School Spotlight: Whitford Students Engage with BEF Support
BEF NEWS
School Spotlight: Whitford Students Engage with BEF Support
Wednesday, March 6th, 2024
“BEF’s partnership means our middle schoolers are able to access academic activities that connect them with new and exciting experiences,” says Whitford Principal, Zan Hess. “We know we have to test solutions to engage our students, and with BEF, we are doing just that.”
The Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) supports Whitford Middle School educators and students where and when they need it. From consistent annual after school programming to classroom support and expanded opportunities, BEF helps Whitford students have what they need to thrive.
BEF worked with Whitford to pilot and grow the first Safe and Sound 4 Student Success (S4) after school program, more commonly known among students as “soccer club.” S4 combines individualized academic support with organized extracurricular activities like soccer and now basketball and the arts. S4 is a powerful conduit for building student connections with peers and adult mentors and has increased student attendance and achievement.
For students enrolled in the Upgrade+ program at Whitford (along with Mountain View and Five Oaks), BEF helped connect them to opportunities to explore technical careers including auto tech, construction trades and manufacturing. Field trips took Upgrade students to visit high school programs where they received hands-on learning opportunities including changing tires, completing carpentry projects and learning how to be safe when using a blow torch. These experiences are an introduction to high-wage, high-demand technical careers students can train for in high school.
Most recently, through our PE + Play initiative, with support from Nike and the Juan Young Trust, Whitford was awarded $20,000 for much needed PE equipment.
“PE teachers got most everything on their wish list at Whitford, Meadow Park and Cedar Park,” said Kristen Gustafsen, PE Teacher on Special Assignment. From volleyball to pickleball, a fitness circuit and yoga mats, students now have access to the equipment needed to get the most out of their gym time and leave class focused for their academic lessons.
