Overview of Our Work

Mission

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation raises funds and amplifies community resources to provide students in Lake Washington School District what they need to thrive, both now and in the future.

Core Values

Our four core values provide the lens through which we view all of our work:

  • Accountability: We will be accountable for our actions, which includes honoring donors’ intentions, following through on our promises, and being transparent in our actions.
  • Equity: We will allocate resources equitably to ensure that every student has an opportunity to achieve an equal outcome.
  • Integrity: We will strive to do what is best for the students and families in our district, rather than what is convenient or what is familiar.
  • Community: We will support the school district administration and seek partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and individuals who share our vision.

Strategic Areas of Focus

We activate our mission through four key strategic areas of focus:

  • Pantry Packs weekend meal packs and School Break Food Vouchers ensure that all students can arrive at school nourished and ready to learn.
  • Through our Student Stability Fund, we work to supply basic and academic needs for students and ensure no student is burdened with school-related fees that they cannot afford.
  • Communities in Schools social services program crafts customized solutions to help students overcome systemic problems preventing them from achieving their potential.
  • School staff and teens are given the tools they need to recognize and respond to students in mental health and substance abuse crises through Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid classes.
  • Elementary students who need additional one-on-one support are mentored through the LINKS Lunch Buddy program.
  • Balance in Mind raises awareness about emotional and mental health challenges faced by students, helps equip parents to provide support, and provides mental health resources to students and schools.
  • We provide free film screenings of documentaries that educate, enlighten, and empower our community to be healthier, safer, and more resilient.
  • Noticias de BSD y LWSD (Spanish Translation Video Newsletters) make educational opportunities more available and welcoming to Spanish-speaking families in our district.
  • Kids Coming Together coordinates student-led community service and social events that help elementary children form healthy friendships with peers while teaching teens how to become empathetic and impactful leaders who make a difference in their community.
  • School library collections are audited, analyzed, and enhanced to be more diverse, inclusive, and equitable through the Inclusive Libraries project.
  • High school students find post-secondary guidance and clarity through Find Your Fit college counseling workshops and events.
  • Elementary and middle school students across the district have the chance to form teams with their peers to gain valuable literacy and critical thinking skills in the Amazing Reading Challenge and Battle of the Books Competition.
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