Submitted by Olympia Education Foundation
The nonprofit Olympia Education Foundation invites the community to attend Rise & Shine for Students! next month, a free event that sheds light on and raises money for the work it does to cultivate student potential in Olympia’s public schools.
“The focus of this year’s event will be the Principal’s Emergency Fund, a resource that all principals have at their disposal, and that allows them to immediately assist students who have urgent basic needs.” said Olympia Education Foundation Executive Director Katy Johansson. “With one-third of the district’s students meeting the federal definition of poverty, these needs – which include clothing and shoes, school supplies, toiletries, eyeglasses, and assistance with utilities or rent – are present in all of our schools throughout the year. And a vast number of them tend to surface at the beginning of the year.”
The Oct. 3 event will feature a short program in Capital High School’s Performing Arts Center, followed by an opportunity to enjoy pastries and coffee in the lobby.
The program will include a panel of school staff who will share why this resource is critical to students – and how it can be the difference between a student having a successful school experience, and a student dropping out of school.
“We know that students who don’t have their basic needs met often struggle to learn,” Johansson said. “And if a student can’t learn, they also may struggle to graduate, be employed and break the cycle of poverty they experienced through no fault of their own.”
The Principal’s Emergency Fund was created in 2008 by Lt. Gov. Denny Heck; his wife, Paula, a retired Olympia School District principal; and other community members.
Other highlights of the program will include honoring school staff and community members who have consistently gone above and beyond to cultivate student potential.
Rise & Shine for Students! details:
- Date: Friday, Oct. 3
- Time:
- Doors open at 7:10 a.m.
- Program begins at 7:30 a.m.
- Food served at approximately 8:10 a.m.
- Venue: Capital High School Performing Arts Center, 2707 Conger Ave. N.W., Olympia (Park in the lower lots labeled “3” or “4.”)
- Food: After the program, Left Bank Pastry will be providing pastries; Ember Goods will be providing coffee. Guests are welcome to enjoy their goodies in the lobby or can take theirs to go if they need to get on with their day.
The Foundation recommends getting your free tickets in advance online here. Day-of registrants will not be turned away, but may not receive breakfast.
Those who are unable to attend but would like to donate may do so online here.
This year’s presenting sponsors are Jonathan, Patricia & Cameron Seib, and the Gould Family.
