Donors Making a Difference…Supporting Childhood Literacy

Literacy is the foundation of education, and this year, Riverview Bank, Riverview Trust Company, and Wellpoint reinforced their commitment to young readers in Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). In celebration of Read Across America Week, these dedicated partners donated $10,000 in total to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, ensuring that first-grade students across the district […]

Making an Impact…Drumline Program Builds Leaders Through Rhythm

Drums fill the double-room practice space from top to bottom, neatly arranged in rows with aisles in between. Students in black t-shirts file in, each settling at their designated kit. Across the room, siblings exchange playful banter while wires snake along the floor, connecting the setup. Every drum kit faces the front, where Mr. Esparza […]

Donors Making a Difference: iQ Credit Union

During our staff campaign this fall, iQ Credit Union, a valued partner in our ongoing mission to support students, matched the first $20,000 in donations made by Vancouver Public School (VPS) employees.  The annual staff campaign is a cornerstone of our efforts to empower VPS employees, who play a crucial role in shaping the future […]

Making an Impact…Engaging Students and Families Through Annual Strings Concert

Educator Ann Medellin has been teaching in the Vancouver Public School District since 1992. Despite teaching at two middle schools, performing with the Portland Opera, Oregon Ballet Orchestra, and other local orchestras, and playing on three soccer teams, she still finds time to meet me for coffee. It doesn’t take long to see that she’s […]

Adaptive Books: Making Literacy More Accessible for Children with Complex Bodies

For most of us, books were a magical part of our childhood. Whether it was turning pages, lifting flaps, or discovering that words and pictures hold meaning, these early experiences laid the foundation for literacy and opened our eyes to the world around us. But what about children with complex bodies—those with physical and developmental […]

Making an Impact…Vaccine Clinic Gets Students Up-to-Date

Any parent knows that keeping up with childhood vaccines can be a challenge. Vaccinations protect against serious illnesses that can spread rapidly in schools, so state law requires that children be up-to-date before starting the school year.  As the end of August approached, some families found themselves running out of time and at risk of […]

Donors Making a Difference: Craig Stein Beverage

For over a decade, Vancouver-based Craig Stein Beverage has been supporting vital programs alongside Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. This year alone, they have donated $10,000 to bolster the fundraising efforts through the Foundation’s yearly Luncheon and to directly provide basic needs to Vancouver Public School students. As one of the largest beer, wine, spirits, […]

Dick Hannah’s Generosity Fuels Write from the Start Campaign

The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is excited to announce a generous $10,000 matching gift from Dick Hannah for our annual Write from the Start campaign. This initiative is crucial in supporting our School Supply Drive, which ensures that every student has the tools they need to begin the school year successfully. With over 49% […]

Discovering the Wonders of Mount St. Helens: A Boost to Student Well-Being

This year, the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is thrilled to share the impact of one of our engagement grants, which helped fund multiple field trips to Mount St. Helens for McLoughlin middle school. These trips provided students with an invaluable opportunity to explore the natural world, fostering both their academic growth and social-emotional well-being. […]