Kent Schools Foundation

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Kent Schools Foundation Supports Student Success with Record-Setting Grants

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The Kent Schools Foundation (KSF) and the Kent School District (KSD) are thrilled to announce the results of this year’s Kent Schools Foundation grant cycle, marking an extraordinary milestone in their partnership to support education. This year, the Kent Schools Foundation awarded a record-breaking $67,000 in grants across 131 projects at 35 schools. 

These grants are the highest amount ever distributed in the Foundation’s history, directly funding innovative and enriching projects that benefit KSD students. Members of the Kent Schools Foundation Board and Grants Committee personally visited each school to present staff with certificates celebrating their impactful proposals. 

Grants funded a wide array of initiatives tailored to meet the diverse needs of Kent students, including: 

  • Class sets of books to enhance literacy programs. 
  • STEM toys for libraries and technology classes to spark curiosity and innovation. 
  • Art materials and books to nurture creativity. 
  • Flexible seating options to support varied learning styles. 
  • A washer and dryer for life skills classes, building independence and real-world skills. 
  • Support for schoolwide events like Battle of the Books. 
  • Field trips to provide experiential learning opportunities. 

 “This partnership exemplifies the power of community collaboration,” said Israel Vela, Kent School District Superintendent. “We are deeply grateful to the Kent Schools Foundation for their commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all our students. These grants directly impact classrooms, empowering educators and enriching the lives of our students.”

The Kent Schools Foundation continues to be a vital partner in fostering equity, innovation, and excellence in KSD. Their dedication and generosity ensure that teachers have the resources they need to bring their ideas to life and provide Kent students with the tools to succeed. 

Debbie Runyon ~ Covington
Robin Marie ~ Kentwood
Erik Taveres ~ Cedar Valley
Karen Onorati ~ Pine Tree
Daniel Elementary
Daniel Elementary
Daniel Elementary
Mill Creek Middle School
Ciana Whitfield ~ Martin Sortun
Brandy Ingham ~ Sawyer Woods
Sarah Whinnery ~ Jenkins Creek

President’s Update 02/11/2021

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As has been said by many . . . 2020 was an extraordinary year.  When the foundation’s year began, we were still basking in the success of our 2nd annual auction, where over 250 supporters celebrated an evening of fun and philanthropy by helping us raise $70,000.  In January, we announced our annual classroom grants and plans were underway for an even grander auction.  2020 was shaping up to be a great year.  And then, everything changed.

The pandemic has placed unprecedented strains on our students, families, school district and community.  And it made all of us change plans and direction.  I’m incredibly proud of our board for quickly pivoting to direct support to where it was most needed in our community last year.  

  • $31,000 was granted to eight community partners who provided food for hungry neighbors. 
  • The Emiko Craig Fund awarded $10,000 in scholarships to four graduating KSD Seniors who will be pursuing careers in the arts. 
  • $14,000 in classroom enrichment grants were awarded to thirteen Kent School District schools and educators to help them create unique student experiences that reached over 5,000 students. 

In addition, the foundation rebranded itself and increased outreach through our social media and internet platforms.  I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about KSF, our programs and ways you can get involved. 

These programs – and others – are only possible with generous community support of time, talent and treasure.  Your commitment to our children, our district and our future inspires us.  Thank you.

Paul Bogel
President

Welcome, Ryaire Richardson, New KSF Board Member and President-Elect

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In November, we welcomed our newest board member to the Kent Schools Foundation. Ryaire has spent most of his life in Seattle. A product of Seattle Public Schools, he is a graduate of the University of Washington with a focus on Political Science and Social Justice. He holds a master’s in business administration from Western Governors University. Ryaire is currently a part of the Sales Leadership team at DocuSign. As a long-time member of the technology community, one of Ryaire’s on-going goals is to increase minority representation within the tech industry. In addition to managing his own recruiting firm to tackle this issue, he has also created classes to help students of color prepare for professional advancement and is continuously evaluating creative ideas to challenge the status quo. 

“From the first time he joined us as a guest in one of our meetings, his passion for students, parent engagement, and community has been inspiring,” said Paul Bogel, current KSF  President.  Not only does Ryaire bring this passion for community engagement, but he is also a servant leader with an eye for detail and a deep commitment to our mission to engage with families, educators, businesses, and the broader community to fund innovative and supportive learning opportunities for every student in the Kent School District.” 

Ryaire is extremely excited to be apart of the Kent School Foundation and help create more opportunities for academic success that our young leaders of tomorrow desperately need. Ryaire will serve on the board this year as President-Elect, learning more about the organization and district alongside President Bogel and other board members as he prepares to become President in 2022.  

Kent Schools Foundation is actively recruiting new board members, learn more at https://kentschoolsfoundation.org/joinourteam.  

Kent Schools Foundation brings together our diverse community to fund innovative and supportive learning opportunities for every student in the Kent School District. We are a registered 501 (c) 3 organization (Federal Tax ID 46-1866001). All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn

Our Mission

To engage with families, educators, businesses and the broader community to fund innovative and supportive learning opportunities for every student in the Kent School District.

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Contact

Our board meetings are held at the
Kent School District Building at
12033 SE 256th Street
Kent, WA 98030-6503

Contact us by email at info@kentschoolsfoundation.org

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At the Kent Schools Foundation, we raise funds to support students in the many areas beyond basic education, the arts, social and emotional learning, activities, STEAM projects and programs beyond the classroom, and opportunities in the arts beyond high school. Learn More >>