that the lab is open, The Foundation still needs to pay for the Science Lab teacher’s salary and replace any used or broken supplies and equipment. Together, with your support, we can provide learning experiences and educational opportunities necessary to help our children compete in a global environment.
No! We welcome donations from grandparents, other relatives, alumni, community members, and business owners; anyone can invest.