"The Foundation has been a key source of professional development for me. Having been afforded the opportunity to attend the National Convention for Teachers of English, I have refined my understanding of what is expected of English teachers on a national level and have brought many new strategies to my classroom because of the opportunities. One of the most effective sessions helped me clarify for my students how to create a solid thesis statement for a literary paper. As English teachers, this is something that we know how to create, but articulating the process can be difficult. The conference challenges me to be a better teacher each time I attend. In addition to the conference, the Foundation has given me the opportunity to implement some creative ideas in my classroom. This summer, I visited the Freedom Trail in Boston and brought back the idea of creating a standards-based Freedom Trail for my students. From that experience, I have revisited the ideas of stations and centers, an elementary school concept, but a method for differentiating my instruction so that I can spend more time with those who struggle while challenging those who need to move forward. As I reflect on the great gifts that we have at West, the Foundation is one of the best. Thank your for all of your support."

"The West High Foundation is one of the main reasons that I have stayed at West High School despite offers from other schools and systems. The Foundation has provided me with the resources to keep my classes interesting and current regarding world issues. These resources include technology, foreign travel, and parental support. I travel all over the country working with European history teachers and I have never heard of another school foundation that provides the support for their teachers as does West High School's."

"I requested and received funding for the purchase of physics lab equipment... The Foundation Grant has been extremely helpful for my students, and so it is important to me that I be able to communicate this."

"Over the past several years the West High Foundation has funded thousands of dollars that make my job easier. This has included world wide travel opportunities, books for students, travel costs for our Youth Government program, and money to attend workshops so that I am able to learn more about my content area. This has made me a better teacher which directly impacts the students that I teach.
In addition to teaching at West High School, I do consulting work for the College Board with teachers and schools from across the nation. I often have to stop myself from discussing the opportunities that the Foundation has provided because I sound like I am bragging. I have realized that these opportunities and this relationship between the faculty and the Foundation is unique. I have had offers to leave West High School, but one of the most important reasons that I stay is because of this relationship."