For the first time since before the pandemic, the Vashon PTO this month proudly brought back the Family Feast, rekindling a beloved island tradition that brings people together over food, laughter, and a shared commitment to our schools.

After years apart, it was a joy to see families reconnect, teachers and students share a meal, and the community support the programs that make our schools thrive. The Beall Road Combo, made up of Rowan McBennett, Marlowe Cardoza and Lilith Provo played wonderful music during the meal.

While the event was a huge success in bringing us together, it also highlighted the significant funding gaps that our schools face. Our Raise-the-Paddle fundraiser made great progress, but we still need your help to reach our goals.

Thanks to generous contributions from families, local businesses, and individuals, we’ve made a strong start:

• $1,450 raised for new swings at Chautauqua Elementary School (CES) — just $50 short of our $1,500 goal!

• $750 raised for paper and classroom supplies for CES teachers — leaving $750 more needed.

• $775 toward Exploratory Week scholarships at McMurray Middle School — still needing $725 to ensure all students can participate.

• $125 for art and outdoor elective classes at McMurray — far from the $1,500 needed to provide materials like ceramics, paints, and mountain biking supplies.

• $505 for Vashon High School’s Safe Grad Night, leaving $995 still to raise for a safe and fun graduation celebration.

• $225 for classroom and office supplies at VHS, meaning $1,275 is still needed.

• $100 raised for Student Link tutors, leaving $400 to reach our $500 goal for personalized academic assistance.

• $150 raised for FamilyLink enrichment workshops, still needing $350 to fund hands-on learning opportunities for K-8 students.

These aren’t just numbers. Each dollar raised represents a direct investment in our students, educators, and school programs.

At Chautauqua Elementary, recess is a time of joy and movement, but broken swings mean fewer opportunities for kids to play. We are just $50 away from giving them a fully restored playground. Similarly, the $750 gap for paper and essential classroom supplies means teachers are still reaching into their own pockets to provide basic materials for their students.

At McMurray Middle School, Exploratory Week is an opportunity for eighth graders to learn beyond the classroom, with outdoor excursions, cultural experiences, and hands-on learning. We still need $725 to ensure every student can participate, regardless of financial circumstances. Meanwhile, the $1,375 shortfall for art and elective supplies threatens to limit students’ opportunities to explore new creative and physical activities.

At Vashon High School, Safe Grad Night provides a fun, alcohol-free celebration for graduating seniors. We are $995 away from this goal. Additionally, teachers at VHS still need $1,275 for essential classroom materials, which impacts our students’ ability to engage fully in their coursework.

Beyond these immediate needs, FamilyLink and StudentLink provide alternative learning support for students who thrive in non-traditional settings. So far, only $100 has been raised for StudentLink tutors and $150 for FamilyLink workshops, leaving both programs significantly underfunded. These programs help students who need extra support, whether academically or through hands-on enrichment, reach success.

The incredible generosity of this community has already gotten us so close to our goals. But to fully fund these vital programs, we need one final push.

Every donation — no matter the size — makes a difference. If 100 people contribute $20, we can secure art supplies, elective resources, and classroom materials across McMurray and VHS. If just a handful of families or businesses step forward with matching donations, we can ensure that every eighth grader has access to Exploratory Week and that every senior enjoys a safe, memorable graduation night.

And for those who have already given — thank you. Your generosity is already making a tangible difference in classrooms, playgrounds, and school programs across Vashon.

The return of Family Feast was a reminder of how strong our community is when we come together. It showed that we care deeply about our schools, our teachers, and most of all, our students.

Let’s ensure that no child is left behind because of financial constraints. Let’s make sure that every classroom is stocked, every student has access to enriching programs, and every teacher feels supported.

We’ve come so far — let’s finish what we started. Donate today at VashonPTO.com and be part of making a lasting impact on our schools and community.

Leigh Anne McKeen is president of the Vashon PTO for the Vashon Island School District.

The Beall Road Combo performs during the Family Feast: Marlowe Cardoza on bass; Rowan McBennett on piano; and Lilith Provo on drums. (Courtesy photo)

Diners at the Family Feast were treated to meals baked from scratch by the school’s food services team. (Courtesy photo)