Dear Chapman Families,
This year the Chapman Foundation paid for three Educational Assistants (specifically for our Kindergarten classes). The funds were raised by Chapman families from previous years. We need to continue to raise funds, so that future classes will also have the support your children are currently receiving.
During this season of giving, we are running a special Chapman Fall Fundraiser asking families to Pay it Forward by giving a donation to Chapman.
Help Us Reach Our Goal
Our goal for three EAs next year is $90,000. If each family of a child at Chapman donated $250 per child, we could guarantee those EAs. We recognize that many families are unable to donate funds. There will be opportunities to give back in other ways (volunteering, etc) in the future. We urge those that are able to donate please do so on behalf of those who are unable.
Donate Early to Win
The first 20 people to donate get to choose from a chapman wine or beer glass AND for anyone donating, there will be a raffle for a Chapman Gear shop gift basket.
Corporate Donation Matching
One of the reasons we are asking right now, is because many of you work for employers that will MATCH your donation to our school (ie. Nike, Intel, Adidas, etc). However, their donation window for the year ends in December and oftentimes they run out of funds before then. Now is the time to give. To have your company match, you may need to use their corporate donation site – read more here and check your company’s donation site.
Also, this donation can be deducted from taxes without having to itemize, up to $300 (or $600 filing jointly). Read more here.
Thank you for your generosity.
Meet Chapman’s Amazing EAs
Patricia Matteri, EA for Mr. Melling’s Kinder Class
Hi! I am a lifelong educator and have taught ever since I graduated from college. I have taught in first grade all the way up to community college and many grades in between. Here is an interesting fact: our principal, Mrs. Van de Wolf, was my student teacher. How lucky I feel to be at Chapman with her again after so many years. I feel happy to be with Mr. Melling’s class and to see how quickly the kinders learn and how friendly they have been to me. Each day I learn along with them, and I especially like how Mr. Melling teaches us songs accompanied by his guitar. I also love helping students write creative sentences by sounding out words. I have 12 grandchildren and now they are all in college, high school or middle school. I wrote a children’s picture book for each one of them and now read them to our kindergarten class. My hobbies include taking very long hikes across many distant countries. Another hobby is collecting bird nests. Don’t you think my bird nest collection is a fine hobby since I help at Chapman Elementary, home of the swifts? To the staff and students I close by congratulating each of you for creating a fine school and demonstrating many acts of kindness. Let each of us maintain our strong effort.
Meet Izzy Kramer, EA for Ms. Tucker’s Kinder Class
Izzy started at Chapman Elementary as the Educational Assistant during the 2021 Summer Acceleration Academy. She is so glad to remain at Chapman this school year as one of the Kindergarten EAs. After a career in advertising and media, Izzy decided to transition to elementary education to become a positive and encouraging influence in the lives of students. Next year she hopes to begin work on a Masters in Elementary Education and teaching licensure at Portland State University. Outside of school she is an avid baker, gaming nerd, and lives with her partner and cat Rosy.
MEET DIANA ESQUIVEL, EA FOR MS. LYON’S KINDER CLASS
Greetings Swift families and friends! I am excited to be joining the Chapman community as both a parent and as an assistant. My first grade daughter doesn’t seem to notice nor mind that her mother is there more often, fingers crossed. I enjoy crafting with my daughter, riding my bike around town, and walking through the amazing green areas of this community. Once a week I have the privilege of volunteering at the Preston Lift-Up Food Pantry. I believe that during difficult times a community helps us get through the uncertainty of it all and supports the individual. Lastly, I enjoy a nice slice of toast with butter and fig jam, accompanied by a cup of coffee. I hope to have a delightful year while working with the educators and students of this community!
