SWSF 2017 annual report online

South Whidbey Schools Foundation

2016/17 Annual Update Adopt-A-Grant 2016/17 Classroom Grants Last school year the Foundation funded 19 classroom projects totaling $27, 048: S.W. Elementary School: n Whale Watching Boat Adventure n Mr. Good, Mad, Fun Science n Salmon in the Classroom n MakerSpace STEM Kits n Sound & Light Board n Ukuleles in the Classroom n Focused Space for All n Ukuleles for Increased Attention n Guitars in the Classroom Langley Middle School: n Adventure Ed n 8th Grade Inventions n Healthy Eating in Different Cultures South Whidbey Academy: n Bringing Learning to Life South Whidbey High School: n Yearbook/Photojournalism Cameras n Sensory Light Board n Sensory Water Table n Musical Drama All Schools: n Link Up - Orchestra Rocks n Climate Arts Project

Evan Thompson / The SW Record

Provides Amazing Educational Experiences for Students Five of last school year’s classroom grants were funded through the Foundation’s Adopt-A-Grant program. Donors enjoyed being educational patrons so much that several are funding the same programs for a second year.

For instance, Steve Mooney of Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club (below, third from left) presented a $1,500 check to 5th grade teacher John LaVassar for the Club’s second year Adopt-A-Grant sponsorship of the “Salmon in the Classroom” project. The popular project includes field trips, hatching salmon eggs, releasing salmon fry, and teaches several grades of students about the life cycle of salmon and ecosystem stewardship.

Bob Wiley of the South Whidbey Schools Foundation (left) who spearheads the Adopt-A-Grant program and Lori O’Brien of Whidbey Island Watersheds

who provides on-site teaching and field trip experiments were also present for the presentation.

Interested in adopting a classroom grant? Contact SWSF Board President Chris Gibson at (360) 221-8099 or Bob Wiley at (360) 321-2326 to discuss a project close to your heart.

Thank you for caring about our South Whidbey community’s kids!

YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK

YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK

Focused Space for All DSLR Cameras for Yearbook/Photojournalism

Yearbook is an important publication for all students in high school. Photography is a very important part of the yearbook. Being able to tell a story through photos, as well as the ability to capture that one spectacular shot requires semi-professional cameras for class. When students learned how to us these new cameras their skills greatly increased and their photos achieved a more professional level.

– Jeff Greene, SWHS Yearbook Advisor

8th Grade STEM Elective

Inventions is an ongoing elective that focuses on science and engineering practices.

The grant money was used to purchase materials that are outside the realm of the building/department budget.

The projects include bridge building (models), solar technology (solar cars), flight, and other tasks that are problem solving based.

– Don Zisette, 8th grade science

Salmon in the Classroom & the Whale Watching Adventure Elementary School and fifth-grade students were once again able to participate in the popular Salmon in the Classroom project and the Whale Watching Adventure.

Hundreds of students have a better understanding of our local resources and ecosystem thanks to your support.

– John LaVassar and Bruce Callahan, 5th grade

I wanted to provide an immediate quiet space for students in the classroom. Every student has different needs when it comes to sound and how it affects them in the learning environment.

I noticed many of my students covering their ears during different times of the day and in different parts of our building (ie: the lunchroom, group time, assemblies, music class, instructional video time, etc.)

I thought that having headphones available may help... It has been wonderful for some of my students.

Success was seeing kids manage this on their own and seeing the difference it made in their focus and work completion when they had them on.

I observed independence and self-care and advocacy. Kids had the ability to have choice in using them and saw the difference it made. They found calm.

Having headphones took stress away from some the students who needed them.

They were able to self-manage and as they saw the way the calm made them feel, they chose to use them more and more. I loved to see the awareness and independence they gave the kids.

–Michele Zisette, 1st grade

Ukulele and Guitar Music Increases Attention, Engagement, and Multiplication Memorization The novelty that the ukuleles brought and the joy that the integration of music brings, elevated everyone’s mood and increased retention. Students wrote song lyrics which enhanced their understanding of syllables, vocabulary, rhyming and synonym development along with a general acceleration of learning and retention.

I sent videos of students reading our lyrics, and singing to staff and parents. The parents loved them so much that they reposted them and received many accolades.

– Tere Baker, 3rd grade

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Tere Baker listens as a student recites vowel sounds to guitar music.

www.SWSFoundation.org

Debra Davies Vogel also used ukuleles in her classroom to enhance math skills and poetry skills for first grade students.

Dear Foundation Supporters, Between 1994 and 2010, the South Whidbey Schools Foundation raised and distributed approximately $80,000 for innovative teaching projects in the South Whidbey School District, or about $5,000 per year.

Since 2010, the Foundation has raised and distributed an additional $165,000 for innovative teaching projects, or about $23,500 per year, an almost five-fold increase.

This increase has helped foster and develop: n the district’s nationally acclaimed garden program; n the renewal of performing arts opportunities in the district; n interest and exploration into robotics and solar technology; n the STEM curriculum at every campus; n bringing in specialists in numerous academic disciplines to help teach our youth; n numerous off-campus community learning opportunities; and n professional development opportunities for district educators.

This has been possible only because of you and the generous South Whidbey community, and in particular, the local businesses that contribute to the Foundation through in-kind and direct monetary contributions.

Our community has embraced the Foundation’s goal of ensuring that educators have the resources they need to help our youth enter adulthood prepared to effectively engage in the world. Thank you on behalf of the Foundation and the teachers and students it supports.

The 2017-18 school year is upon us, and it comes with significant change as a result of campus reconfiguration. What has not changed are the innovative ideas educators have to enhance the educational experience for our youth. As you peruse this report, please review the list of current innovative projects, any of which is available for “adoption” through the Foundation’s “Adopt-a-Grant” program. This program fosters collaboration by linking common interests in a way that benefits both community sponsor and students. Is there is a project of interest that you could help move forward?

There are many opportunities to help the Foundation support local schools: n making a year-end charitable donation using the enclosed remit envelope; n participate individually or as a group on the “Adopt-a-Grant” program; n dine at participating restaurants during “Dine Out Wednesdays for South Whidbey Schools” in October and March; and n attend the Foundation’s Spring Gala at Comforts on Whidbey Winery on June 2, 2018.

For details about these opportunities, please visit our website at www.SWSFoundation.org.

I agree with Abraham Lincoln, who once mused, “Upon the subject of education... I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.”

Please join me in following Abe’s timeless advice through continued support of the Foundation.

Sincerely,

Chris Gibson, President South Whidbey Schools Foundation

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Ways You Can Help the Foundation Adopt A Grant Funding for Classroom Projects in South Whidbey Schools

n Adopt a classroom grant by funding a por-

tion of a grant or the whole project. Receive project updates and a special invitation to see the project in action. Contact Bob Wiley at 321-2326 or Chris Gibson at 221-8099 to discuss current funding needs and how you can help.

n When you shop

on Amazon, please use the Foundation’s AmazonSmile shopping portal at SWSFoundation.org

Financial Recap for 2016/2017 In fiscal year 2016/17, South Whidbey Schools Foundation received donations totaling $42,186, and coupled with fund-raising efforts of $12,228 and interest of $15, our revenues totaled $54,429. Expenses and disbursements totaled $47,978.

2016/17 Grants Awarded in Academic Areas Science, Math & Technology....... $ 8,209 History, Humanities & World Cultures .................................................. $ 4,650 Arts, Music, Drama..................... $ 9,550 Writing, Reading & Literature...... $ 1,100 General Support.......................... $ 1,100 Special Education....................... $ 2,439 Total........................................... $ 27,048

Eat at South Whidbey restaurants participating in our Dine Out Wednesdays for SW Schools program during October and March.

Sign up on our Facebook page (Facebook. com/SWSFoundation) for Dine Out updates. n

Linda Racicot was thanked for her five years of service on the Foundation Board by SWSF President Chris Gibson. Linda is a retired SW School District teacher who continues to serve students in our community as a member of the South Whidbey School Board.

SWSF Balances (All Funds) July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017: Beginning Fund Balance: $57,725 Ending Fund Balance:

$50,515 (See below for sub-totals) General & Endowment Accounts: $33,227 Extra Mile/Mentorship Awards Fund: $5,027 Fiscal Agency Funds Total: $12,260

Disbursements The South Whidbey Schools Foundation served as the fiscal agency for more than $22,294 in grants funds for the following:

Meet Our Board 2017/18 SWSF Board (l to r) Melanie Shafaat, Shelly Ackerman, John Riley, Susie Richards, David Pfeiffer, Sophia Falso, Clyde Monma, Debra McMenamy, Jean Shaw, Chris Gibson.

Not pictured: Jo Moccia, Ervin Knezek, Shawn Nowlin, Hope Richards, and Bob Wiley.

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Ed Kelly Athletic Scholarship SWES Library Destination Imagination Global Cultures LMS Bands Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Lagerstrom Family Donation Natanya Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund SWHS Drama Club SWA – Underwater Robotics SWA – Aquaponics Project SWA – Youth in Philanthropy Whidbey Youth Support (WYSE)

Thank You to Our 2016/2017 Donors...

Your contributions enhance the educational experience of South Whidbey students!

Individual Contributors: Doug & Shelly Ackerman Michael Antetomaso Tina & Tom Beard Barb & Dave Bennett Barry & Lisa Bjork Julie & Leroy Boren Mary Boyd Diane Breyer & Kathy Habel Tom & Sally Cahill Bruce Campbell Laura Canby Rebecca Cleary Gwen & Steve Clemens Kristine Collins Carl & Rita Comfort Danni & Bo Curgus Suzannah Dalzell Bill Davies Robert Davies Bill Vogel & Debra Davies Karen Davis Kim Drury Tom & Linda Eckhart Sharon Emerson & Charles Snelling Lois & Winson Ewing Gene & Tamar Felton Judi Fenton Carol & George Fisher Jill & William Fitting Kari & Bill Fitting

Becky Foote & Tim Economu Kathy Fox Marva Fox Jim Freeman Robert French & Bernita Sanstad Georgia Gerber Rocco & Kathy Gianni Chris & Kelly Turner Gibson Janice & John Gibson Michael Gibson & Eva Bistuer Dana & Ken Gilroy Sally Goodwin Jennifer Hagerman Jennifer Hajny Thom Hall Dave & Sue Haworth Mark Helpenstell & Tisa Seely Carol Hurless Art Jarvis Kurt & Beth Johnson Nancy Kennedy Carol Kerley Ervin Knezek John & Aracely Knox Paul & Sue Kukuk Larry Kwarsick & Carol McNeil Richard & Barbara Lagerstrom Jeff & Kathleen Landel Gail & John LaVassar Fred & Sharon Lundahl

Business Contributors: Blooms Winery Blue Dog Catering Boatyard Inn Café Langley Catherine DeWitt Framing Charmers Bistro China City Chocolate Flower Farm Comforts of Whidbey El Corral Mexican Restaurant Fair Trade Outfitters Family Fun Center Firehouse Glass Gallery Fitting Vacations Forsyth Financial Services Freeland Café Gordon’s on Blueberry Hill Heritage/Whidbey Island Bank Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club Island Athletic Club Island Girl Nails Ivar’s Restaurants Langley Dental Neil’s Clover Patch Café

Pacific Science Center Paramount Theatre Patron Mexican Restaurant Pine Cottage B & B Prima Bistro Sprinklz LLC Spyhop Public House Stevens Pass Mountain Resort Stonebridge Environmental, Inc The Big Wierzbowski The Museum of Flight The Star Store U.S. Bank Useless Bay Golf & Country Club Useless Bay Ventures, Inc. (Coffee Company) Whidbey Art Escape LLC Whidbey Island Distillery Whidbey Sun & Wind Whidbey Telecom WICA Wing Luke Museum - Asian Pacific American Experience Woodland Park Zoo

Ryan Mason Dennis McCormick Debbie & Warren McMenamy Franny & Casey Mead Robert Mellish & Kelli White Jo Moccia Clyde & Marcia Monma Jenanne Murphy Mynda Myres Sooja & Wayne Nehrlich Elizabeth & David Nelson Shawn Nowlin Edward Park Kathleen Patterson David & Katharine Pfeiffer Hing Potter Charlton Price Helen & David Price-Johnson Heather & Aaron Racicot Hope Richards Susie & Chris Richards Daniel Richards & Stephanie Clark

Donna & John Riley Molly & Crispin Roberts Des Rock Ellen Sargent Melanie Shafaat Jean Shaw Cynthia & John Shelton Jean Singer & Dyanne Sheldon Christine & Kory Smith Stan & Lynn Swanson Clare & Jason Tanko Laura Taylor Jack & Sue Terhar Judy Thorslund Dale & Judy Tuvey Ramon & Scott Wallace/Erpelding Fara & Mark Wexler Bob & Kay Wiley Kim Williams Judith M. Wirth Janet & Dan Wodjenski

Business Sponsors of the 2017 SWSF Annual Gala Whidbey Island Bank, Falcon Level Forsyth Financial Services, Cougar Level Whidbey Telecom, Cougar Level

Table sponsors: The Star Store Fitting Vacations

FORSYTH FINANCIAL SERVICES

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Nearly $20,000 Distributed This School Year...

2017/18 Classroom Grants

Fourteen teachers received in-person notifications that their classroom grant requests are being funded by the South Whidbey Schools Foundation. Three Foundation Board members paid surprise classroom visits to relay the good news to teachers and disburse $19,962 in grants.

“The requests included specialized science kits for soil erosion experiments, resources for expanding the High School farm program, funding off-island trips of cultural significance

NAME

SCHOOL

CLASSROOM PROJECTS

Michele Zisette Susan Ritzner Rachel Kizer Seth Raabe Jeff Greene Chris Harshman John LaVassar Betsy Hofius Andy Davis Vicky Cable Amory Cable Don Zisette Chris Harshman Paula Ludtke Valerie Brown

SWES SWES SWES SWM/HS SWHS SWM/HS SWES SWES SWA/MS SWHS ECEAP SWMS SWHS SWMS/HS SWM/HS

STEAM Kits We Both Read Book Sets Fly Us to the Moon...

High School Farm Expansion Engineering & Design Robotics Artists in Residence Salmon in the Classroom Engaging Struggling Readers Off-Island Learning Expeditions TI Navigators for Algebra Early Developmental Tools Soil & Erosion Science Ukuleles for Music Survey Show Choir Dance Mirrors Updating Library Collections TOTAL AMOUNTS

for South Whidbey Academy students, a mobile planetarium visit to enable fourth-graders to study the moon and stars, special attachments for graphing calculators to enable Algebra students to work collectively on problems, improvements to the choir and dance practice classroom, new books and media for the High School library, robotics kits, and more,” said South Whidbey Schools Foundation President Chris Gibson.

AMOUNT REQUESTED

$767 $2,882 $525 $2,965 $1,500 $1,000 $1,500 $282 $2,050 $1,700 $550 $600 $800 $1,342 $1,500 $19,962

AMOUNT GRANTED

ADOPT-AGRANT

*$767 $767 $2,882 $525 $2,965 $1,500 $1000 *$1,500 $1,500 $282 $2,050 $1,700 $550 $600 $800 $1,342 $1,500 $19,962

*Note: These projects we hope will be funded through the Adopt-A-Grant program

Thankful for Our Dine Out Wednesday Participants Our Dine Out Wednesdays for South Whidbey Schools program is entering its fourth year and remains a good way to fund classroom grants while helping local businesses during the slow months of October and March.

This year the Foundation recognized restaurant participants with recognition plaques. Freeland Cafe and Patron Mexican Restaurant were rec- Freeland Cafe “Sistas”: Verity Bryant-Senognized as top donors and consistent sano, Lani Bryant, and Petite Bryant-Hunt participants.

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Patron Mexican restaurant’s manager Anna Campante and SWSF President Chris Gibson

SWSF Gala Raised the Most Amount Ever for Grants!

The 2017 South Whidbey Schools Foundation gala was a great success!

Held at Comforts on Whidbey Winery in Langley on May 20, the sold-out event raised $20,278 through its silent and live auctions, ticket sales and dessert dash – monies that are funding teacher-requested classroom grants this school year.

“Wow. What a night! What a team!

What a community! I have never been prouder to be part of them all,” said SWSF Board President Chris Gibson.

“Special thanks go to our gala coordinators, Susie and Hope Richards, who provided a rich lineup of entertainment, fun and great auction items.”

A highlight of the evening was the Foundation-funded Climate Arts Project presentation, “The Echo Chamber,” performed by three South Whidbey High School students, which received a standing ovation.

It was followed by remarks from three generations of the Davies family: Debra and Charlie Davies, who are teachers in the District, South Whidbey High School senior Joe Davies, and a tribute to family matriarch and retired SW School District teacher Jo Davies.

Jim Freeman led a lively and laughter-filled auction of donated items plus ‘shares’ of educational areas in which bidders donated to areas they are most passionate about supporting.

South Whidbey Schools Superintendent Jo Moccia finished the evening with a 50/50 torn card matching game. Winner and new SWSF Board member Shelly Ackerman donated the $1,000 prize back to the Schools Foundation.

LOOKING AHEAD: The SWSF gala dinner will be held Saturday evening June 2 at Comforts of Whidbey Winery in Langley.

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South Whidbey School District 5520 Maxwelton Road Langley, WA 98260 South Whidbey Schools Foundation www.SWSFoundation.org

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT # 9 LANGLEY, WA 98260

South Whidbey Schools Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Gifts are tax-deductible.

SWSF / PO Box 24 / Freeland, WA 98249 Thank you!

Fulton and Durbin Receive Teacher Recognition Awards South Whidbey High School teachers Doug Fulton and Tim Durbin were recognized with excellence awards from the South Whidbey Schools Foundation at the June 8 senior farewell assembly.

Fulton, who received the peer nominated “Extra Mile Award,” teaches science at the high school, and was nominated by colleague Charlie Davies, lead educator for the South Whidbey Academy, and himself a previous award recipient.

“I have worked closely with Doug over the past nine years. In my previous role as Special Education Case Manager, Doug was always more than willing to have struggling students in his Biology class.

He would never complain about the extra burden that was placed on him or the hours of time to talk about the kids and how to best support them,” Davies said.

“Doug would always find a way. He would always say to me, ‘Don’t worry, if the student comes to class, we’ll find a way,’ –and he did.

Chris Gibson and Doug Fulton

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“Countless Special “His extremely posiEducation students have tive attitude inspired me fully participated in every day, and it made Doug’s Biology class his classroom a bright, with minimal to exsafe, fun environment to tensive modifications be in. He is at school to to the class. These stuhelp his students before, dents passed the class, during and after school earned their science despite his long comcredit and passed their Bailey Gochanour and Tim Durbin mute from town, and his state assessment... kindness is something “Doug quietly goes the Extra Mile ev- that changed my outlook in many respects. ery day,” Davies wrote.

Mr. Durbin really deserves this award,” SWHS senior Bailey Gochanour read Gochanour said. aloud her nomination of math teacher Tim Durbin for the “Excellence in Teaching: Mentorship Award” at the assembly. to see how the “I struggled with math a lot all through South Whidbey Schools Foundation puts elementary school and middle school... I your donations to work by funding innovative had Mr. Durbin for Geometry my freshclassroom projects which enhance student man year and Algebra 2 my sophomore education. year, and he changed all of that for me...

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