For many of us, spring is a time to refocus, recharge and recommit!

Vashon Schools Foundation (VSF) was founded in 2010 on the belief that a strong school district makes a strong community with well-equipped, empowered youth.

This spring, VSF is recommitting to our goal to raise funds to invest in Vashon’s three public schools, helping to sustain high-quality education to meet all our student’s needs today and into the future.

In my fifth year as a board member of the Vashon Schools Foundation, I continue to get asked what the difference is between the three groups fundraising for our schools. Here is the quick answer.

VSF raises funds for programs such as Vashon Artists in the Schools and Vashon Nature Center. Residing under the VSF umbrella is FACE, which stands for “Family and Community Engagement.” FACE sponsors beloved school events and activities such as Harvest Festival, Chess Club, and Field Day. Partners In Education, known as PIE, provides grants for teachers for specific learning enrichment opportunities.

Here’s what a few of our partner programs say about their work funded by VSF.

Vashon Artists in Schools: “I’m really proud that Vashon Artists in Schools was able to partner artists with classroom teachers in circumstances that required those partnerships to be extra creative, extra flexible. Teachers who participated in Vashon Artist in the Schools went above and beyond to bring the arts into classroom curriculums, engaging their students and enhancing classroom learning,” said Stephanie Blomgren, program manager of Vashon Artists in Schools.

Vashon Nature Center: “We are able to really use our expertise as an organization to give students career-based learning experiences – where they get a chance to interact with marine professionals (from scientists to boat operators to fishermen). We also provide a combination of field trips and class sessions that end up culminating in a Beach Naturalist certificate they earn. They can put that on their resume and get work as a naturalist guide,” said Bianca Perla, founder and science director of the Nature Center.

Vashon Schools Foundation is asking you, the Vashon Island community, to recommit to our students.

A gift to VSF means building confidence, wonder, and curiosity in our island youth, who count on your generosity. When you donate to Vashon’s public schools, you provide critical funding for programs that the state does not support through our district.

We won’t settle for the ordinary because we know our students deserve the extraordinary.

This week, please donate to VSF as part of your GiveBIG priorities and recommit to our students. You can GiveBIG to VSF by through our website, vashonschoolsfoundation.org. Mail your donation check to VSF, P.O. Box 481, Vashon, 98070. Don’t forget to check your employer matching program to see your gift go even further!

We believe in the power of this community to come together to GiveCONFIDENCE. GiveWONDER. GiveBIG to Our Kids.

Mary Margaret Briggs is the treasurer of Vashon Schools Foundation’s board of directors.