First Annual Mental Health Walk
Reflections
| Greetings! On behalf of the Myers Park High School Foundation, I want to first wish you and your families a very happy holiday. It is my privilege to share a year-end update on the MPHS Foundation and more importantly, to thank you for your continued support of our mission. Like most organizations focused on creating equity in school and improving the educational experience, the last twelve months required the MPHS Foundation to reevaluate how to best address student needs at MPHS. Thanks to the commitment of the individuals leading our programs on campus, the significant effort from our students and the generosity of our donors, we weathered new territory. While we are proud of the progress we have made, the lives of 1,000+ students at MPHS continue to be impacted by the effects of poverty and more work lies ahead. I invite you to check out the update below to learn more about how the programs funded by MPHS Foundation are positively impacting students at Myers Park. Furthermore, as you contemplate your end of year giving plans, please consider including the MPHS Foundation so we can continue to create opportunities for all students at Myers Park and address the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gifts can be made by check, online or by donating stock* Thank you for taking the time to get caught up on the MPHS Foundation. I wish you all a happy new year and look forward to working together in 2022! Go Mustangs! Ghazale Johnston President, MPHS Foundation *If you donate stock after holding it for more than one year, you may be able to deduct the full market value of the stock at the time of donation and avoid paying capital gains tax.* If you would like to learn how to donate stock to the MPHS Foundation, please contact Steve Larson. NOTE: MPHS Foundation does not render legal, tax or other professional advisory services to individuals. As with any decision regarding financial matters, we recommend you consult with your own independent professional advisor. |
MPHS Foundation Year in Review |
| CIS Counselors Focus on Student Re-Engagement: There are currently three Communities in School social workers supporting students at MPHS. All three CIS counselors now have full or near-full caseloads, serving approximately 230 MPHS students. CIS counselors are actively working on student re-engagement after last year's virtual environment - re-engagement in academics, attendance, activities, and the MPHS community. The CIS counselors worked tirelessly during the virtual-learning year to connect with students, but there is no comparison to having students back on campus. The MPHS Foundation continues to fund two of the three full-time CIS social workers. Mustangs Matter Returns to In-Person Programming: Mustangs Matter, a flagship program funded by the Foundation, continues to provide underserved students with access to academic support and enrichment opportunities after school. With the return to in-person learning, Mustangs Matter is now serving 28 students in grades 9-12. Twice per week, four dedicated teachers support students with homework assistance, credit recovery, graduation requirements, and supplemental instruction. Many students are playing catch up after the difficult virtual learning environment and having individual teacher attention is making a significant difference. Park Scholarship Highlight:Victoria arrived in America on July 12, 2019 from Venezuela. Her family left their home country seeking safety and were granted asylum in the U.S. When Victoria started school at Myers Park in Fall 2019, she knew almost no English. Upon arriving at MPHS, Victoria pursued mastering the English language, and all of her academic classes, at lightning speed. With the support of dedicated teachers and her Communities in Schools counselor, Victoria found a home at MPHS. Even amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Victoria continued to excel in her school work and at the part-time job she had to help support her family. The MPHS Foundation is honored to have awarded Victoria a $2000 Park Scholarship in May 2021. This scholarship fully funds her education at CPCC for 2 years and is just the beginning of her very bright future. Save the Date for Art for the Park: Last April, the MPHS Foundation held the annual Art for the Park fundraising event in a virtual format. With the help of sponsors, donors, artists, and bidders, over $73,000 was raised. Our signature event will be back to being in-person in 2022! Please mark your calendars for Friday, March 18th at the BoPlex at Bojangles Coliseum. Interested in having your business recognized at the event? If so, contact Janelle Lenhart to learn about sponsorship levels. New Student Mental Health Initiative: More students across the country are struggling with their mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, MPHS has placed a greater emphasis on student mental health and social and emotional learning. In support of the school's effort, the MPHS Foundation helped identify potential opportunities to increase mental health awareness at MPHS. We partnered with the PTSO and DECA (student club) to bring attention to the resources available to students by funding informational brochures and by collaborating in the planning of the school's first mental health fair and walk. Launch of the MPHS Student Club and Alumni Family Tree Initiative: In 2021, the MPHS Foundation launched a student representative club. Club members meet monthly and are tasked with projects that advance the mission of the Foundation. The first major project for the student club was to expand the MPHS alumni database by launching the MPHS Alumni Family Tree initiative. Click here to learn more about the MPHS Foundation Student Club and click here to be a part of the Alumni Family Tree initiative. Bringing Back Reunions: Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic stalled many of the planned reunion events for 2021. With that said, the Foundation was still the beneficiary of many generous gifts from alumni including a $25,000 endowment gift from a member of the Class of 70. To add to the good news, reunion plans are now underway for the classes of 70 and 72. In addition, while the class of 71 has held their reunion, additional fundraising plans are underway. If you would like to get involved with the reunions, please contact George Wilson. |
MPHS Foundation Snapshots:
Mustangs Matter Returns to Campus
CIS Counselor, Stacy Weinstein with 2020 Park Scholarship Winner, Victoria
CIS Students Attending College Fair
Donate To The Foundation
Contributions of all amounts
that invest in this current generation of students through the MPHS Foundation are welcome and we hope you will participate at some level.
The MPHS Foundation graciously accepts corporate matching gifts. Please remember to ask your employer about this powerful way to enhance your donation.
We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization as determined by the IRS.
that invest in this current generation of students through the MPHS Foundation are welcome and we hope you will participate at some level.
The MPHS Foundation graciously accepts corporate matching gifts. Please remember to ask your employer about this powerful way to enhance your donation.
We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization as determined by the IRS.
If you would like to learn how to donate stock to the MPHS Foundation, please contact Steve Larson.
If mailing a check please send to:
MPHS Foundation Treasurer
338 S. Sharon Amity Road
Box 228
Charlotte, NC 28211