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

Kent Schools Foundation Hosts Online Fundraiser in Support of Kent Students

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COVID will not stop Kent Schools Foundation from supporting students this school year or raising funds to support students in the future.

Kent Schools Foundation (KSF) is a non-profit dedicated to engaging with families, educators, businesses, and the broader community to fund innovative and supportive learning opportunities for every student in the Kent School District.

KSF is taking their third annual fundraiser online for 30 days to raise funds for the Foundation during November. November 1-30 is officially #KSFGiving, and everyone is invited! The KSF Board decided to turn what would have been the annual third auction into an online fundraiser this year, not letting COVID stop the momentum this non-profit has had the last two years supporting students, classrooms, and schools in the Kent School District.

The funds raised during #KSFGiving will support annual classroom grants, KSD Students scholarships, and more. This unprecedented time has severely impacted our most vulnerable populations, many of whom face daily shortages of the most basic human needs.  Earlier this year the Kent Schools Foundation awarded $28,000 in community grants to organizations supporting KSD students and families. These critical organizations continue to supply basic needs to our children and families, needs like food, clothing, housing support, and more. Thank you to our partners who continue this work Iraqi Community Center of Washington, Kent Community Foundation, Kent Food Bank, Living Well Kent, Mother Africa, The Storehouse, World Relief Seattle, and Degh Tegh.

“At times, if it may feel as if nothing has gone just as we planned this year, Kent Schools Foundation also sees this as an opportunity to come together and support our students at unprecedented levels,” said Paul Bogel, Kent Schools Foundation President. “With the help of our sponsors, and donors at all levels, we are hopeful that the giving will exceed our previous events and our community will come together to fund innovative and supportive learning opportunities for every student in KSD.”

You can Join Kent Schools Foundation for a live event on Wednesday, November 18, at 12:30 pm to learn more about the foundations impact in KSD.

Donations are being accepted all month long through the Kent Schools Foundation website and through Facebook.

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Slip On, Stay Home, and Support Kent!

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Slip On, Stay Home, and Support Kent!

These are some upside down times!  We are called upon to stay home for the benefit of humanity.  Local non-profits are serving more than ever, but are unable to host their traditional fundraisers.  That’s where you and I come in.  We can share our appreciation by slipping on a pair of spirited slippers, following the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, and supporting our community with a contribution to one of the many amazing organizations who are actively working to support our community during this difficult time. #WeAreKent #StrongerTogether

This community fundraiser is sponsored by Smart Motorz and powered by the Rotary Club of Kent Foundation — a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN 91-1522960) — but the proceeds benefit the non-profit organizations that you choose!  If you have questions about this fundraiser or Kent Rotary, please email us!

More Information and order now here:

Sizes are as follows:

Slipper SizeShoe Size (Men)Shoe Size (Women)
 KidsToddler 7.5 – 12
 Small T 12.5 – 4 T 12.5 – 5
 Medium 4.5 – 6.5 5.5 – 7.5
 Large 7 – 9 8 – 10
X – Large 9.5 – 11.5 10.5 – 12.5
XX – Large 12 – 14 13

Delivery:  In order to ensure the greatest amount of your donation goes to the organizations you choose, volunteers will be delivering the slippers.  Deliveries within Kent will be performed on a weekly basis to your front door (with an email ahead of delivery to let you know).  Deliveries in the Kent area may take more time.  If you select a delivery location outside the area, we will contact you about how you wish to receive the slippers and corresponding costs.

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 >>