MAKING AN IMPACT…Investing in Student Mental Health and Well-Being

An important part of the mission of the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is to address the many challenges students face in the process of learning. A student’s overall health and well-being are critical to their performance in school. When it comes to mental health, students whose emotional needs are met are more likely to […]

DONORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE…Cowlitz Tribal Foundation

The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation recently awarded the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools a $125,000 grant which will be used to provide direct support for students and families living in poverty as well as program support for early learning, mentoring, social and emotional health supports, enrichment and engagement activities. The grant came from the Cowlitz Tribal […]

RECENT NEWS…Bright Futures Luncheon Raises $230,000

The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) held its 20th annual Bright Futures Luncheon on May 4, 2023. Over 500 supporters gathered to help celebrate a bright future for Vancouver youth, raising $230,000 in support of the 22,000 students in 37 VPS schools and programs across the district. Thanks to event sponsors, all money raised […]

MAKING AN IMPACT – The Plaza

Two evenings a week, families enter the gym at Roosevelt Elementary looking for education and personal connections. Upon arrival they’re often greeted by Hilda Lail, Family Advocate with Vancouver Public Schools’ Family-Community Resource Centers (FCRCs). Lail oversees The Plaza, a high-impact program designed for families from different cultural backgrounds to help improve skills such as […]

DONORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE…Read Across America

Each year students in VPS join in the nation’s largest celebration of reading, Read Across America. Thanks to our community partners, there is a special tradition for first-grade students at all 23 VPS elementary schools. Throughout the weeklong celebration nearly 1,800 first-graders and their families celebrated with a delicious breakfast provided and served by Beaches […]

MAKING AN IMPACT – Wrap-around services support a family during a tragedy

Providing wrap-around services for students and helping to bridge gaps due to poverty are an ongoing focus for the Foundation for VPS. In some cases, support helps families facing hardships due to unexpected circumstances. Sadly, this school year a VPS student died following a tragic accident. There was an immediate need to respond to support […]

MAKING AN IMPACT – Supporting Student Welfare and Engagement

In schools across the nation, the need for student behavioral and mental health support is unlike anything seen before. Many students are facing challenges adjusting to changes in their learning environments, recovering from lack of social interaction, and in some cases, coping with instability in their home life that has been amplified by COVID and […]

MAKING AN IMPACT – Help for Students in Need

One by one, cars enter the parking lot of Harney Elementary. Drivers are greeted by Hilda Lail, the school’s Family-Community Resource Center (FCRC) coordinator. Wearing a face mask and gloves, Hilda and other staff members hand out food bags for families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Many families, even those who used to be able […]

$250,000 Raised in Virtual Event

The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools’ (VPS) biggest community fundraiser of the year raised over $250,000 in donations from generous businesses and individuals through an online giving event. The total includes $80,000 in matching funds from the “Give a Fox” Fund, a partnership between LSW Architects and Slumberkins. Over 600 guests initially planned on attending […]

DONORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE – LSW Architects

For over 30 years, the Vancouver community has come together to support families in need by donating to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). LSW Architects is one of our “Community Champions” who has stepped up to support VPS students and families for many years in many ways, including providing Thanksgiving dinners for families, […]