Foundation fundraiser exceeds
April 30, 2008
By Laura Geggel
The Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation raised more than $85,000 at its seventh annual fundraising breakfast March 28.
Last year, the foundation breakfast raised about $82,000. But Carolyn Simpson, vice president of the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation, put the number in perspective by pointing out the additional $20,000 the foundation collected at the Monster Mash costume party fundraiser in September. This was the first time the foundation held a large fundraiser in both the fall and spring.
“We’re very pleased with the amount, considering the economy,” said Simpson.
Funds from these fundraisers funnel into three areas: district-wide initiatives, classroom grants and professional development. The foundation has already started to divvy up the money, agreeing to give elementary schools $25,000 for reading enrichment and intervention programs, and $4,000 for golf equipment in elementary physical education classes.
The middle schools and Mount Si High School will receive $26,000 worth of ActivBoards, a long-term project in which the foundation will respond to ActivBoard requests along with the district’s technology levy from all middle and high school teachers who want one. Mount Si High School will also receive $4,000 to fund the Natural Helpers program.
This past year, the foundation donated $26,000 to teacher grants across the district and they plan to provide $10,000 for the professional development of teachers.
“We encourage teachers to apply for the grants right when school starts,” said Simpson. “They hear back from us by Thanksgiving.”
Simpson said the foundation is trying to fund more district-wide initiatives to make “a bigger impact.” For instance, after they attended a math and science teacher cohort meeting, the foundation learned that science classrooms were in desperate need of dissection equipment, which they later funded.
Almost 90 percent of the money raised benefits classroom and teacher education. The other 10 percent funds mailings and other costs.
For more information about the foundation, visit www.svsfoundation.org.
Reporter Laura Geggel can be reached at 392-6434 x221 or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com.
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