Issaquah Schools Foundation

The mission of Issaquah Schools Foundation/Communities in Schools of Issaquah (ISF/CISI) is to: "enhance the quality of education provided to each student by connecting community resources to the needs within the Issaquah School District helping young people stay in school, successfully learn and maximize their potential." ISF/CISI was formed in 1987 and is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Since its founding, ISF/CISI has provided over $1,500,000 in enrichment grants and program sponsorships. Its annual operating budget has grown significantly in the past few years due to increased community support. ISF/CISI has contributed almost $40,000 to Issaquah Middle School since 1997. Yearly funding includes support for the Club 7 and VOICE mentoring/tutoring programs. In recent years, ISF/CISI also has granted money to IMS for: computers and software to support "Co-Writer 4000", a writing assistance program; reading curriculum enhancement books and kits for language delayed students; the Junior Achievement Finance Park Field Trip for eighth graders, and the Newscast Class & Video Product Program. Teacher Joyce Miniger was awarded a classroom enrichment grant this year to fund Cooking Creates Community. Download an ISF informational flier here. For more information, contact Jody Mull and Lisa Sacia, PTSA ISF Liaisons; or visit the ISF/CISI website, or email ISF/CISI. Donations are always welcome. Please call 425-416-2045 or visit ISF/CISI.

The annual Calling for Kids campaign was held in April. This campaign raised $160,000 to help fund GLAD training for district teachers. THANK YOU to all who participated! What is Project GLAD? GLAD trains teachers to use a variety of methods to teach to varying learning styles. Equips teachers with proven "best practices" for facilitating classroom learning Trains teachers how to teach effectively to all kids and learning styles Trains teachers how to teach to the highest level while supporting everyone Is so powerful that teachers say it transforms the learning environment: It is highly visual Teaching and learning is fast-paced, yet environment is safe and supportive All students are engaged in learning Uses multiple ways to get ideas across to visual, verbal, kinesthetic learners Fewer behavior problems Teachers say it's more fun to teach this way Students learn more, remember more, synthesize more Where did GLAD come from? Originated in California in the early 1990's Earned outstanding program commendations in California and nationally Started as an ELL program, but found it had application for all kids Is nothing gimmicky - just a comprehensive collection of proven best practices Why is the Issaquah School District doing this? The fastest way to improved student achievement is through teacher training, not lower class sizes Teachers represent 85% of the District budget, and are therefore the district's biggest asset. It's important to leverage this asset by investing in it. Part of a larger district strategy to invest in more powerful training for our teacher corps and principal corps. POWERFUL TEACHING + POWERFUL LEADERSHIP = POWERFUL LEARNING   See Project GLAD in action in this video. In 10 short minutes, you’ll see how Project GLAD can transform our classrooms and enhance the education of every Issaquah School District student.       Thank You! Issaquah School Foundation's Nourish Every Mind luncheon on October 18, 2007 raised a record $356,000! Money raised at this luncheon fund the ongoing programs (Club 7, VOICE, grants, etc.) of Issaquah Schools Foundation.