Described as one of the best days of the year for the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation, board members hit the halls of local schools to surprise their 2016 SVSF Educators of the Year.
Board President Lorraine Thurston surprised Middle School Educator of the Year, Alexandra Clark, Thursday, February 25th – one day ahead of schedule because Mrs. Clark, who runs the Parent Partnership Project, doesn’t work with students on SVSF’s scheduled “surprise day.”
Snoqualmie Valley School District Parent Partnership Program began a few years ago and is for families who choose to educate their children at home, but can still find resources and a support with district help. Learning plans, focused on each child’s individual needs, are created by the families, along with certificated teacher.
On Friday, February 26th Mount Si High School Life Skills teacher Karen Rockow was surprised while in PE with her very special Life Skills students – and according to one board member was thrilled with the acknowledgement of her ongoing work with special needs students.
Later Friday afternoon, board members snuck into the halls of Snoqualmie Elementary to surprise 3rd grade teacher Nikita Armbruster and her students. The kids were very excited to see the balloons, cameras and all of the special attention for Mrs. Armbruster.
Also surprised on Friday was SVSF’s Classified Educator of the Year – Ingrid Garhart who works for the district as a speech and language pathologist instructional assistant.
All teachers were nominated by community members and will be honored at this year’s SVSF Small Hands to Big Plans luncheon, which is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser and happens on March 17th at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge.
Board President Lorraine Thurston said the luncheon is open to anyone interested in learning more about the foundation. While there is no charge for the event, there is a suggested donation of $100 which can also be paid in installments if needed. Proceeds benefit student programming.
The Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation is dedicated to raising community support for schools and funding meaningful and essential programs in the Snoqualmie Valley. Since 2003, the Foundation has funded over about $500,000 of district educational programs that otherwise may not happened.
For more info about SVSF visit www.svsfoundation.org. To register for the 2016 Small Hands to Big Plans luncheon visit www.svsfluncheon.org
