Mission Statement
The Northshore Schools Foundation exists to raise funds and build partnerships to support academic success and excellence for all Northshore students in alignment with district priorities;
We are Northshore Area (Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville) school age parents, extended community residents, businesses, municipalities, and area-wide supporters of our schools and students. We are the Northshore community, and we seek to enhance learning opportunities for all Northshore students through our district-wide fundraising efforts. We use these funds to support critical needs of the Northshore School District.
We are a non-profit organization originally founded in 1995 as the Northshore Public Education Foundation (NPEF). In 2009, the organization changed its name to the Northshore Schools Foundation (Foundation). The Foundation operates separately from the Northshore School District (NSD) and is funded solely through private contributions. We partner with the NSD, individual schools, parent groups, local businesses and corporations and the community-at-large to enhance learning opportunities forall Northshore students.
Description
WHAT DO WE FUND
FIVE FUNDING INITIATIVES In 2013 the Northshore Schools Foundation established five priorities to direct Foundation funding for the next three years. Through our granting program for District Wide Curriculum Grants, Innovative Classroom Grants and National Board Teacher Certification (UW Support group tuition reimbursement), we are using your donations to impact:
- Literacy & Arts
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math [S.T.E.M]
- Teacher Excellence
- Advanced & Disadvantaged Learners
- Health & Enrichment
Literacy & Arts Basic reading proficiency is the foundation to future student success in all subjects. Strong literacy skills are closely linked to academic success and the probability of having a good job, decent earnings and access to training opportunities. The Foundation is supporting classrooms by providing literacy enhancement materials for students of all ages.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) The workforce is changing and a student’s proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math is required for a successful career in the 21st century. NSD has adopted a variety of curriculum and expanded program options for students to develop these skills. An example of these program offerings is the Environmental Studies Program at Secondary Academy for Success, created in collaboration with Cascadia Community College. The Foundation is committed to ensuring students have the programs and equipment necessary to successfully embark on a comprehensive S.T.E.M. learning experience.
Teacher Excellence Teacher excellence through quality instruction is a priority for the Northshore School District. National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential awarded to teachers who successfully complete a "voluntary assessment program designed to recognize effective and accomplished teachers who meet high standards." To date, 99 NSD teachers have earned this distinction.
The Foundation is committed to supporting the cultivation of exceptional teachers by supporting new teachers pursuing National Board Certification and new classroom teachers.
Advanced and Disadvantaged Learners Northshore School District strives to provide a world-class education to each of its more than 19,000 students. The District provides rigorous curriculum, programs, and opportunities to meet the varied needs of students and challenge them to excel academically. Examples of district-wide programs to meet unique student needs include Elementary Advanced Program (EAP), Advanced Placement, English Language Learner (ELL), International Baccalaureate (IB), Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Special Education and Homeless Services.
The Foundation has a long history of purchasing textbooks for our more advanced students, and supplies and equipment for children with learning disadvantages. The Foundation partnering with the school district to support programs such as Natural Leaders and Hang Time and also is expanding its scope beyond classroom walls by helping to support programs that address non-academic barriers to learning as well and are.
Health & Enrichment Programming Since our inception, the Northshore Schools Foundation has focused on supporting opportunities that enhance the learning experience for students. The Foundation continues to prioritize programs that extend and enrich the learning environment and experience for our students. Fitness, health, service and other activities ensure that students are ready to learn and provides support for beyond classroom essentials.
HOW WE GRANT MONEY FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL NORTHSHORE STUDENTS The Northshore Schools Foundation works in close partnership with Northshore School District to more successfully meet the District’s needs. Fueled by input from the District, the foundation has adopted three funding categories:
INNOVATIVE CLASSROOM GRANTS
" I, like many teachers, enjoy opportunities to be creative with curriculum, and instruction. As learning standards and curriculum become more fixed, teachers have fewer and fewer opportunities to create their own activities and lessons. I spent 2-4 hours assembling and creating [these] activities ... and enjoyed every minute of it. I am looking forward to enhancing and improving [them] for next year. THANK YOU FOR funding this grant. It has and will continue to have a positive impact on student learning in Northshore. " - 2009 Grant Recipient
Each year, the Foundation awards Classroom Grants throughout the district. These grants are applied for by district teachers and are designed to promote innovation and creativity. In the past 6 years, the Foundation has awarded 100 classroom grants exceeding over $100,000. The grants have touched every school in the district. For the upcoming 2012-13 school year, the Foundation awarded 18 classroom grants totaling over $18,000.
TEACHER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION We support teachers in getting the training they need to be excellent teachers for our students. We fund scholarships to the UW Support group that supports teachers in the National Board Certification process and have set up a fund where teachers in that process can apply for paid time off to prespar ofr their exams.
DISTRICT CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENT AND SUPPORT The district submits applications for funds to the Foundation for consideration. Applications are reviewed by the Foundation board to insure that they are in alignment with our goals and priorities. Funds are granted as they become available.
HOW WE RAISE MONEY FOR NORTHSHORE STUDENTS The Foundation is funded solely by private contributions. We hold several major fundraisers each year including
- All in for Kids Phonathon (Fall)
- "Light a Fire for Learning" community luncheon (March)
- Pour for Northshore (September)
- Retired Staff Brunch
- Milk Money - Community Change Program
Additional funds come from generous donors through workplace giving campaigns (United Way) and corporate partnerships as well as individual and corporate donors
