Much like an apple pie brings sweetness and sustenance to hungry tummies, the P.I.E. Program brings community collaboration and capital to North Thurston Public Schools.
P.I.E. stands for Partners in Education and, as Community Relations Coordinator Cortny Martin explains, it is a vital component of building a positive educational climate. “It’s important for students to know that there are people in the community who want to help them and see them succeed in school.”
Martin goes on to explain, “In a nutshell how it works is we have been partnering local businesses and organizations with our schools. The organization is asked to pay $500. This money goes directly back to the school to be used for student achievement. The business or organization is also asked to participate in at least three events or activities throughout the year.”
Under this program, Olympia Federal Savings has partnered with Woodland Elementary School. The alliance was forged in part because several staff members’ children attend Woodland. Customer Relations Specialist Rachel Martini says that the school “came highly recommended with exemplary and supportive staff.”
Over the past three years of partnering, Martini’s knowledge of and respect for Woodland has only grown. Martini speaks for many of her colleagues when she compliments the school. “Woodland’s recent recognition as a School of Distinction truly speaks volumes of the staff’s dedication to helping their students succeed. The students are respectful and collaborative, assisting with the needs of their younger peers at events. Our experiences with Woodland Elementary have been inspirational!”
The positive feelings are definitely mutual. Linda Buerger is the counselor at Woodland Elementary School. As such, she works closely with Oly Fed and has witnessed many of the partnership benefits firsthand. Says Buerger, “You know the saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child?’ Well, it takes a community to make great schools! Community participation can only enrich and make schools better.”
Each year, Oly Fed finds more ways to get involved with Woodland’s various programs. Buerger further explains how the partnership continues to evolve: “Rachel Martini, Customer Relations Specialist at Olympia Federal, does a fantastic job of coordinating volunteers (including herself!) to help with activities such as our monthly self-manager celebrations, math night, and student mentorship. They have also provided supplies, prizes, and ice cream bars for rewards.”
Buerger notes that the monetary donation is greatly appreciated, but concludes that the most important contribution is “the time donated by staff of the PIE partnerships. Having extra people to help with events makes things run smoothly and adds to the fun!”
Partnering with Woodland Elementary School is just one of Oly Fed’s many beneficent endeavors. Currently celebrating its 110th anniversary, the bank has a long history of investing in both Thurston and Mason counties. Martini says, “We’ve been an integral part of building our local community through funding homeownership, being a founding sponsor of many local non-profits, and continuing to give money and time to over 200 community organizations each year.” She adds, “Because we’re a local bank, governed by people that work, live and volunteer in our communities, we’re devoted to the wellbeing of our community.”
Yet it’s worth noting that the P.I.E. partnership with Woodland offers Martini and her colleagues a special opportunity. Martini says, “We consider this to be an investment in the financial futures of our youngest community members. Part of our reinvestment is helping those in need of education around personal finances in general. We understand that money can be a sensitive subject for people if they feel uninformed about how it relates to their lives. Our hope is that by giving students a friendly experience with Oly Fed it may start discussions early around finances and financial institutions.”
Certainly, there are rewards for businesses who partner with schools. For one thing, many local folks prefer to patronize businesses that give back to their community. But far more important—and fulfilling—than increased name recognition is the joy to be gained by giving back. As Buerger notes, “I would think the volunteers get satisfaction seeing the difference they are making not only with school events, but in individual student lives.”
Martini concurs. She says, “I am regularly reminded how valuable educators are in meeting the scholastic needs of students today. It is Oly Fed’s pleasure to be involved in the P.I.E. program to assist in this important role. Education empowers young people by providing options for them. The more positive choices the young members of our community have, the more we’ll be able to meet our collective challenges and have cause for all-inclusive successes and celebrations.”
Success and celebration, indeed. Many thanks to Oly Fed and all of the P.I.E. partners for investing their time and treasure in the students of North Thurston Public Schools.
To learn more about partnering with North Thurston Public Schools, contact Cortny Martin at 360-412-4418 or cmartin@nthurston.k12.wa.us.
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