On Tuesday, April 17, the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation held its 12th annual awards ceremony at the Salish Lodge.

The foundation, a volunteer program involving parents, teachers and community members, awards grants to teachers and school support people that will enhance student learning through innovative classroom approaches.

This year the foundation awarded $16,000 to 19 teachers from our local schools for projects ranging from a literary arts magazine at Mount Si High School with advisor Joe Galagan, a rock-climbing wall at North Bend Elementary School with instructor Alan Tepper, a trip to the Flight Museum by Opstad fifth-graders with teacher Karen Eddy, digital photography and story telling by Fall City first-graders and their teachers, Erica Ribary and Mandi Smith, and a science program called “Nature Mapping” for Snoqualmie Elementary’s fourth- and fifth-graders with their teacher, Bill Hayden.

Only with generous donations from parents, local businesses and community members can such a program continue to be successful. We wish to thank the Salish Lodge and Spa for the generous offer of its Atrium Room for our event, and its helpful staff, especially caterer Bonny Hawley, for the delicious snacks.

If you would like to be involved with this program of classroom enhancements, contact the Snoqualmie School District. Donations are always welcome.

Gerald Rene

President, Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation