Simi Valley Education Foundation

10/01/2026

We are proud to announce our 2026 October Teacher of the Month (TOTM) Lisa Greenlinger from Garden Grove Elementary.

Lisa consistently demonstrates an outstanding dedication to her 4th grade students through her innovative instructional practices, strong relationships with families, and unwavering commitment to student success. Lisa creates a classroom environment where all students are valued, challenged, and supported. She provides multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate proficiency and mastery of concepts, recognizing that students learn in different ways and at different paces. Through differentiated instruction and ongoing assessment, she ensures that every student has access to meaningful learning experiences and opportunities to succeed. Beyond her daily classroom responsibilities, Lisa willingly embraces new challenges that enrich the educational experience for her students.

The Teacher of the Month Program highlights educators across the Simi Valley Unified School District who demonstrate outstanding performance and make meaningful contributions to their students and schools.

Each month, honorees are celebrated with tokens of appreciation from generous community partners, including Grand Canyon University, Harley’s Bowl, Iverson Construction, Kleintob Supercuts, Logix Federal Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley YMCA, Eric Little with State Farm Insurance, Ventura County Credit Union, and the Walt Fuller Foundation. Local dignitaries also present personalized certificates of recognition, reinforcing the strong bond between schools and the broader community.

“Together, we send a clear message that the business community supports and values the dedication of our teachers,” said Ryan Fowler, Board President of the Simi Valley Education Foundation.

Since its founding in 1989, the Simi Valley Education Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million into Simi Valley public schools through innovative classroom grants, school-wide projects, department enhancements, and scholarships for graduating seniors.

For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Cindy Jacoby at (877) SIMI-KID or visit svef.org.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured from the left at Garden Grove Elementary from the left are: Nicholas Gutierrez, from the YMCA; Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Superintendent; Eric Little, State Farm Insurance; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board President; Tarja Little, SVEF Board Member; Lisa Greenlinger; Principal Tim Bednar; Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board President; Michael Flores, Logix Federal Credit Union; Lori Neiman; SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Sue Roth, SVEF Board Member; Vidhya Ganesh, SVEF Board Member; and Mike Kort, Representative for Supervisor Janice Parvin.

09/28/2026

📚 Help Us Make a Difference for Simi Valley Students! 🍎

Our Bid 4 Education Online Auction is coming soon, and we need your help to make it a success!

We’re looking for donations of goods, services, experiences, gift cards, and monetary contributions to help us build an exciting auction that benefits students throughout Simi Valley’s public schools.

Your donation can make a direct impact by helping the Simi Valley Education Foundation provide valuable resources, innovative programs, and educational opportunities for local students and teachers. 💙

🎁 Have a product or gift card to donate?
🛠️ Can you provide a service or unique experience?
💰 Prefer to make a monetary donation?

Every contribution—large or small—helps us put more resources into our classrooms and enhance and inspire learning for our students.

📅 Bid 4 Education Online Auction
October 24 – November 28, 2026

👉 Donation deadline: October 15

Please consider donating today and help us make this year’s auction our most successful yet!

Education is Everyone’s Business…please make it yours! 💙

09/22/2026

📚 Support Simi Valley Schools! 🎉

The Simi Valley Education Foundation’s Bid 4 Education Online Silent Auction is back — and we need your help to make it a success!

Donate a gift card, gift basket, service, experience, or monetary gift of any amount. Every donation helps provide valuable resources for Simi Valley teachers and students through classroom grants and enrichment programs.

✨ Last year, thanks to generous donors like you, we helped fund more than 80 teacher grants!

What’s in it for you?

✅ Recognition on our website & social media
✅ Acknowledgment in auction materials
✅ The satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in a child’s education

🎁 Have something to donate? Visit www.svef.org to register your donation or record your contribution today.

📦 Mail donations to:
Simi Valley Education Foundation
P.O. Box 1439
Simi Valley, CA 93065

📞 Need pickup? Call 877-SIMI-KID

Your generosity helps bring more resources into our classrooms and gives teachers the tools they need to enhance, engage, and inspire their students.

💙 Together, we can empower our teachers and inspire our students!

Education is Everyone’s Business...please make it yours!

09/11/2026

The Simi Valley Education Foundation is proud to announce its first Teacher of the Month (TOTM) for the 2026–2027 school year: Kristine Minter from Sycamore Elementary School.

Mrs. Minter strives to continually improve her teaching,
engagement in the classroom, and her dedication to students. As a 5th grade teacher, she has worked hard to get her students ready for middle school by implementing "class periods", independent work time, and universal organizational skills (among other things). Her passion for teaching and her love for her students shows! She goes above and beyond on a daily basis to ensure that her classroom is a safe, comfortable, nurturing space for all students to learn.

The Teacher of the Month Program highlights educators across the Simi Valley Unified School District who demonstrate outstanding performance and make meaningful contributions to their students and schools.

Each month, honorees are celebrated with tokens of appreciation from generous community partners, including Grand Canyon University, Harley’s Bowl, Iverson Construction, Kleintob Supercuts, Logix Federal Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley YMCA, Eric Little with State Farm Insurance, Ventura County Credit Union, and the Walt Fuller Foundation. Local dignitaries also present personalized certificates of recognition, reinforcing the strong bond between schools and the broader community.

“Together, we send a clear message that the business community supports and values the dedication of our teachers,” said Ryan Fowler, Board President of the Simi Valley Education Foundation.

Pictured from the Sycamore Elementary are:

(BACK ROW FROM THE LEFT) SVUSD Superintendent Hani Youssef; Shere Grant from Grand Canyon University; Nicole Otto, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board President and SVEF Board Member; recipient Kristine Minter; Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board President; Elaine Litster, SVEF TOTM Chair and Simi Valley City Councilwoman; Alexa Giraudon and Maya Goehner representing Senator Henry Stern's office; Tarja Little, SVEF Board member; Eric Little, State Farm Insurance; and Nicholas Gutierrez with the YMCA.

(FRONT ROW FROM THE LEFT ) Liz Hernandez, SVEF Board Member; Sue Roth, SVEF Board Member; Kristine Pine, SVEF Board Member; Lori Neiman, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Mike Kort, Representative for Supervisor Janice Parvin; Hannah Lee, representing Assemblywomen Jacqui Irwin’s office; Kendra Sprights, Sycamore Elementary Principal; and Katie Oberman, SVEF Board Member.

06/29/2026

⏰ LAST CALL! Nominations for the Simi Valley Education Foundation's Teacher of the Month close TOMORROW, June 30th!

Do you know an extraordinary educator who goes above and beyond for students? Now is the time to recognize them! If there's a teacher out there who changed everything for a student — maybe even yours. 💛

Don't let tomorrow pass without telling the world about them.

Teacher of the Month nominations close June 30th. One minute of your time could mean the world to them.

Nominate now at svef.org.

06/23/2026

📚A great teacher can change the course of a child's life.

❤️If your son or daughter had a teacher who inspired, encouraged, or positively impacted them this year, please consider nominating that educator for the Simi Valley Education Foundation's Teacher of the Month.

✏️Your nomination helps us recognize the extraordinary teachers who make a difference every day.

🍎 Visit svef.org and tell us about a teacher who has made a lasting difference in your child's life.

06/15/2026

🍎 Who’s Your Favorite Simi Valley Unified School District Teacher?

Do you or your child have a teacher who has made a lasting difference? A teacher who goes above and beyond, inspires a love of learning, or simply makes every student feel seen and valued?

Now is your chance to say "Thank You!" Nominate your favorite teacher for the Simi Valley Education Foundation's 2026–2027 Teacher of the Month Award!

Tell us what makes them so special. Is it their kindness, creativity, encouragement, or the extra effort they put into helping students succeed? We want to hear your story!

Help us recognize the incredible teachers who make our schools shine!

❤️ Nominate a deserving teacher today at SVEF.org and help us celebrate the amazing educators who make our schools so special!

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

As we reflect on our successful Tee Up for Kidz Golf Tournament, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible Tee Up for Kidz sponsors and our annual Champions of Education sponsors. Your generosity makes it possible for the Simi Valley Education Foundation to enrich the educational experience for local students and teachers.

Because of your support, we are able to provide classroom grants for teachers, scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and continue to support meaningful programs such as Every 15 Minutes and the PTA/PTSA Reflections Program. Your investment in education helps strengthen our schools and our community.

The day was filled with great golf, wonderful volunteers, friendly competition, and a celebration of our golfers and award winners. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event such a success.

Enjoy these photos from a fantastic day, and thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of Simi Valley students!

06/11/2026

🎓Simi Valley Students Receive $13,000 In
Scholarships and Endowment Awards from the
Simi Valley Education Foundation and Walt Fuller Foundation🌟

Each year, the Simi Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) awards scholarships to deserving local students pursuing higher education at colleges, universities, technical schools, and vocational programs. Recipients are selected from Simi Valley's public high schools based on their achievements and future aspirations.

In addition to its annual scholarships, SVEF awards three two-year Endowment Scholarships, providing $1,000 per year to students attending community college. Established to honor the wishes of the original donor, the Endowment Program assists students who may not otherwise have the financial means to continue their education. These scholarships recognize students who demonstrate determination, perseverance, and a strong commitment to achieving their educational goals, while creating opportunities that can positively shape their futures and strengthen our community.

This year, SVEF is especially grateful to once again receive a generous $10,000 contribution from the Walt Fuller Foundation in support of the scholarship program. This donation is particularly meaningful, as the Foundation relies heavily on its annual fundraising events to fund scholarships and educational programs. Jenny Fuller, wife of the late Walt Fuller, proudly serves on the SVEF Board of Directors as our President Elect.

The Simi Valley Education Foundation remains committed to supporting the educational success of local students. Through scholarships and financial assistance, SVEF helps students pursue their dreams and invest in their futures.

👏2026 Scholarship Recipients🏆

Royal High School
• Jordan Downey
• Jasleen Khangura
• Isabel Villa
• Charlotte Gesell

Santa Susana High School
• Gavin Hudson
• Madelyn James
• Eva Varghese
• Naila Syed

Simi Valley High School
• Nandhiha Krishnamoorthi
• Micah Ro
• Priyaank Srinivasan

2026 Two-Year Endowment Scholarship Recipients
• Denise Alvarez – Apollo High School
• Mohammad Hossainzada – Simi Valley High School
• Mina Longo – Monte Vista School

The Simi Valley Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students in Simi Valley's public schools. Through its annual fundraising efforts, SVEF provides scholarships and endowment awards, as well as grants that support innovative classroom and school programs throughout the district.

For more information about SVEF programs and events, visit www.svef.org, call 877-SIMI-KID, or email [email protected].