
In 2013, The Foundation for Easton Schools was created in direct cooperation with Easton Area School District. Our first Executive Director, Kathy Miller found her calling after exiting the banking world as a philanthropist and leader in Easton Communities.
Her work gave birth to the foundation's Annual Gala, grants programs, and many other amazing endeavors in its early years.
The work was very successful, and continued even through the uncertainty of a Global Pandemic.
Due to the Covid Pandemic, Pennsylvania closed down its schools on March 13, 2020, just days before our 7th annual Home Grown Heroes Gala. With the immediate directive to cancel, sponsors, honored alumni, and invited guests were personally contacted and every one of the 220 intended attendees offered to allow the Foundation for Easton Schools to retain the donations they had paid with the intention of sponsoring and attending our major fundraiser. Thanks to their generosity, The Foundation was able to sustain all of its regular programming in support of the students and teachers of the EASD.
However, at that same time, students were unable to attend school safely. EASD teachers quickly adapted and adjusted teaching methods in order to provide their students with instruction and important personal support needed during the pandemic. District administrators also worked diligently to implement a comprehensive Health and Safety Plan, which was approved by the Board of Education and in accordance with the Department of Health and CDC recommendations. Former CFO Michael Simonetta, (Former) Assistant Superintendent Alyssa Emili, and (Retired) FFES Director Kathy Miller worked together to submit grant applications to Northampton County and were awarded over $400,000 which was used to purchase all the necessary supplies needed to disinfect classrooms and provide PPE to students and staff once they were allowed back in the classroom.
Due to the uncertainty and unpredictability of COVID-19, Remote Learning was an important part of educating students so The EASD purchased iPads and provided technology so that every K-12 student had the ability to connect with their teachers and complete their learning assignments, regardless if they were in person or worked remotely. The goal was to make the district a full 1:1 with technology devices so that every student had the ability to learn from the safety of their own home.
After receipt of the NORCO grants, the EASD had a $216,850 shortfall to purchase these iPads and cases for K-2 students. To assist with these costs, the Foundation for Easton Schools turned once again to our generous donors and sponsors for donations in any amount to help the district prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. These donations, combined with State, Federal and Local grant monies enabled the district to provide continuous educational programming to students and safely open its doors again in September

As the nonprofit sector continues to shift and adapt to the constant uncertainties challenging our country, FFES is proud to keep the work focused on improving outcomes for students, teachers, families and all of EASD! We have worked to create new programs which empower students, increase after school intramural and club opportunities, and develop funds to directly support dual enrollment and student camp programs.
As we evolve, we are always excited to talk with community members interested in joining us as Board Directors, Volunteers, Sponsors and Program Partners. Contact us directly with inquiries!
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