Arlington Education Foundation (AEF) friends and supporters will celebrate the New Year by honoring Janice Bakey, long time champion of education initiatives for Arlington Public Schools at AEF's annual fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place on Monday, January 10 at Tryst. 

As the local community pays tribute to Ms. Bakey for over twenty five years of service, AEF looks toward the future, with the release of $14,600 in Innovation in Education Grants to support local teacher and learning projects.

"After many years of dedicated service as a member of the Arlington School Committee, Janice Bakey could have enjoyed a long period of much-deserved rest," said School Committee Chairman Joe Curro.  "Instead, Janice chose to remain engaged, and she has continued to serve as a mentor to subsequent school leaders, an unflagging supporter of the Arlington Public Schools, and a tireless activist, who has made our town a more welcoming place for all."

 In 1990, Ms. Bakey founded the Arlington Education Enrichment Fund, to support creative classroom projects.  A member of the Arlington School Committee, she also became an organizing member of Vision 2020, chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, as well as serving on numerous town wide committees. 

"Even during these extraordinarily difficult economic times, Arlington residents continue to embrace Janice Bakey's vision and have given generously to AEF.  We are so thankful," said AEF President Rebecca Steinitz. 

The organization recently notified the recipients of AEF's latest round of Innovation in Education Grants.  The grants will support teacher training and enhance curriculum in the arts, math, social studies and science across grade levels.

AEF's fundraiser is open to the community.  Reservations and donations can be made online at http://www.arlingtoneducationfoundationma.org/rsvp.html

 The Arlington Education Foundation works to support and advance public education in Arlington, Massachusetts. AEF funds system wide initiatives and creative new projects to enhance the educational experiences of Arlington's teachers and students.  

Press Release Courtesy of Jennifer Lewis and the Arlington Education Foundation.