SOUTH WHITTIER – The South Whittier Community Education Foundation will hold its third annual pancake breakfast to raise funds for enriching arts programs in the District’s schools, including free after-school modern and folklorico dance programs created this year thanks to the group’s fundraising efforts.

The event – which will feature folklorico dance student performances from all the SWSD elementary schools and performances by the Graves Middle School band – will run from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25 (weather permitting) at the District office, 11200 Telechron Ave., Whittier.

“We aim to infuse the arts into students’ education, inspiring creativity that will elevate their academic performance in the classroom,” said Francisco Meza, the District’s director of school/community relations and program compliance who sits on the board. “Through the arts, our South Whittier students can become well-rounded individuals.”

Established in 1983, the Foundation was dormant for several years before parent and community stakeholders revived it in 2011 and began actively fundraising three years ago.

The group’s efforts fund two dance instructors to teach the after-school modern and folklorico dance programs once a week at all seven South Whittier schools. The program is run in conjunction with THINK Together, a nonprofit that works with school districts to offer extended learning programs for underprivileged and low-income youth.

“If it weren’t for the work of our wonderful volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we have so far to provide our students opportunities to explore the arts,” Superintendent Gail Baxter said. “I want to thank the community for its ongoing support in helping us spark innovation and a passion for learning among our students.”

Pancake breakfasts are $5 with a $15 early bird special for a family of four available before Wednesday, Feb. 22. For more information on the event or how to donate, visit the school office or call Meza at (562) 944-6231.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

021517_SWSD_FOUNDATION1: Students attend a free after-school folklorico dance program at McKibben Elementary School, learning steps and routines that will be exhibited during South Whittier School District’s annual fundraising pancake breakfast. Hosted by the District’s education foundation, proceeds from the event will go toward enhancing arts programs at each of the schools.

021517_SWSD_FOUNDATION2: Students attend a free after-school folklorico dance program at McKibben Elementary School, learning steps and routines that will be exhibited during South Whittier School District’s annual fundraising pancake breakfast. Hosted by the District’s education foundation, proceeds from the event will go toward enhancing arts programs at each of the schools.

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