Foundation
Welcome to the Academic Magnet Foundation! Read on to learn more about who we are, and ways you can get involved.
Who are we?
The Academic Magnet Foundation is one of Magnet’s three dedicated parent groups, working together to support our exceptional school. Our mission, put simply, is to enhance Magnet’s long-term excellence. We fund important programs such as AP course training for teachers, classroom technology enhancements, college preparation services, and the very popular Summer Scholars orientation program for new students. Historically, we’ve also supported school awareness and diversity efforts, including the highly successful Advancing Charleston Excellence (ACE) program to recruit and mentor strong students from high-poverty index middle schools. Although the future can sometimes appear uncertain, our goal remains constant. The Foundation is here to ensure our school’s high standards for quality, achievement and stewardship for years to come.
How has the Foundation responded in the pandemic?
Last year while adapting to a virtual world, we learned an important lesson. To thrive in the future and maintain the Magnet standard of excellence, teachers and students need the ability to seamlessly transition to and from remote learning when necessary. So, the Foundation stepped up. We surveyed, tested configurations, and created a state-of-the-art learning environment in several pilot classrooms, funding the required technology. Promethean boards, soundbars, stand-up adjustable desks, interactive tablets, and HD cameras - you’ll find this game-changing technology at AMHS. We’re proud of this effort and we’re just getting started!
How can I help?
We are so grateful to a generous Magnet community for making our mission a reality. Thanks for Giving, our annual fall fundraising campaign, is our primary source of funding and each year we'll invite you to participate. Donations make it possible for us to fund critical long-term programs - all of which help AMHS maintain exceptionally high standards.
How does Foundation assist Academic Magnet?
- Summer Scholars and Faculty Professional Development: Proven, top priorities.
- Classroom Technology Enhancements: We plan to continue last year's very successful drive to enhance the learning environment in classrooms, with critical technology upgrades.
- College Preparation Services: Working closely with AMHS counseling, we're exploring several ways to support the road to college: SAT/ACT test prep courses, essay workshops, a lecture series, and more.
- Community Outreach and Alumni Network: We plan to fund student-led community outreach grants and create a more active alumni engagement network.
AMHS Foundation Board for 2024-2025
- Charles Claus (Chair)
- Jacob Perlmutter (Principal)
- Chad Tippey (Treasurer)
- Jenny Heichelbech (Secretary)
- Neves Richards (board member)
- Ashley Warnock (board member)
- Daniel Flessas (board member)
- Jessica Browning (board member)
- Rebecca Martin (board member)
- Lynn Van Tiem (board member)
Have questions or ideas you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you.
General mailbox: academicmagnetfoundation@gmail.com