PSE Grant

South Whidbey Schools Foundation receives PSE grant to support environmental and renewable energy education
Three Langley Middle School science teachers receive first allocation of funding

The South Whidbey Schools Foundation recently received a $2,500 grant from Puget Sound Energy to support teacher-initiated projects related to environmental education and renewable energy use in the schools and the community. The grant will be allocated over a three-year period.

In its first allocation of the grant dollars, SWSF awarded $1,135 to Langley Middle School science teachers Jay Fruendlich, Leslie Hoelting and Don Zisette for a science field study at the school. Their group project, which was selected for its unique opportunity and ability to reach more than 400 students, is an integrated earth, physical and life science study of the local marine environment.

“The SWSF funding committee unanimously selected this project as one that will successfully teach many students about their local environment,” said Dr. Lisa Bjork, president of SWSF. “Because it is a hands-on project involving their own community, students will gain a deep understanding of the value of sustaining and protecting their environment.

”As a result of the grant, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Langley Middle School students will participate in a week-long, authentic field study investigating the quality of the water in local creeks and waterways. Community members also will be involved in the project, serving as experts and volunteers.

“PSE takes great pride in our corporate citizenship program and our support for valuable community programs such as this,” said Walt Blackford, community services supervisor and manager of PSE’s South Whidbey Customer Service Office.

“Our contribution will support the creative work of teachers who are passionate about teaching children and young adults on South Whidbey to be stewards of the beautiful place in which we all live.

”“This contribution from PSE is a great example of how our schools and community can support each other for long-term benefit,” said Bjork.The remainder of PSE’s contribution will be allocated at the discretion of SWSF toward school projects that provide students with new experiences related to the environment and energy education.


South Whidbey Record Story Highlights Lack of Funding as Barrier to Better Schools

By GAYLE SARAN, South Whidbey Record
Lack of money is a barrier to many projects and programs some community members would like to see in South Whidbey schools.

No funding for the arts, more integration of arts into regular classes, more promotion of the programs that are in place and a lack of interest in coaching positions were identified as barriers to having more student achievement and participation during a community forum on education Monday.

The community forum, now in its third year, was held at the South Whidbey High School Commons Monday night. It was a brainstorming session to find ways to improve student achievement in academics, applied learning activities, athletics and the arts.

The event was hosted by Superintendent Bob Brown and was sponsored by the Learning and Community Engagement Program. Participants identified “barriers” to developing programs and activities for South Whidbey students while they sat in small groups, munching on cheese and crackers and cake.

“We’ve created ongoing conversations with the community to look at new ideas and possibilities for South Whidbey schools, and to move forward, “ said Rich Parker, president of the South Whidbey Board of Education.

“Our whole focus is improving student achievement in these four areas; academics, applied learning, athletics and the arts,” Parker said.

The 100 or so participants were given handouts that detailed programs that are in place. The handouts also included ideas from last year’s forum about what parents and other community members would like to see in their schools.Monday night’s event was an exercise in identifying existing roadblocks to improving student achievement. The school board and administration will now try to implement new policies and procedures that address some of the concerns raised this week.

Beyond concerns over a lack of funding and support for art programs, attendees also raised concerns about shrinking financial support to local youth organizations. Other barriers were also identified.

“Some other areas identified as being very important included more professional development for teachers and a volunteer coordinator to act as a liaison between organizations and the schools,” said Jamie Boyd.

District officials have worked to build the fund balance in the district’s annual budget, and it is hoped some of that money can go toward extra programs.

“In August we expect to be on target with a fund balance of $750,000,” Brown said. “It was next to nothing when I came in 2004. Now with the support of the South Whidbey community and a respectable fund balance, the district will have some money to do some things.”

Brown said the district is headed in the right direction with the leadership of new superintendent Fred McCarthy and the recent passage of the school levy. “The board is supportive and working together. They are singing from the same hymn book, maybe not always the same page, but at least it’s the same book,” Brown said. “I have enjoyed working with the board. They have the will to make these things happen,” he added. “I wish I was going to be here to see all the progress.”

The staff of the Community Engagement Program will compile all the information gathered during Monday’s meeting into a report that will be released in July.

© Copyright 2006 South Whidbey Record / Used by permission

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