READING + WRITING
School often starts with learning to read, however our students quickly find they are reading to learn! Reading and writing are pillars for almost every activity we encounter throughout life and lay the foundation for strong academic… achievement and a prosperous future.
The Beaverton Education Foundation understands that strong reading and writing skills provide the tools for students to fully realize success. Special projects that focus on these academic areas teach the skills our students need now and will use throughout their entire life.
William Walker Elementary hosted its first book fair in over a decade and it was a tremendous success. Every student was presented with a $7 book voucher to select a book of their choice, thanks to support from long-time BEF funder, the Anne Kelly Ofstun Tubby Fund, the William Walker PTC and individual donors.
With book vouchers in hand, all 580 William Walker students were able to shop for books. Some students carefully planned out their $7 so that they could get the maximum number of books. While others came with their own three crumpled dollars so that they could buy the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid books with their voucher, explained Academic Coach, Rosanne Freer. And, some families were excited to buy their child a more expensive book, because the vouchers reduced the total cost.
This has been one of the first large scale community events we’ve done since COVID. Watching parents, staff and students all come together and get excited about a school-wide project was incredible, added Freer.
“Overall, the joy and enthusiasm from all our students getting to shop and choose what was special to them was wonderful to see and experience, said Freer. “Thank you BEF and community.”
Whitford Middle School students were able to join the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB), thanks to support for their Beaverton’s Choice project, Make OBOB Possible at Whitford. Funds raised purchased required OBOB books in English and Spanish, providing increased participation in the OBOB contest and enthusiasm for reading.
ACMA Middle School students will understand Tribal and Shared History-related material in a context that exists outside the classroom thanks to our community’s support for a class set of the book, Braiding Sweetgrass. The perspective offered by the author, both as a scientist and member of an indigenous community, is invaluable and will help students relate to indigenous life.
Each academic year, BEF mobilizes community resources and strives to fund classroom projects at all 54 Beaverton public schools and to impact every student’s education through our after school and summer cornerstone programs. Funds donated pay for programs and projects not mandated or funded by the state, but ones parents and dedicated educators consider necessary for a quality education.
See how donors like you have made a difference throughout the district.