THE PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION
The Partnership Foundation is an independent organization that works in collaboration with the PTA to fund and support needed investments for Partnership Magnet Elementary. The Partnership Foundation addresses funding gaps between the PTA and our public school funding to enhance the learning environment through technology purchases, facility improvements, and staff development. Since 2009 the Partnership Elementary Foundation has provided funding for new technology purchases, facility improvements, staff developments and monetary awards to recognize our teachers outstanding achievements.
PARTNERSHIP MAGNET ELEMENTARY
Partnership Magnet Elementary School (PME) is located in downtown Raleigh in the Glenwood-Brooklyn Historic District and serves students throughout all of Wake County. Through its magnet program PME fosters a rich learning environment that celebrates its diverse students’ unique cultures and perspectives.
The school’s magnet theme is Interactive Community. Everyday, everyone of the students practices building community through Responsive Classroom practices. The educational focus is a team effort by school educators to deliver instruction tailored to each child's strengths and challenges. PME builds and impacts the community by developing learning that creates connections both inside the school and outside of the school building through engagement with families, local businesses, and neighboring organizations. The tagline is Small School, Big City in recognition of their approach to learning.
OUR MISSION
Provide resources to enrich the educational experience by promoting student achievement, supporting teaching excellence, and developing community engagement at Partnership Magnet Elementary School.
OUR GOALS
Promote Student Achievement
Provide PME students and teachers with the resources needed to excel in the classroom
Fund significant projects that enhance the overall learning experience at PME
Maximize Teaching Excellence
Offer continued training opportunities for school staff
Fund teacher projects to enrich the student learning experience.
Invest in facility improvements to make Partnership Elementary school an inviting and welcoming place to learn and teach.
Develop Community Engagement
Partner with current and alumni families, local businesses, corporations, and community organizers to increase the financial resources and broaden the scope of the student learning environment.
Promote the magnet theme of Interactive Community by holding and sponsoring events for students, staff and alumni in and around downtown Raleigh.
BOARD MEMBERS 2023-2024
Otis Lackey, Member at Large
Michele Tempke, Senior Partner
Mary Hunter Martin, Staff Representative
Gavin Wendel, President
Leigh & Jeremy Morrison, PTA Representatives
James Pflaum, Member at Large
Jeff Kimbro, Senior Partner
Bonnie Horning, Treasurer
Sarah Slagle-Garrett, Member at Large
Stephan & Selena Reece, Members at Large
FOUNDATION FAQs
Why do we need a Foundation?
Partnership Magnet Elementary needs a Foundation to provide long-term financial support for capital investments. The Foundation is able to stand in the gap between the umbrella of the PTA and the umbrella of public school funding.
Who runs the Foundation / who can be a member?
The Foundation is run by a Board of Directors who are vetted by current and outgoing board members at the conclusion of each school year. These board members serve three-year terms.
The Foundation draws from the staff, parents, and community members surrounding PME. Potential board members from these pools can be nominated by an existing board member. Existing board members can be approached with nomination requests at any time during the school year. Please email TBD permanent seat with nominations or questions.
How is the Foundation different from the PTA?
The Foundation collaborates with, but is a separate entity from, the PTA. The Foundation is able to operate independently of the regulations imposed upon PTAs, most notably the regulation that prohibits PTAs from saving their funds from-year to-year. The Foundation is able to save funds and therefore provide longer-term capital improvements to our school to enhance our learning environment and promote staff excellence.
How is the Foundation funded?
The Foundation is funded through donations from individuals and businesses. It is also funded by donations from the PTA at the conclusion of the PTA fiscal year. The Foundation also hosts an annual social event, the Palooza, as an additional avenue of fundraising.
What does the Foundation do to help PME / what are examples of past support?
The Foundation provides capital improvements to PME. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has provided funds for Smartboards, laptops, iPads, Promethean boards, facility improvements, staff supplements and monetary awards, and staff development.
How can I get involved with the Foundation?
As is in our name, we value partnerships of all shapes, brands, and sizes. Please contact us to express your interest in joining the Foundation board or assisting in another manner.
How can I donate to the Foundation?
You may donate to the Foundation via PayPal or via check. Please mail checks to:
Partnership Elementary Foundation
601 Devereux St.
Raleigh, NC 27605