ASD Foundation Announces
7th Annual HIGH NOTES Gala
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017
Mocktails starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
ONE-HOUR SPECTACULAR AT MILLER SYMPHONY HALL TO SHOWCASE 120 STUDENTS
(January 9, 2017, Allentown, PA) On March 25, join in the fun and let your colors fly at the 7th Annual HIGH NOTES Gala! In the past year, nearly 3,000 Allentown School District students were able to participate in innovative enrichment programs that, without the support of donors to the Allentown School District Foundation (ASDF), would not have been possible. It is said every year: If you could help even more students have impactful educational experiences, wouldn’t you want to? The good news is you can.
Each year, the ASDF hosts the HIGH NOTES Gala, which sustains the Foundation’s mission and helps make possible ASDF initiatives such as:
- Teacher Innovation Grants – awarding grants to ASD teachers and staff to create innovative learning opportunities in the classroom. Last year, teacher innovation grants directly impacted more than 450 students with unique education projects.
- An Allentown Adventure – teaching 338 students local history and graphic arts, starting with a book written by native Allentonian and teacher Janice Altieri and ending with tours of some of Allentown’s most notable cultural and business landmarks for inspired creative expression.
- ASD Science Fair – creating excitement about learning and exploring science for more than 650 middle and high school students competing for top awards amongst their peers.
- ASD New Music Initiatives – supporting 3rd grade Flutophone programs, a middle school strings program and ASD instrumental music students with lessons, instruments and opportunities to perform.
- Artist Residencies – inspiring 835 elementary students with visual art programs led by 12 practicing artists, actors and teachers.
- National History Day – showing 110 students how to research and create informative presentations about an aspect of history that interests them and how to compete at regional and state competitions; two took home ribbons at the state level.
- ASD Showcase of Academic Excellence – showcasing high-quality academic projects created by hundreds of Allentown students from all ASD schools throughout the year. Students’ displays at Symphony Hall are recognized by the hundreds of parents, teachers and community leaders who come and see student innovation and ingenuity as revealed in their projects, videos, websites and more.
At the heart of HIGH NOTES 2017 is another educational opportunity: a performance by Allentown School District students featuring musical theatre highlights, student instrumentalists, academy dancers and choral music. This year, 120 students will delight the audience with a special “sneak peek” of student talent from Allentown School District high schools and middle schools. The 2017 theme is “BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL, LET YOUR COLORS FLY.” The Foundation hopes to inspire ASD teachers, staff, families and community to “let your colors fly” as we showcase school spirit in the Allentown School District, starting with a “Parade of ASD Mascots,” from all schools. Like last year, the collaborative performance (starting at 8:30 p.m.) includes excerpts from ASD high school and middle school spring musicals with almost 120 student performers joining together to open and close the show, all within one hour.
- See excerpts from many of this year’s favorite shows, including Bonnie and Clyde (Allen), Jesus Christ Superstar (Dieruff), Aladdin Jr. (Trexler), Seussical Jr. (South Mountain), James and the Giant Peach, Jr. (Raub) and High School Musical, Jr. (Harrison-Morton).
- On the lighter side, a video featuring retired ASD Administrator Ralph Todd and produced by recent Allen High graduate, Kira Butz, proves that Allentown kids can compete with ASD’s finest in Are You Smarter Than an Allentown Student?
Gala tickets are $160 per guest and include appetizers, dinner catered by Sodexo and the performance. To attend the performance only, tickets are $20/adults and $10/students. Purchase performance tickets through the box office at Miller Symphony Hall (www.millersymphonyhall.org). Please contact ASDF Administrator Vicki Newhard to purchase Gala tickets – newhardv@allentownsd.org, 484-765-4121.
Dinner Menu by Sodexo Catering
Hors d’ oeuvres
Miso Mirin Beef Skewers with a Ginger Sweet Pea Drizzle
Lavender Lamb Lollipops
Seared Ahi Tuna on a Wasabi Rice Cracker & topped with Crème Fraiche
Thai Salad Shooter served on an Edible Spoon
Salad
Cucumber Crown Salad
Entrées
Salt Crusted Prime Rib with a Fresh Horseradish Pesto
Miso Glazed Seared Seabass
Zucchini Ravioli with a Fresh Basil & Cherry Tomato Sauce
Duo Plate Dessert
Espresso Zabaglione
Chocolate Raspberry Bon Bon
Allentown’s Renaissance starts with its schools. Sponsorships are available and range from program advertising, table purchase or a combination of support ranging from Broadway, Baritone, Tenor, Alto, Soprano and Presenting Sponsorships. This is a great way to connect with ASD kids, and show business and individual support for the school district at a high level of visibility. Please contact Susan Williams to purchase Gala sponsorships – williamssu@allentownsd.org, 484-765-4093.
Allentown School District Foundation
With a vision for enriched education for Allentown School District students, the ASD Foundation mission is to encourage, promote and support innovative educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. If you would like to learn more, please contact the foundation at 484-765-4093 or williamssu@allentownsd.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown PA 18105. www.allentownsd.org/asdf.
Press Release by: Susan Williams
Provided to TVL by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
