december 2022 update
$38k in grants will assist students, teachers in all schools
Last week the Olympia Education Foundation Board of Trustees approved $38,400 in Teaching & Learning and SEL/Mental Health and Browsers Books grants. This is in addition to the nearly $70,000 in grants approved in October.
Available to district staff who work directly with students, these grants are enhancing student learning, addressing opportunity gaps, and funding opportunities that the district and individual schools cannot, including:
library and classroom books
musical instruments that are used in K-5 schools by all students
intervention tools for students who need assistance catching up as a result of the pandemic
art projects
school gardens
sensory tools to center students so they can engage in learning
You can learn more about how these grants are transforming students' lives by watching this video.
A limited amount of grant funding is available for the duration of the school year. The next deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.
One of many "calming baskets" now in our schools -- thanks to Mental Health Initiative grants. Calming baskets are comprised of a variety of tools that help students center so they can better engage in learning.
Year-end campaign: Help a hungry student
We are experiencing a budget shortfall this year and could use your help to ensure a student in need has food at home to eat during the current winter and on weekends -- when they don't have access to the school-provided breakfast and lunch they rely upon five days a week to stay nourished.
This shortfall is occurring while the number of students in need of Principal's Emergency Fund support is increasing, with record inflation forcing families to make tough choices -- between heating their home, paying rent and buying groceries.
Your $50 gift during our year-end campaign will provide a student's family with a grocery voucher that will ensure the student has enough food at home for one week.
Please consider providing one week, two weeks, or maybe even one month of groceries.
Any gift you make will boost our Principal's Emergency Fund -- and allow school staff to immediately help a student or family courageous enough to ask for assistance with their urgent basic needs -- and it will support all of our work to empower students.
sponsor spotlight
On this chilly first day of winter, we want to acknowledge Puget Sound Energy for their compassion toward students and their families who find themselves in need of assistance this time of year. Whether that's ensuring they have a warm coat or a warm meal, or helping keep their home warm by providing utility bill assistance -- just a handful of examples of how our Principal's Emergency Fund supports students who have urgent basic needs. We are grateful for all you do in our communities, Puget Sound Energy!
