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 […]
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 […]
Columbia Credit Union: A Key Partner in the Success of the 2024 Student Chest Drive
As the 2024 Student Chest Drive wraps up and we tally the final numbers, we want to take a moment to spotlight the incredible generosity of one of our most valued partners: Columbia Credit Union. For many years, Columbia Credit Union has been a steadfast supporter of the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (FVPS), and […]
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. […]
MAKING AN IMPACT… Annual Luncheon
This year’s Annual Luncheon was a heartwarming celebration of the community’s efforts in fostering our students’ social and emotional health and well-being. The event, held last month, showcased how the community’s unwavering support through the Foundation helps VPS students nurture their interests and passions, growing and thriving throughout their educational journey. Attendees were treated to […]
VPS Career Connected Learning Program Empowers Students Through Internships
Since its inception in the 2022-23 school year, the VPS Career Connected Learning Program has provided invaluable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. Student interns complete 90-hour paid internships, earning 0.5 high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits and three college credits through Clark College’s Business and Consumer Sciences department. This program, initially […]
