As a result of the generosity of its donors, the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) recently awarded $200 to each of 70 new teachers in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), totaling $14,000. The New Teacher Grant provides teachers new to the profession with some financial assistance, to help create an engaging learning environment and demonstrate community support for the role teachers have in students’ lives.

The checks were awarded at an orientation for all new teachers in the district. Foundation president Scott Harlan welcomed the new teachers and pledged the support of the LWSF to help them, as well as all of the teachers and administrators in the LWSD, to provide an excellent and innovative educational experience for their students.

“There are many members of our community who want to create a direct, tangible impact in the classrooms of the Lake Washington School District,” Harlan said. “The Lake Washington Schools Foundation is a privately managed non-profit group with one purpose in mind — we were established to help our community directly and efficiently invest in classroom learning.”

Beginning a new profession has many costs. Teachers typically spend more than $400 of their own money annually on classroom supplies. Expenses can include books, reference materials, art supplies, bookshelves, posters and other materials.

Nikki Larson, who was hired to teach at Rockwell Elementary, wrote, “I’d like to thank you for the wonderful surprise — the $200 check! Your generosity is much appreciated! I put the money toward classroom supplies, which I know will be useful to all my students. I am so grateful for the incredible gift. I feel honored to be working for the Lake Washington School District and to be associated with the Lake Washington Schools Foundation.”

Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent of the LWSD, noted, “These grants tell a new teacher they are working in a community that supports and values education. That kind of moral support stays with a teacher long after the money is spent.”

Support for the LWSF comes from a broad base of individual donors, business donors, corporate and community partners. Established in 2004, the foundation has contributed over $580,000 towards the goal of an excellent education for all students in the LWSD.

For more information, contact executive director Tracy Hoien at (425)702-3414 or visit www.lwsf.org.