“Making sure we have strong schools is just essential to me. It’s part of being a member of a community. Education is key to equity, to lifelong learning, to democracy.”
The Schools Fund is proud to call Marice Ashe a supporter. She is a “triple threat” – School Support Volunteer, Classroom Volunteer and long-time donor. In each of these roles, Marice has made positive impacts on families and students, and helped to advance the Schools Fund mission of equitable public education.
Marice’s involvement with the Schools Fund started when her son entered the Berkeley Schools— first at Cragmont, then at Longfellow, and finally at Berkeley High. Before the pandemic, Marice was a Classroom Volunteer at BAM, providing math support. She enjoyed giving students extra attention and supporting the teacher.
Marice especially valued the training she received through Berkeley Schools Volunteers Learning Community. “I got a lot of training, not only on math skills, but on how the school district is approaching equity issues. It felt like there was a real moral and ethical dimension [to the work],” commented Marice “The BSV training showed a deep commitment to educating every child in the ways they learn best. It really helped children become proud of who they are and their contributions to the classroom.”
Post-pandemic, Marice has volunteered in various ways as a School Support Volunteer, delivering groceries to families, distributing supplies to educators and staffing COVID vaccine clinics. Through these experiences, Marice explained, “I get to know the school in a different way – through the lens of families and staff. It really helps me see the breadth of the Berkeley family experience.” Even in these one-time volunteer tasks, she feels the impact volunteering makes. “I’m glad to help stitch together the support services so that the kids and families can really thrive.”
Marice is a long-time financial supporter of the Schools Fund. She is a believer in our mission and considers her support as part of being a good neighbor and community member. “Making sure we have strong schools in Berkeley is part of being a member of the community. It’s just essential to me. Education is the key to life. It’s the key to equity, the key to lifelong learning, the key to democracy.”
Thank you, Marice, and to all our volunteers and donors, for your contributions to our school community.