Vashon Partners in Education (PIE) is gearing up for its annual Phonathon — a major fundraising event that will run the week of October 7 through 11.

A few years ago, when I was still new to PIE’s board, I observed groups of Chautauqua Elementary School fifth-grade students demonstrate robots they had built.

Taking questions from an audience of teachers, parents and volunteers, lively and self-possessed youngsters presented their projects and explained how they made their robots perform a specific task. They described how they worked collaboratively and solved technical challenges.

I enjoyed seeing PIE’s support further down the stream — another side of fundraising — the part where the money raised during fundraising goes directly towards creative projects in the classroom. And I loved to see children buzz with curiosity and pride.

PIE strives to enhance the learning environment in Vashon’s public schools, and funds activities and materials requested by those closest to the educational process — our teachers.

PIE also has a special grant program, the Robin Appleford Enrichment Fund, which prioritizes student-led grants.

“PIE wants to encourage students to submit grant requests to support classroom and club activities,” said Board President Karen Boyle. “We recently funded a grant from the Chautauqua Green Team to purchase reusable party supplies for every classroom in the elementary school.”

PIE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. It has historically spent around 85% – 90% of all donations on grants. The difference goes towards its administrative expenses. It has no paid employees or board members. It is a 100% grassroots, volunteer organization.

For more than 35 years, donors have funded more than $1.8 million dollars in grants to support all-schools programs as well as school-specific programs, including Student Link and Family Link.

Tax-deductible donations have helped with classroom enhancements, including science equipment, Vashon Artists in Schools, field trips, elective materials, and new books.

I encourage the community to continue to support PIE through donations of money and / or time. It’s for such a solid cause.

I think about how volunteering has shaped my life over 30 years on Vashon and all the bright-eyed, capable children I’ve had the privilege to meet — leaving me feeling like I’ve glimpsed into the future.

And when headlines make my head spin (as they do), I know I can think global and act local.

PIE’s annual Phonathon will be held during the week of October 7. Volunteers will be calling throughout the week. Please answer the call to support Vashon’s teachers and students.

You can also donate online by visiting vashonpie.org or by mailing a check to PIE at PO Box 1645, Vashon.

Marie Koltchak is a board member of Vashon Partners in Education.

Chautauqua students last spring explore with Lego robotics. These older kits have been updated with newer models thanks to PIE. (Courtesy photo)

With the help of Ghanian drums and books, 7th-grade students experienced firsthand the role of talking drums in West African history. Social studies teacher Becky Blankenship said, “Storytelling in the form of music and dance not only has centuries of tradition as a form of sharing histories, but it is central to supporting BIPOC students in the classroom as community and story are at the heart of how students connect with classroom learning.” (Courtesy photo)