Your Impact: KEEP! Programs at Work

“We wore trash bags a lot of the time,” says 8th grader Peter Ematrudo. The K-8 art teacher, Helen O'Dea, recently challenged C.T. English students to reimagine an aging mural behind the gym. Students designed a new vision, projected their digital image onto the wall, and brought it to life with paint. The project taught valuable lessons in design, symbolism, collaboration, and production—all while creating a stunning piece of art the school will enjoy for years to come. (Next time you’re on campus, see if you can find the banana slug.)

The cats from the original mural remain, symbolizing students’ progression from Loma Prieta Elementary to C.T. English Middle School. The largest cat stands on the cusp of venturing into the world, glancing back at the special, nurturing space that shaped its early life.

Each winter, LPEF works with the school board to identify fundraising priorities for the KEEP! (Keep Excellent Education Programs) campaign. As a small district without the economies of scale or tax base of larger districts, we face a gap between what our schools receive in government funding and what it costs to provide the education our students deserve. (For details on the Measure M parcel tax, see the blog post "How KEEP Funding Decisions Really Happen.")

Last spring’s KEEP! campaign helped fund three programs for the 2025-26 school year:

• Art instruction at Loma Prieta Elementary and C.T. English Middle School

• Developmental Physical Education at Loma 

• A 12th teacher at Loma to maintain small class sizes

Some of you may recall that the KEEP campaign did not raise enough money last spring to fully fund a 12th Loma teacher. The district received new enrollments over the summer that tipped the scale to justify hiring another teacher. Mr. Hoefer says of his third grade class, “Instead of quantity of writing, I have been able to focus on the quality and purpose of their writing. It's been a gift to be able to listen to each student read and recognize strengths and areas of growth or intervention.” Having small classes has also given Physical Education a boost. Coach Patiño says small P.E. classes have “enhanced safety, engagement, and overall quality of instruction.” 

To Coach Patiño, P.E. is not only about developing the physical skills to enjoy movement. It also prepares students for life by practicing decision-making and problem-solving. “Real confidence comes from trying hard things, experiencing failure, and then succeeding and knowing what you’re capable of,” he says. A dedicated P.E. teacher ensures students develop physically and mentally, while allowing classroom teachers to concentrate on academic learning.

Since middle school requirements are less discretionary, recent KEEP funding has tipped more toward Loma. But the gala raised $11K to improve the recess facilities at C.T. and there's growing interest in expanding elective choices for the middle schoolers—an exciting potential opportunity for future fundraising.

It’s been a fantastic year so far, and we’re thankful for our community’s continued support. Without it, Loma would not have a dedicated art teacher, P.E. would be taught by classroom teachers on top of their many other responsibilities, and we would likely face combo classes or classrooms with well over 30 students. Each year, we ask our fellow families to come together in support of these vital programs, and we are so grateful that you continue to believe — as we do — that our kids shouldn’t miss out on the rich, well-rounded education every child deserves.

We always welcome your thoughts at president@lpef.org.