My Nonprofit Reviews

I began my relationship with The Education Foundation and the Exchangaree many years ago when the Education Foundation was offering a Microsoft Class on a Saturday in Windsor Mill. The class was offered a sneak peek at what this thing called the “Exchangaree” would look like. Throughout my 3 separate roles and 2 different schools, the Education Foundation has always been my go-to resource for practically everything. Conversations with Debbie Phelps and later, Heather Wooldridge, usually would lead to innovative ideas for our schools. Between the Putting Students First Grant in partnership with First Financial Federal Credit Union and the 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grants, both of my schools have been able to offer extras to our students and families. Through these grants we have had STEM Family nights, Family Engagement nights, had a Lego Wall built by the Students at Kenwood HS, established Pen-Pal Meet & Greet Breakfast (with Kenwood HS students), and we purchased a very popular Book Vending Machine for which over the past two years’ have used grant funds to stock the vending machine with diverse books. This past Fall we were also awarded the Purpose Centered SEL Grant. All these programs and supplies have allowed us to uplift our student learning and family engagement. In addition to the Grants, I am also a big proponent of the Exchangaree. When our students need supplies, or when I need to refill my classroom supplies’ the Exchangaree is the first place I visit. When staff members are looking for supplies, my answer is always “visit the Exchangaree.” Both the Windsor Mill and Rosedale locations offer a wide variety of items for the classroom. Many times, you leave with materials you don’t even know you need. A phone call or email to Debbie or Heather has never gone unanswered. A “could I possibly get” has never been unfulfilled. From dolls to books to pencil cases, the Exchangaree has just about everything. Over the years I have learned that the word “no” does not exist within the volunteers and staff of the Education Foundation/Exchangaree. They absolutely make magic happen for everyone who is associated with BCPS. Thank you for all you do! S. Schnell