Freshwater Educational Foundation (FEF)

FEF Board of Directors: Liesa Cookman- President Emilee Perry- Vice President Rachel Dols- Secretary August Deshais- Treasurer Korin Slaght- Director Additional Non-Voting Members: Rotating Staff Liaisons: Tammy Valley, Meagan Bet After School Program Liaison: Audrey Hildebrand All are welcome to attend our monthly meetings.	2026-2027 Meetings @ 6:00  Located in the Staff Meeting Room September 2 October 14 November 4 December 2 January 6 February 3 March 3 April 14 May 5 June 2
Please email fefdolphins@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to be added to our email list that includes our monthly meeting agenda and volunteer opportunities.

What is Freshwater Educational Foundation (FEF)?

The Freshwater Educational Foundation (FEF) is a nonprofit volunteer group that raises funds to support enriching educational opportunities at Freshwater School. By partnering with educators and the broader community, we provide equitable access to STEAM-education (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) and experiences to support students explore, create, innovate, and develop the skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

Freshwater Educational Foundation (FEF) Fundraising and Events: 

Dolphin Card

Fundraising card featuring local businesses with incredible discount offers. Help support local businesses and your child’s school. This year’s Dolphin Card Sponsors include generous offers from our the following partners:

Frankie’s NY Bagels	10% off food & drink items
Holly Yashi	15% off full-priced HY jewelry (in-store only)
Jitter Bean Coffee Co.	$3 off bag of coffee
Jogg’n Shoppe	20% off regularly priced items
JuJuBee’s	10% off entire purchase
Mia Bella Cupcakes	10% off cupcakes
Quality Body Works	50% off Int/Ext “Soccer Mom” detail (limit 1/card/month)
Redwood Discovery Museum	20% off Admission
Sammy’s Barbecue & Catering	10% off (excluding catering)
Scrapper’s Edge	10% off Merchandise

Click here to purchase your Dolphin Card! Valid 9/1/26-8/31/27

Grants for Teachers

FEF is proud to offer grants for teachers to fund STEAM in their classrooms. Last year’s Spring 2026 grantees were:

• Ms. Minty (1st grade) Offbit STEAM kits
• Ms. Mohrmann (Kindergarten) Lite-bright kits
• Ms. Gilbride (TK) Paint and related painting supplies
• Ms. Reiske (Kindergarten) Light table and linking cubes
• Ms. Soto – (7/8th grade) Podcasting equipment: headphones, mics, jacks etc.

Garden

FEF is excited to be leading the effort to revitalize our beloved school garden. Originally established over 20 years ago by the wonderful Chef Cris Hollen, the garden has provided students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities and a connection to nature. Over time, however, the space has fallen into need of some care and restoration.

Last year, FEF supported the installation of a new fence to help protect and define the garden space. We also hosted Garden work days where our mighty volunteers took down the older/rotting wood garden beds, weeded, and so much more! Now, we are focused on bringing the inside of the garden back to life. Our vision includes new garden beds, an outdoor classroom space, sensory and sound garden features, and other engaging spaces where students can learn, explore, and grow.

Lego Engineering and Game Nights- First Friday of the Month 6-7:30

Join us for a fun evening of Legos and Board Games in the multipurpose room. 

• September 4, 2026
• October 2, 2026
• November 6, 2026
• December 4, 2026
• January 8, 2027 (2nd Friday)
• February 5, 2027
• March 5, 2027
• April 2, 2027
• May 7, 2027

Educational Assemblies or Workshops

For the last several years FEF has arranged and secured sponsors to underwrite the cost for an educational assembly from Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding.  We have also had a visit from the Sky Dome Planentarium in the past. We are looking to raise funds for a special assembly for Spring 2027!

How can you help?

• Donate gently used or new board games
• Attend an FEF meeting
• Buy and/or sell a Dolphin Card!
• Donate to the garden on Zeffy: LINK
• Donate Silent Auction item in the Spring
• Get your business on the 2027-2028 Dolphin Card: Interest Form 
• Volunteer for a Garden Work Day: Contact Emilee Perry eperry@freshwatersd.org 
• Volunteer to support/organize fundraisers (e.g. Dolphin Card, Plant Sale, Garden Gala, etc.)
• Teach an enrichment class: Contact Audrey Hildebrand ahildebrand@freshwatersd.org 
• Join the email list: Contact fefdolphins@gmail.com