It's done.

The Walnut Creek Education Foundation has reached its goal of raising $724,000 for the current school year.

In a recent letter to parents, foundation President Elizabeth Davis announced she was proud and "relieved" to report the foundation had reached its goal. She thanks parents, businesses and residents for donating to the foundation could give money to Walnut Creek School District schools and Las Las Lomas High School.

More than 230 families stepped up to make extra or additional contributions; that is in addition to the donations from 1,600 families, teachers, staff, administrators and community members, she said.

While this year was tough, next year could be even more demanding.

"We have been told that the coming year will hold even greater challenges," wrote Davis. "The success of the foundation rests on a commitment from all of our families. We need greater participation and increased donor support. I am confident that, like this year, you will rise to the occasion and give what you can."

For more information about the foundation go to www.wcefk12.org or call 925-933-9233.

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    In the past three years, Northgate High School has seen the opening of a beautiful new theater and an all-weather track and football field, thanks to the efforts of the Northgate Community Pride Foundation.

    This year, the school has one

    more project to be excited about. To complement the Jack DeRieux Little Theatre foundation, parents and students recently celebrated the grand reopening of the dance studio, complete with a new sprung floor, according to a news release. The $18,000 project was the first smaller-scale project tackled by the foundation.

    "Having a space that is our own really allows the dancers to connect with and commit to the program at school," says dance instructor Alyssa Bond. "Not only is the space safer, it is also our own and looks amazing. You walk in and know that it is a dance room. The dancers and myself cannot thank the donors enough for what you have given us."

    It was a relatively quick project. The foundation began the fundraising efforts in December, with the bulk of donations coming from families and friends of dance students. By February, the floor was in place.

    But the studio isn't quite finished yet, as the foundation, along with dance program supporters, are now raising money for ballet bars รข€" an essential part of a working studio.

    For more information about the project or to make a donation, visit www.northgatepride.org.

    To submit an item for School Notes contact Elisabeth Nardi at 925-952-2617.