for #GGGO has cultivated excitement for the rest of us, and while it’s going to be a change in dynamic, it doesn’t necessarily have to change in impact.” The impact that Volz-Smith spoke of is immense to the foundation and the schools that benefit from the grants. Penix explained that because of the gravity of the pandemic as it relates to the school district, CEF has also reevaluated how it will be distributing grants this fall and is focusing on two areas specifically. “Every [CCS] school is going to receive a grant from the foundation that will be distributed by mid-October depending on their need timelines,” Penix shared. “The grants are focused on two areas: the stabilization of the schools as a
Carmel Education Foundation Proudly Presents
Ghosts & Goblins GO! Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted
F
result of COVID-19 and what is needed to maintain that stabilization to keep our kids in school, and the other focus is on equity and inclusion. That is one of our really strong initiatives that we’re working on with the school district and the task force.” The grants will provide each school within
or some, the official “kickoff” to fall is the
or groups—safely—as a show
the district the tools and equipment they need
of support for CCS’s “superhe-
as they relate to those two areas. Each of the
start of the regular
roes”—teachers, counselors,
schools will produce video shorts and impact
NFL season. For me,
specialists, support staff,
reports on how the foundation’s dollars have
the start of the season’s festivi-
custodians, nurses, food service
impacted the teachers and students.
ties begins with the Carmel Edu-
teams, bus drivers, tech gurus,
cation Foundation’s (CEF) annual Ghost & Goblins fundraiser. While it might look different from years past,
school resource officers and administrators.
Penix shared that the CEF board and staff are hopeful they will be back to a typical grant cycle by next year and are happy to be able to
This year’s Ghost and Goblins GO!
help with the general needs of each school now,
Ghosts & Goblins is a GO this year! Pivoting
experience is centered around past race tradi-
concluding with, “It is our intention to be back
from its traditional format from a 5K/2K race,
tions, so CEF is encouraging people to “GO” for
to the individualized grants by 2021.”
CEF has launched Ghosts & Goblins GO!, which
a run, a bike ride, skateboarding, dancing or
will take place Oct. 23 through Nov. 8, 2020.
whatever activity you most enjoy, and if you’re really dedicated to the traditions of yesteryear,
What Is the Carmel Education Foundation? CEF is the nonprofit funding partner of Carmel Clay Schools (CCS). CEF raises the funds to
don your favorite costumes while performing
Register or Become a #GGGO Sponsor Today CEF is seeking community sponsors to be
these acts—exercising safety and best judg-
part of the scavenger hunt. Please visit https://
ment, of course.
www.ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/ghosts-Goblins
In the spirit of innovative ideas, CEF organiz-
to learn about sponsor packages or contact
award grants that support innovation and stu-
ers have developed a new feature as part of the
Jennifer Penix, executive director, at jpenix1@
dent engagement in the classrooms. The foun-
#GGGO experience: a scavenger hunt where
ccs.k12.in.us.
dation also helps provide over 100 scholarships
participants will go around the city to find pre-
Registration for Ghosts and Goblins GO!
to Carmel High School seniors. With the onset
designated selfie stations featuring sponsors at
(#GGGO) began in early September and will be
of the COVID-19 pandemic, CEF is even more
their places of business.
$10 for individuals (any age) and $40 for a fam-
attuned to the evolving needs of CCS teachers and schools. CEF grants will continue to help fulfill those needs and district-wide initiatives throughout the pandemic and beyond.
How Can You Participate in This Year’s Ghosts & Goblins GO!? CEF is encouraging participants of Ghosts & Goblins GO! (#GGGO) to go do whatever activities they enjoy as individuals, families
ily/group up to six people. Special pricing will
Your Support Will Provide Grants for School Stabilization and Inclusion I spoke with Melissa Volz-Smith, CEF
groups. Participants will receive virtual “bibs,” access to special #GGGO events and participa-
president, and Jennifer Penix, CEF executive
tion rewards. Commemorative shirts will be
director, about their team’s pivots with not only
available for purchase.
the fundraiser but with how the fall grants will be issued throughout the CCS district. “I’m super excited for what our team has done,” Volz-Smith expressed. “Their excitement CARMEL MONTHLY
Carmel_2020Sept_CEF Ghosts and Gobbblins.indd 8
be available for sports teams and community
8
Follow the Carmel Education Foundation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for updates: @CarmelEdFdn www.ccs.k12.in.us/foundation.
SEPTEMBER 2020
2020-09-24 2:36 PM
