Hello, Northern Supporters!
It’s June, and summer vacation is officially underway, which means it’s time to reflect upon what the Polar Bear Foundation (PBF) did this past school year and give you a sneak peek of what is in store for the upcoming school year.
First, allow me to introduce myself: I’m Shannon Hemauer and in March 2024, the Polar Bear Foundation hired me as their Director of Outreach and Marketing—it’s my job to standardize how we do things with marketing, create efficient workflows for the PBF committee members to follow when planning events/fundraisers, etc, and bring a sense of unity between the PBF and our community. During the first two months of this position, I focused on creating the new Giving Tiers mentioned below and building a new website.
I am a graduate of Northern (Class of ’94, maiden name Eschette), an active-duty Air Force veteran (’94-’02), and a current resident of Dillsburg (since ’09), where I live with my husband, Brooks, and our two sons, Collin (going into 8th grade) and Ian (going into 7th grade). I earned a BA in professional writing from York College, and I’ve been a technical writer/editor for 10+ years. Brooks and I also own Hemauer Brewing Co. in Mechanicsburg!
If you have any ideas or suggestions on how the PBF can partner with our community, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Shannon@PolarBearFoundation.net.
PROMOTION
Natalie Slothower has been the PBF administrator since 2009 and was promoted to Director of Operations in March 2024. Her husband, Jay, is a Northern alum, and they have five children. She has served on various District youth organization boards and booster clubs. Natalie knows the Polar Bear Foundation inside and out and is truly the backbone of our organization.
If you have any ideas or suggestions on how the PBF can partner with our community, please don’t hesitate to contact her at Natalie@PolarBearFoundation.net.
NEW BLOG
We understand not everyone is on social media, so we’re starting a blog to post announcements, grant and scholarship recipients, upcoming events, etc., so you’re always in the know!
PBF PARTNERS GIVING TIERS
We rely on the generosity of local businesses, event sponsors, individual/family donors, and planned giving to raise money to fund the grants and scholarships the PBF offers to NYCSD staff, teachers, and seniors. To help simplify the process, we created PBF Partners Giving Tiers: Business Circle (ideal for businesses and corporations) and the Society (ideal for individuals and families who want to see their community continue to grow and flourish).
I invite you to learn more about the Giving Tiers (click on the logos below) and sign up for a membership plan (all plans include goodies)!
2023-2024 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Let’s be honest—the real heroes in this district are the teachers and staff who apply for the grants—they find ways to improve the experience of their students, fellow teachers, and even the parents! Thank you to all who donated to help enrich our district’s educational journey!
If you’re a teacher or staff member of the NYCSD and are interested in applying for a grant to enhance your classroom or the district, you can learn more HERE.
2023-2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Polar Bear Foundation proudly awards scholarships to selected Northern York County School District seniors based on various criteria, including academic achievement and an essay that fits the scholarship’s requirements. The PBF is able to fund these scholarships through our annual business partners/business circle members and donors.
HAVANA NIGHTS GALA
The Gala is our largest fundraising event of the year. But it is also our favorite! This is where we get to thank last year’s donors for all they have done for the District! Plus, it gives us all a fun reason to dress up, eat tasty food, and enjoy time with friends, family, and community members.
This year’s event was again held again at The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion in Mechanicsburg, PA, providing everyone in attendance with food, drink, and live music!
UPCOMING 2024 EVENTS
Tickets no longer available for purchase.
Your participation in the golf outing or sponsorship as a business directly contributes to grants that are applied for the 2024-25 school year. This is a great opportunity for your business or organization to show support for NYCSD’s students and staff and to demonstrate your dedication to investing in our school district for a better future.
Until next time,
Shannon Hemauer
Director of Outreach & Marketing
Since 2006, the Polar Bear Foundation has raised financial support beyond the reach of the regular school district budget for academic, athletic, and cultural programs for the students, teachers, and staff of the Northern York County School District through fundraising events, corporate/business partnerships, event sponsors, and donations.
Love this blog explaing and celebrating all the work of the PBF, the intiatives of teachers and staff and the generosity of donors. #NorthernPBFProud