To learn more about any of the exciting Birmingham Education Foundation stories that follow, please contact Executive Director Laura Couger at 248-203-3030 or bef@birmingham.k12.mi.us.

Learn more about the Toast Art Garden:
Their largest initiative, the Art Garden, will kick-off tonight Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. At that time, Toast will begin the first of weekly unveilings of graffiti art on 60 feet of construction panels, divided into six- by four-foot sections, in front of the restaurant. Each artist will complete two panels.The final panes will be designed and painted by Groves & Seaholm art students.  The Garden is being generously sponsored by the Bank of Birmingham.  Read more

Expedition 2013: Medicine that Matters.
Birmingham Public Schools students have been focusing on medicine this year with the help of an initiative launched by the Birmingham Education Foundation. Expedition 2013: Medicine that Matters culminates in a community-wide science night on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Groves High School gymnasium.   Read more

Birmingham Education Foundation Wins Grant for Art Program.
The BEF was pleased to be selected for a $2,500 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs to support the Birmingham Public Schools "in-school residency activities with Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings" at Groves and Seaholm High Schools.  Read more

BEF brings in college mentors to work with students
The BEF funded a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) College Mentorship program for all district 8th graders this month. College students from all around the country, studying STEM related fields, spent time with Birmingham Public School students. Read more

A Year-in-Review
In 2012, The Birmingham Education Foundation (BEF) continued its mission of inspiring minds and expanding possibilities by deploying almost $150,000 to district teachers and staff who found innovative ways to reach students.  BEF provides grants in support of teachers and administrators who want to offer their kids a deeper, more comprehensive experience in a particular subject area.  Read more

Check out the latest BEF Newsletter: http://e2.ma/webview/1mjqd/624b4e64883ffeef1c9f2296ab0c90f2

Join the Fiesta at Toast Birmingham, May 3, 2012.
Enjoy an elegant cinco- de -mayo gathering featuring the Toast spring menu including a complimentary strolling dinner and a special tasting of tequila from Tres Agaves, Latin American wines and Sangria.    The evening includes great food, fun and games, a silent auction, celebrity guest bartenders and live music by Mariachi Cristal..Read more

Longest Lemonade Stand Gives Back to Birmingham Schools.
Posted April 18, 2012; as seen in the Birmingham Patch
Organizers of last year's project creating the world's longest lemonade stand are investing $20,000 of their proceeds in a fund to promote the entrepreneurial spirit among kids at Birmingham Public Schools. Read more

Award winning author shares success stories with students.
Posted April 27, 2012; as seen in the Birmingham Eccentric, April 15, 2012
Author and Newbery Honor winner Gary Schmidt will spend some quality time with students in the Birmingham Public Schools this month as part of the Author Artist in Residency Program.Read more

Longest Lemonade Stand Gives Back to Birmingham Schools.
Posted April 18, 2012; as seen in the Birmingham Patch
Organizers of last year's project creating the world's longest lemonade stand are investing $20,000 of their proceeds in a fund to promote the entrepreneurial spirit among kids at Birmingham Public Schools. Read more

Having a Blast at the Bash!
Posted March 11, 2012; as seen in the Observer & Eccentric
The Townsend Hotel was the ultimate destination spot for more than 350 (a sellout) Birmingham Public School supporters in their finest regalia.Read more

Residents come together to support BPS students.
Posted February 11, 2012
With public dollars becoming increasingly harder to come by, a few local residents decided to take matters in to their own hands and hope that their charity will inspire others. Read more

Students Excited about Learning!
Posted September 27, 2010
In Carol Pinneo’s math class, the new whiteboard – when it’s not powered up – looks similar to the white or blackboards most adults remember from high school. Turned on, however, this board rivets the attention of even the most school-averse students. Read more

Birmingham Public Schools receive $30,000 technology grant
Posted May 4, 2009
The Birmingham Education Foundation has agreed to commit $30,000 toward the purchase of thirty interactive whiteboards for use in middle and high school classrooms in the Birmingham Public School District. Read more

BEF seeds 21st century learning technology in schools
Posted March 31, 2009
A grassroots revolution has begun at Berkshire Middle School. Led by a team of sixth grade social studies teachers, the revolution in teaching employs new technology that sidelines the “sage on the stage” method and brings student collaboration to the fore. Read more
See the article on 21st Century learning featured in the Birmingham Eagle.

Support from the entire community
As seen in The Oakland Press October 19, 2008
Birmingham parents and residents realize the importance of a quality education and the impact it has on the community as a whole. While the school district does all it can with the funds it receives, many times learning can be enhanced with other programs and initiatives. That's where the Birmingham Education Foundation comes in. Read more

Author and illustrator regales families with stories of art
Posted April 24, 2008
Rosalyn Schanzer has made some new fans. Grace and Kathleen Sleder grabbed seats in the front row to hear Schanzer, a nationally acclaimed author and illustrator, discuss her art at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center on Wednesday evening. Read more

BEF grants make a difference in local schools
Posted January 10, 2008
“I’ll miss working with you every day, and seeing your smile,” wrote one middle school student to another. An ordinary message between friends becomes more poignant when the note is written by a general education student to her LINKS pal, a student with autism. Read more

BEF and BBAC team up to benefit arts in the schools
Posted November 28, 2007
On Thursday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Birmingham Education Foundation (BEF) and the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) are teaming up to increase arts funding to the Birmingham Public Schools. Read more

Birmingham Education Foundation seeks community’s “two cents”
Posted August 27, 2007
The Birmingham Education Foundation (BEF) wants to learn what community members know about and expect from the local education foundation. Read more