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All In For Kids | Lake Washington Schools Foundation

Dear Friend,

If there's anything we've learned over the past 2 years, it's that we never know what's around the corner. Just when we think we have it all figured out, the universe throws us a new challenge. What we CAN focus on is to meet each of these challenges as they come, and to accomplish what we can with what we have. Together. As a strong and resilient community. That's why I'm so grateful for the many volunteers, organizations, donors, and businesses who continue to show up with us, everyday, to support the students and families in Lake Washington School District. Here's what we've achieved together since the beginning of the school year in September:

  • Distributed over 11,000 weekend food packs to students in need.
  • Provided Youth Mental Health First Aid training sessions for 37 teachers and staff.
  • Resumed in-person mentoring for over 70 local students in 15 elementary schools.
  • Educated families in youth mental wellness through workshops, print resources, and bi-weekly Parent Chats.
  • Brought students together to support peer connections through multiple community events,
  • Supported 1,786 students and parents with the college planning and application process.
  • Empowered students to connect and achieve through funding Battle of the Books for all participating LWSD middle schools.
  • Supported Spanish-speaking families through the funding of weekly Spanish video newsletters.

Valentine's Day is coming up, and what better way to honor an LWSD teacher or staff member than to send them a special valentine. Let them know that their hard work, dedication and perseverance is seen and appreciated.

Looking for a job? We're seeking a Development Associate to join our team! Take a look and share this job announcement with qualified candidates who would like to work with Lake Washington Schools Foundation. 

Last but not least, read below to check out all the upcoming events offered by our programs to support the LWSD community.

Picture of Katy Philips, LWSF Executive Director

Sincerely,

Katy Philips signature

Executive Director
Lake Washington Schools Foundation

 
 
Send a Teacher a Valentine [photo of teacher with young children]

Send a Teacher a Valentine

This Valentine's Day, let teachers and school staff know you care. For a limited time, when you make a donation in an LWSD teacher or staff person's honor, we'll put their name on our virtual Wall of Love, send them an inspirational postcard, or even include a special-edition enamel pin. Your donation supports our work and brightens their day!

But please act quickly: we need orders by February 10. Check out the options and send your appreciation today at www.lwsf.org/valentine.

 

Webinar: Technical Colleges and Apprenticeships

While attending a 4-year college is an option after graduating high school, there are other paths that lead to student success.

In our Find Your Fit program's January 25th webinar, Mary Pat O'Neil will explore the benefits and opportunities offered by technical colleges and apprenticeship programs. She will be joined by guest speakers from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology and ApprenticePath. Register here.

 

New Parent Chat Topics from Balance In Mind

Parent Chat is a great place to learn about mental wellness topics while talking with mental health professionals and other parents in a safe and supportive environment. Upcoming topics include:

  • Jan 26: Your Family at its Best: A Workshop
  • Feb 9: Cancel Culture
  • Feb 23: Mental Wellness Across Cultures
  • Mar 9: Well Body, Well Mind
  • Mar 23: Youth Susceptibility to Extremism: What Parents Can Do
 

The Many Benefits of Being a Mentor

Many mentors say that the rewards they gain from their mentoring relationship are as substantial as those for their mentees. Learn more about the benefits of being a mentor and about the LINKS Lunch Buddy program.

Want to kick off your mentoring journey by becoming a mentor to an elementary school student in LWSD? Contact Victoria Goetze-Nelson at vgoetzenelson@lwsd.org or call 425-936-1410.

 

Other Program Updates

Our Pantry Packs program is taking a pause from inviting groups into the warehouse for packing, but look forward to reintroducing this in the spring. If you would like to support food for kids in our district at this time, we encourage you to visit our Pantry Packs Amazon Wish List. 

Kids Coming Together events have been cancelled until further notice due to concerns about the rapid spread of the omicron variant. Please contact deb@kidscomingtogether.org with any questions.

 
 

Help Wanted: LWSF is Hiring!

We are seeking a Development Associate to join our small-but-mighty team based in Redmond, WA. You will support LWSF’s strategic fundraising efforts by implementing programs aimed at targeting donors and prospects. Learn more here.

We are an equal-opportunity employer that does not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

We welcome qualified applicants of all life and career stages. If you're making a mid-career switch, looking for part-time work to complement your retirement years, or are rejoining the workforce after an absence, we encourage you to apply.

 
 

Become an LWSF Ambassador

On December 9, LWSF held a Ambassador Info Meeting for community members interested to learn more about the role of our ambassadors. Our Executive Director, Katy Philips, was present to share the work of the Foundation, and to listen to feedback on how LWSF could better support school communities. You can view an video excerpt from the meeting here. 

If you are an adult who can give 1-2 hours per month to support the mission of LWSF and be a wonderful advocate for your school, please contact maya@lwsf.org for more information!

 

LWSF's Impact Update e-Newsletter is sponsored by

 

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Lake Washington Schools Foundation
Driving 16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052
Mailing PO Box 83, Redmond, WA 98073
Phone 425 936 1414 | Fax 425 936 1449 | info@lwsf.org

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation gathers and deploys community resources to enhance academic access and to nurture all students' emotional well-being. LWSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax identification number 55-0891792.
© 2020 Lake Washington Schools Foundation

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