By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The Glendale Educational Foundation – GEF – held its eighth annual State of Schools Breakfast on Oct. 4.

The main address, delivered by Supt. of Schools Richard Sheehan (at left), touched briefly on the dismal budget that the district is working with. Sheehan reminded the audience of upcoming public meetings that would provide in-depth information on the budget crisis (see Mary O’Keefe’s story on the front page).

Sheehan quickly moved on to more positive subjects including the increased Academic Performance Index (API) scores celebrated by several Glendale schools, including a 20-point jump by Clark Magnet High School.

The GEF, a significant fundraising organization for Glendale schools, distributes funds to the areas of visual and performing arts, science and technology and health and fitness. Currently, the focus is on Save the Music, an ongoing campaign to raise $250,000 to provide musical instruments to district students. At the breakfast, Laurel Patric, GEF president, presented the district with a check for $100,000 dedicated to the Save the Music campaign.

Showcasing the schools’ strong visual/performing arts curriculum, dancers from Glendale High School took to the stage. A video presentation highlighted the district’s efforts to introduce visual/performing arts appreciation at the elementary student level.

GUSD board of education president Christine Walters addressed the audience, noting the experiences she shared with her children – Glendale school graduates – through the music curriculum and how their success in the music programs positively affected their college careers.

John Marshall Elementary School teacher Gerald Sharp, named teacher of the year, reminisced on his experiences within the GUSD. He praised the “team attitude” of his co-teachers and the support he received by parents in the academic success of their children.

Catered by the Glendale High School bistro class with music provided by Rosemont Middle School instrumental students, the several hundred guests enjoyed breakfast while listening to the speakers. After closing remarks by Sheehan, Glendale High School Marching Band ushered the crowd out with its rousing music.