Lake Washington Schools Foundation
  • Home
    • About Us
    • Racial Equity Statement
    • Trustees
    • Ambassadors
    • Employment
    • Financials
    • Contact Us
  • Programs
    • Balance in Mind
    • Reach for Success Classroom Grants >
      • Congratulations to our 2019-2020 RFS Grant Recipients
      • Reach For Success Highlights
    • Find Your Fit
    • LINKs Mentoring
    • Pantry Packs
    • Kids Coming Together
  • Events
  • impact update
  • Media
    • Media Kit: Graphics and Logos
    • Media Kit: Press Releases and Flyers
    • Media Kit: Video
    • LWSF in the News
  • LWSF Gives Thanks
    • Donor Spotlight: COR Church
    • Donor Spotlight: Teens Making a Difference
    • Donor Spotlight: Sanika
    • Donor Spotlight: Aly fights student hunger
    • Donor spotlight: Science Infinity
    • Donor Spotlight: Girl Power
    • Donor Spotlight: Kim and Bailey
    • Be The Bridge Builders Wall
  • Donate
    • Send a Teacher a Valentine >
      • Valentine's Day 2021 Wall of Love
    • Workplace Giving
    • Giving through Amazon
    • Pantry Packs Giving >
      • How to Support Pantry Packs
Picture
receive the next issue
Want to hear about what lwsf is doing in your school community?
​Sign up for an Impact Update!

Nickels, summer school, and a kite...

5/10/2018

 
Spring may be a break for some, but it's one of the Foundation's busiest seasons.

Thanks to everyone who helped our March benefit luncheon raise more than $210,000. If you donated and your employer offers matching gifts, don't forget to submit your donation for a match. Just this week we received nearly $3,000 in corporate matches for the spring lunch.

March also marked the deadline for our Reach for Success grant applications. The evaluation process is underway and we'll be notifying applicants of their status by the end of the school year.

Did you miss the application deadline? Keep in mind that we occasionally make off-cycle grants. Last week, in fact, we awarded $1,000 to Juanita High School to help with fees for students taking Cambridge exams.

Reducing financial obstacles to educational opportunities is a priority for us. If you agree, you'll be interested in our new FAN campaign to sponsor need-based summer school scholarships in the LWSD. With the district's newly expanded programming options, summer school really is for everyone. With the community's support, we'll make sure that finances are no barrier to participation.

We're also helping local students pay for college. In a couple of days, we'll be announcing the deserving recipients of two $10,000 LWSF college scholarships. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to hear the announcement when it happens.

We're committed to ensuring that all kids in the LWSD achieve their full potential. With your support, we'll continue to help students achieve success in and out of the classroom.
​

Sincerely,

​
Larry Wright
Executive Director
Lake Washington Schools Foundation 



Picture
P.S. I'm leading a Youth Mental Health First Aid seminar on May 24 and 25 at Juanita High School. Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is an 8-hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
​

Right now, this class is for teachers and staff, but space may be available for other community members. If there's enough interest, we could add another session. Let me know if you're interested.


Lake Washington Schools Foundation luncheon focuses on ‘bridging gaps’
​

Foundation aims to bring equal opportunities to students from all income levels.
​
by Nicole Jennings, Redmond Reporter

Picture

​Poverty. Hunger. Homelessness.
​
These are not words that one normally associates with Eastside schools, but the Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s annual benefit luncheon on March 27, attended by 400 people, drew attention to the population of Lake Washington School District students who come from families struggling to make ends meet.
​
Read more!

Summer school is for every kid.

Picture
Summer school in the Lake Washington School District is expanding! Now, along with opportunities to re-learn previously taught content, students can undertake accelerated coursework and engage in enriching experiences. From STEM and drama camps, integrated art/writing, and sustainable design, to multiple Jr. DigiPen courses (including game design, art and animation, music and sound design, and fictional worldbuilding) there's something to interest every kid.
​
But not every kid can afford to go.
​

That's why the Lake Washington Schools Foundation is sponsoring need-based scholarships for summer school. With your help, we'll raise $12,000 this May and secure summer school opportunities for students who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Sponsor a student, register for summer school, or apply for a scholarship:

​
Click to learn more!

​Every nickel makes a difference...especially when you have 14,000 nickels.

Picture
It all adds up. When you bring your reusable shopping bags to your local Whole Foods, you have the opportunity to donate a $.05 per bag credit to a local non-profit. We were honored to be one of the options at Whole Foods Redmond for the first quarter of 2018.

We weren't sure what to hope for, but more than 14,000 reusable bags were used at the Whole Foods Redmond in just three months, raising more than $700 for LWSF! We're astonished and grateful to everyone who not only donated their credit to the Foundation but remembered to bring their bags (sometimes, that's half the battle).
​
Special thanks also to the dedicated team at Whole Foods Redmond, who continually think of innovative ways to support our mission. We're lucky to have their partnership.

​​

FINAL WEEK of the Kite Stem Challenge!

Picture
Have you heard the excitement surrounding the KITE STEM Challenge? We've teamed up with Google and Kirkland Parks Foundation to encourage students in the LWSD to use their STEM skills outside of the classroom by answering STEM questions via an iOS or Android app. Not only can you win money for your school but there are prizes available each week for participating students.
​

It's not too late to participate in the challenge, so what are you waiting for? Download the app, have some fun outdoors while winning prizes for your school and your student! But hurry, the competition ends May 13 with an awards ceremony at Google Kirkland on May 23!
​
Click to learn more!

A Mother and a daughter making a difference...

1/19/2018

 
I hope you had a peaceful and merry holiday season.

Here at the Foundation, 2017 finished with grace and generosity, as supporters like you gave nearly $2,800 in our Zero Balance campaign to erase school lunch debt.

We've hit the ground running in 2018. With upcoming Reach for Success grants to benefit classrooms, our new FAN campaign to fund music arts in schools, and a Find Your Fit presentation LWTech on January 31, we're finding more ways to help you bridge the gaps between what our students have and what they need to succeed.

In this second issue of the Impact Update, I'm excited to share with you the moving story of Kim and Bailey, a mother and daughter who are making a difference in our community. Read on to learn about our upcoming events and campaigns, and don't forget to register to attend our annual spring benefit luncheon.

Please note that we're hosting just one spring event this year--a luncheon at the Redmond Marriott on Tuesday, March 27. Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib is our keynote speaker and Juanita High School student Grace Harrington returns as an MC. It promises to be an inspiring afternoon. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,
​Larry Wright, PhD
Executive Director
Lake Washington Schools Foundation

p.s. bring your bags!

An easy way to give: use your reusable shopping bags when buying groceries at Whole Foods Redmond and tell them to donate your five-cent credit (per bag) to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. We're one of two selected recipients this quarter. Program runs through March 31, so remember your bags--and tell them to "Give it to LWSF!" ​
Picture
Whole Foods Redmond is located at 17991 Ne Redmond Way, Redmond, WA 98052.

donor spotlight

"mOM, I THINK MY FRIEND IS HOMELESS."

By Elizabeth Russell
Picture
Bailey, then just a little girl, spoke out of the blue. Her mother, Kim, replied, “What do you mean?”
"I think they're sleeping in their car. Mom, do you think they can stay at our house sometimes, just so that they can have breath?”

Kim didn't hesitate. “Of course they can come over and stay with us, and get breath.”

“Breath” is a bit of shorthand between mother and daughter. In their household, “breath” can describe a space where one can manage some of life’s obstacles. Kim says that sometimes it’s about “finding your breath for a moment, and that will help you navigate whatever is overwhelming you.”

read the rest of their inspiring story!

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILDREN, YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN DUCT TAPE.

Picture
support music arts now!
Lake Washington School District music programs win awards and enrich our children's lives. So when the school district let us know that our high and middle schools needed nearly $300,000 in instruments in the next five years, we knew you'd want to help.

​Become a "FAN" and fund-a-need for music arts in local schools. Direct your support to the school or learning community of your choice, or make a general donation to support LWSD's circulating instrument library.

​
It's hard enough for a child to play a tuba. Let's make sure it isn't duct-taped.

​Learn more about the need in your area...
​

register now for local college presentation on January 31, 2018

Picture
reserve your spot today!
Lake Washington Schools Foundation is pleased to partner with Lake Washington Institute of Technology to present the next step in its "Find Your Fit" series. Free and open to all Lake Washington School District families, this presentation and Q&A session (with tours available after) will introduce the array of workforce-ready programs available at this vibrant local college.

Get ready to think outside of the classic college box at this exciting presentation. Sign up today and arrive on time for a free chicken sandwich; this event will fill up! ​

reach for success with
​classroom grants ​up to $3000

Picture
learn more now!
Do you know a teacher, school club, or other school-associated need that could benefit from a little extra funding? Lake Washington Schools Foundation funds innovative educational programs that enhance or expand district curriculum, support a school’s goals, and are in line with the Foundation’s mission to support academic excellence and success for all district students. A grant application can be written up to a $3,000 maximum request per project, and applications will be available on the LWSF website the last week of January.
​

Need help with your Reach for Success application? Have questions about the program? Visit our information page for grant guidelines, frequently asked questions, and more.​

reserve your seat at our annual benefit luncheon on march 27, 2018

Picture
reserve your seat today!
Sign up today to engage with like-minded community members and be inspired by remarkable speakers while enjoying a delicious luncheon at the Marriott Redmond Town Center.

This year, we're honored to welcome Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib as our guest speaker and the fabulous Grace Harrington has agreed to return as a student MC...with a little co-hosting help from KOMO meteorologist and Redmond High School alumna Shannon O'Donnell. Hear from an inspiring group of everyday philanthropists and learn just what it takes to build a bridge in our community.


Email us now to become a Table Captain or Corporate Sponsor. Only a few tables are left. ​

And remember⸺just one spring event this year!

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017

    Categories

    All
    Become A FAN
    Bridge The Gap
    Crossings Magazine
    Donor Spotlight
    Find Your Fit
    Girl Power
    Grants
    Impact Update
    Kid Heroes
    KITE STEM
    LWTech
    Marlene Vacknitz
    Music Arts
    Newsletter
    Pantry Packs
    Reach For Success Classroom Grants
    Spring Event
    Spring Luncheon
    Zero Balance

    RSS Feed

get your impact update newsletter
Picture
Lake Washington Schools Foundation
Driving 16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052
Mailing PO Box 83, Redmond, WA 98073
Phone 425 936 1414 | Fax 425 936 1449 | info@lwsf.org
The Lake Washington Schools Foundation gathers and deploys community resources to enhance academic access and to nurture all students' emotional well-being. LWSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax identification number 55-0891792.
© 2016-2018 Lake Washington Schools Foundation

  • Home
    • About Us
    • Racial Equity Statement
    • Trustees
    • Ambassadors
    • Employment
    • Financials
    • Contact Us
  • Programs
    • Balance in Mind
    • Reach for Success Classroom Grants >
      • Congratulations to our 2019-2020 RFS Grant Recipients
      • Reach For Success Highlights
    • Find Your Fit
    • LINKs Mentoring
    • Pantry Packs
    • Kids Coming Together
  • Events
  • impact update
  • Media
    • Media Kit: Graphics and Logos
    • Media Kit: Press Releases and Flyers
    • Media Kit: Video
    • LWSF in the News
  • LWSF Gives Thanks
    • Donor Spotlight: COR Church
    • Donor Spotlight: Teens Making a Difference
    • Donor Spotlight: Sanika
    • Donor Spotlight: Aly fights student hunger
    • Donor spotlight: Science Infinity
    • Donor Spotlight: Girl Power
    • Donor Spotlight: Kim and Bailey
    • Be The Bridge Builders Wall
  • Donate
    • Send a Teacher a Valentine >
      • Valentine's Day 2021 Wall of Love
    • Workplace Giving
    • Giving through Amazon
    • Pantry Packs Giving >
      • How to Support Pantry Packs