More than 300 supporters of public education gathered at the Northshore Schools Foundation’s “Light A Fire For Learning” luncheon and raised more than $120,000 to support students and teachers across our district on March 28.

As an all-time high fundraising total for the luncheon—one of two major annual fundraising events for the foundation—these funds will go a long way towards fulfilling the foundation’s mission of “Making An Impact, Everyday.”

Since 1995, the Northshore Schools Foundation has partnered with the district to support, enhance and extend learning opportunities for our students and staff. Through investments in innovative classroom grants, teacher excellence, new curriculum, extended learning opportunities and, most recently, strategic investments in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, the foundation positively impacts tens of thousands of Northshore students multiple times throughout their school career.

The foundation has built relationships with more than 65 regional companies and partners that contribute generously to their mission and initiatives. But the backbone of the foundation is the hundreds of community members, parents, staff and kids who give of their passion, energy and resources. From the volunteer board of directors, to the students who inspire and entertain at events like the luncheon, to the parents and community members who answer the call to give, the foundation’s strength comes from the collective and shared commitment of those personally invested in a world class education for the young people of our community.

Northshore is rightly recognized as one of the top school districts in Washington state and across the nation. Organizations like the Northshore Schools Foundation play a key role working with the district to make that happen. If you are not already a part of the foundation’s network of supporters, I encourage you to learn more and get involved. A good place to start would be visiting the foundation’s Web site at www.NorthshoreSchoolsFoundation.org.

Northshore School District Superintendent Larry Francois