The siblings spearheaded a project to support their schools and teachers, and even managed to take the effort further by encouraging their Glendora neighbors to help the environment.

They distributed a flyer to their neighbors asking them to donate recyclables, with the proceeds going to the Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools (FGUS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to boosting Glendora schools.

Fourteen-year-old Matthew, 9-year-old Rachel and their parents, Liz and Darrin Joy, first became aware of FGUS just as the country’s worst economic downturn since the great depression began to affect their local schools. California legislators, struggling to cope with worsening budget shortfalls and reluctant to raise taxes, cut the state’s education budget severely. Glendora schools were deeply affected, losing millions of dollars in state funding, with further state cuts continuing to threaten the district’s budget.

FGUS began raising awareness of the district’s funding challenges and the foundation’s efforts to combat those challenges through school presentations and an informational video shown at back-to-school events throughout the district.

The foundation’s awareness efforts caught the attention of the Joys, as did the foundation’s many “SOS” (Support Our students) signs in front lawns throughout the city, and the family looked for ways to help.

Matthew Joy, then a sixth-grader at Goddard Middle School, drew from his experience as a fifth grader under Lisa Williams-Linthicum at Sellers Elementary School. Williams-Linthicum had her students recycle plastic and aluminum to support the class’ annual project, and Matthew realized he could continue these efforts and use the money raised to support his school. When Rachel saw several teachers lose their jobs and several others put in jeopardy, she soon joined forces with Matthew.

Matthew and Rachel ultimately realized donating their recycling proceeds to FGUS was the best choice.

“The kids originally thought to use the money to support their own schools, but then we realized it would be more inclusive to give it to the foundation, which supports all the schools in the district,” Darrin Joy said. “Also, by supporting the foundation and not just our schools, we knew we had a better chance of getting more people to get involved and donate.”

FGUS President Mike Beckman praised the children for their efforts, which have raised about $450 to date.

“We are extremely proud of both Matt and Rachel,” Beckman said. “Their environmental consciousness as well as their sense of giving back to their community are commendable. This is evidence of how small actions can make a big impact.  The entire organization is appreciative of their efforts.”

The Joy children continue their recycling and fundraising for FGUS.  Those interested in donating recyclables may contact them via e-mail at recycle4school@yahoo.com.

If you haven’t already picked up your Food for Thought tickets, now would be a great time! Check out all of the exciting auction items that we have in detail via the link below.
Food for Thought Auction List (PDF)

Annie L.
Glendora Parent

The charities recognized in the article share three characteristics: They provide direct services to their communities; extend to the entire community to educate, inform and motivate participation; and openly share financial and operational issues for analysis. Publisher Steve Tobia also noted the positive impact the selected charities have on the quality of lives within their communities.

“This is a tremendous honor for FGUS, and an important recognition of our many volunteers and generous donors who have been responsible for our success,” said Mike Beckman, President of FGUS. “We are a relatively young organization compared to our counterparts who also received this designation, which makes this honor even more special. We are both proud of and grateful toGlendora’s citizens who make education a priority in our community.”

“Glendora, in fact, is known for its excellent public education system, which plays an important role in maintaining our property values,” continued Beckman. “With funding from the State being constantly reduced, educational foundations are perhaps the singular way by which communities can sustain educational excellence. Continuing this excellence benefits everyone, from helping to maintain property values, to producing educated and productive citizens, and cultivating our future leaders.”

Read the full article on the Glendora Patch website.

Lynette DeSantis
Parent

Ms. DeSantis,

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. The Connect-Ed, all-call system is a great resource and is provided by the Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools (FGUS). It has some excellent capabilities and we are thankful to have it.

As always, during difficulties such as this it takes a team effort and was successful because of the flexibility and support of so many teachers, support staff, principals, district staff, parents and students. Thanks for writing!

Robert Voors, Ed.D
Superintendent
Glendora Unified School District

Dear Goddard Families,

Our school year is in full swing!

Your students are hard at work, both in and out of the classroom. I am amazed and encouraged to see that about 40 percent of the student population is active after school at Goddard. Students are attending Homework Club, Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Science Classes, AVID tutoring, Intramurals, Allegro choreography, and a variety of other clubs and tutoring sessions. I appreciate our students’ focus and drive as they produce their best efforts on campus.

We recently celebrated the modernization of Goddard Middle School with our Rededication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Sep. 30. In addition to our ENTIRE student body, this event was attended by our superintendent, school board, city council members, representatives of the assembly and senate, as well as former Goddard staff. As principal, it is certainly a proud moment for this wonderful school, but this event was undoubtedly highlighted by our amazing students. They were so respectful, attentive, and energetic … in a good way. I received compliments from every dignitary in attendance with regard to how great our students were. I could not have been prouder of our Goddard Titans!

Special thanks to the Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools for allowing us to continue to offer our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) courses and the new technology on campus. Without this support, we would not have been able to offer the same programs as we have had in the past. Thank you to all of our Goddard families who have supported the Foundation!

We have arrived upon another very busy time of year! Thanksgiving break is just around the corner, Nov. 22 through 26, allowing us all to spend some time with friends and family. Looking toward December, we will celebrate the holidays with our music concerts and performances, certainly the most wonderful time of the year. I join you in looking forward to what the New Year will bring!

Sincerely,

Brock Jacobsen
Principal

Sylvia Garcia
Parent, PTA Member, La Fetra School
Site Council Chairperson

Chances are, you chose to live in Glendora because of the excellent schools. Last year’s API numbers (Academic Performance Index) are an indicator of just how successful our schools are, as Glendora placed in the top 25% in California. Continuing our schools’ excellence in these times of ongoing budget cutbacks from the State is a testament to the commitment of our families, teachers, staff, and administration.

Another important factor in continuing this excellence is the work being done by the Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools (FGUS). The mission of the Foundation is to “provide financial support, facilitate community involvement, and enhance student learning for the GUSD.” Thus far, FGUS has raised over $1.6 million dollars toward this effort. Last year, the Foundation raised $448,000 which was used to enrich your child’s education in your child’s school.

To continue and expand this valuable work, FGUS would like to surpass last year’s figure and get even more of our school families and community involved. A superior education for our students means better colleges, better jobs, and results in more productive members of our society. Please Support Our Students by making your gift today using the attached envelope, on the website (www.fgus.net), using PayPal, or through the convenient Circle of Giving monthly deduction plan which is also on the website. All gifts are tax deductible, and gifts of $100 or more will receive an SOS yard sign to proudly display during the Spring.

Community and parental support of education is very important in Glendora. During this season of thanksgiving, we thank you for your past support, and invite you to please join FGUS in making Glendora’s schools the best they can be for all of our students.

Thank you,

Mike Beckman
President, FGUS

PS. Please make your gift today. Each child has only one chance to receive an excellent K-12 education.

We are proud to be able to make this contribution on behalf of the dedicated parents, donors, and partners that are helping us enhance the Glendora Unified School District.

Read the full article on the Glendora Patch website.

Michelle Ashley
GHS Counselor