november 2024 update
give local: keep a student safe
Students' needs shift with the seasons
Chances are good that when you go to bed, you will be protected from the driving rain, forceful wind and cooler temperatures that are forecast to persist throughout the week (not to mention the coming months).
Unfortunately, that is not the case for all of Olympia's public school students.
Since school started in September, demand on our Principal's Emergency Fund has lessened for school supplies and new shoes. And that's only because students' urgent basic needs have shifted -- to items that protect a student from the elements -- and that make life a bit more bearable when they lack stable nighttime housing: hand warmers, wool socks, blankets, a tent.
Having immediate access to them -- along with grocery vouchers that allow them to eat nourishing meals on the weekend or during holiday breaks when they can't be in school -- can be the reason that a student remains engaged in learning and school.
This video is based on the true story of one such student. Through no fault of his own, last fall "James" found himself no longer in the care of his family and without reliable housing.
Imagine being forced to navigate life as an adult on your own while you are still an adolescent. For "James," this meant holding a job while attending high school full time, applying for health and car insurance, completing a FAFSA form for post-high-school aid, being responsible for his own transportation and, when he could finally afford it, rent.
Thanks to a combination of dedicated school staff and the Principal's Emergency Fund, "James" persevered, graduating last spring. And he started his post-high-school studies this past fall.
We are very close to our fundraising goal for this year's Give Local, the online giving campaign for local nonprofits that promotes community-wide generosity and collaboration -- and that ends this Friday, Nov. 22.
Please consider making a Give Local gift today so that none of our principals or school staff has to say "no" to a student, due to lack of funds, when that student make themselves vulnerable enough to ask for help? Your gift will support the Principal's Emergency Fund -- and all of our work to cultivate student potential.
What's more, it can be the reason that a student, in the face of harrowing circumstances, makes it to the stage for graduation -- as it was for "James."
speaker series continues next month
No-cost event includes on-site child care and food
Our Student & Family Well-Being speaker series continues next month with local parent coach Emily McMason, who will discuss the topic of "screens."
All K-12 families, caregivers, students and staff in the Olympia School District are welcome to join us for this no-cost event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Hansen Elementary, where participants will learn how to navigate the online world with their student -- so they can learn, grow and thrive with media in their lives.
Free food and on-site child care (for children who can use the toilet on their own) will be available.
To sign up for this event, click the "register to attend" button below.
And you can find more details soon about other speakers who will be joining our series this year, including Dr. Bre Haizlip, Aidan Key and Jessica Martinez.
All of these events are community informed. Use the "request a speaker or topic" button below to share your feedback about a topic or speaker that would be helpful to you.
community spotlight
We're excited to once again participate in Give Local -- alongside many of our wonderful nonprofit colleagues. You can support community-wide generosity through Friday, Nov. 22, as we all come together to give back to the South Puget Sound causes that make our communities stronger and more vibrant places to live. Please read the lead story at the top of this e-newsletter to learn more about how your Give Local support of the Olympia Education Foundation will cultivate student potential.