**UPDATES FROM THE MORRIS BRANDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOUNDATION** |
QUICK RECAP: THE MBESF & THE BEE FUND Founded in 2006, the Morris Brandon Elementary School Foundation, Inc. (MBESF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting our school and teachers and enriching the education and development of Brandonâs students. By investing in curriculum, programs, and facilities improvements not provided by the Atlanta Public Schools operating budget, the Foundation helps ensure that our students receive a first-rate education at one of the top rated public schools in Georgia. |
The BEE Fund is the largest sourceof funding for the Foundation, supporting critical resources and enhancements not covered by the operating budget. |
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2025-2026 BEE FUND UPDATE |
| The Foundation's annual BEE Fund campaign wrapped up earlier this month.  We are extremely pleased to report we exceeded our goal, bringing in over $341,000! Thank you to all of our donors who have invested in our students, our teachers, and our school community. And a very special thank you to our amazing BeeFund Co-Chairs, Patty Shenkman, Anne Hobart, and Caroline van Eaton.  We could not have done this without the dedication of such amazing volunteers! |
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STUDENT SUPPORT UPDATES Between July and mid-October 2025, the Foundation has proudly provided meaningful support to our students - funding opportunities that enrich learning, enhance safety and bring more joy to the STUDENT experience:
đ Field Trips
In order to reduce costs for our families and expand learning beyond the classroom, the Foundation funded: - All High Touch High Tech in-house field trips
- Certain grade-level experiences: Georgia Aquarium (K), Chattahoochee Nature Center (1st), Atlanta History Center (2nd), High Museum of Art (3rd), Alliance Theatre (4th), Atlanta Opera in-house performance (3rd-5th)
đ Curriculum Enhancements, School Supplies, & IB Support - Purchased 5th grade science workbooks to promote hands-on learning and funded Generation Genius, a digital curriculum planning tool for teachers
- Approved funding for schoolwide subscriptions to innovative learning platforms such as myLexia and Happy Numbers, helping students strengthen literacy and math skills
- Covered a portion of school-wide supplies, including red folders, sketchbooks, chair pockets, planners, Kindergarten name tags/lanyards, and need-based classroom kits
- Supported ongoing costs associated with maintaining our International Baccalaureate (IB) program, ensuring our students continue to benefit from this world-class education framework
đĄď¸ Carpool Safety, Security and Efficiency Funded carpool officers at each campus to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently during arrival and dismissal Provided PikMyKid app funding for all families, streamlining dismissal procedures and enhancing student safety
â˝Â Foundation Supporting FUN! - Funded 5th grade class t-shirts, helping reduce costs for families while building class spirit
- Provided new recess ball bags for grade levels that requested them, ensuring students have what they need for fun, active play
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TEACHER SUPPORT UPDATES
Between July and mid-October 2025, the Foundation has been able to provide meaningful support to our TEACHERS and investments in their professional development, ensuring our educators have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive:
đ Classroom and Teacher Breakroom Support - Provided each with a $300 classroom allotment, Â giving them flexibility to purchase classroom materials their students need most to learn and grow
- Stocked teacher breakrooms with supplies to help start the school year off right
- Funded Book Fair teacher allotments, allowing teachers to replenish their classroom libraries
- Purchased additional HMH reading teacher guide sets to strengthen literacy instruction
đ Professional DevelopmentÂ
Thanks to Foundation funding, we've already supported several exciting opportunities for teacher growth this year:Â - Sponsored four teachers to become Gifted CertifiedÂ
- Funded one teacher's participation in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education workshop, bringing innovative learning strategies back to Morris Brandon
- Approved grants for two Specials teachers to attend upcoming conferences and training opportunities, helping them bring fresh ideas and best practices back to their classrooms
- Provided IB Leadership stipends to support our ongoing excellence in the International Baccalaureate program
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BUILDINGS & GROUNDS UPDATES Weâve been busy bees since the end of last school year! đ Over the summer, the Foundation completed several exciting renovations and campus enhancements to welcome students, families, and staff back to refreshed spaces. Main Campus - Lobby refresh featuring new wall wraps, fresh paint, and updated furniture (reception desk, couch, and a student drop zone console)
- Playground repairs to keep outdoor spaces safe and fun
- Completed a cleanup of the overgrown area alongside Howell Mill creating an outdoor learning space for 5th grade!
- Various landscaping and clean up projects approved to enhance and maintain the grounds
Primary Center - A brand-new lobby floor showcasing our Brandon Bee logo
- Updated Media Center signage
- New Lost & Found racks to keep items organized
- Playground improvements, including brand new swings
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â¨TEACHER TESTIMONIALS⨠|
âIâm so thankful to the Foundation for continuing to invest in our school and create spaces that help every student thrive. Thanks to their support, our very former kindergarten playground is now a vibrant outdoor area once again where our 5th grade students can read, eat lunch together, and enjoy learning outside.âÂ
-Â Emily Morehart, 5th Grade |
| "First grade is so grateful to the Foundation for coordinating and purchasing new soccer balls, basketballs, and kickballs. The kids are having so much fun with the new equipment, and the color coordination makes rounding up the balls easy. Thank you, again, for all that you do for the teacher and students."Â
- Georgia Calhoun, 1st Grade |
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MORRIS BRANDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOUNDATION |
Primary Center 2845 Margaret Mitchell Dr
Atlanta, GA 30327
(404) 802-7280 |
| Main Campus 2741 Howell Mill Rd NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30327
(404) 802-7250 |
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