Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools

🎙️Exciting news!

Our Executive Director, Timothea Sutton, recently sat down with Steven from The Common Good at KXRWvancouver (99.9 FM) to talk about the work of the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools and the impact of our community coming together to support students.

The episode will be airing soon, and we can't wait to share it with you! Stay tuned—we'll post the link as soon as it's available. 💙

👓 Clear vision can make a world of difference in a student's ability to learn, grow, and thrive.

A huge thank you to Wellpoint for supporting our Vision Program this past school year!

Thanks to the generosity of partners like Wellpoint, students across Vancouver Public Schools received vision referrals for eye exams and glasses.

Together, we're helping remove barriers so every child is ready to learn. ✨

🔨 What starts as a toolbox can help build a future.

Through the VPS Toolbox Program, nearly 1,000 fourth-grade students explored skilled trades this year while learning alongside high school student mentors. From teamwork and creativity to confidence and career exploration, this hands-on program is making a lasting impact—one toolbox at a time.

📖 Read how the program is helping students discover new possibilities and build skills for the future: https://foundationforvps.org/making-an-impact-building-futures-through-the-vps-toolbox-program/

School's out, summer is here, and our latest newsletter has officially dropped!

Before you dive into vacation mode, take a moment to celebrate some incredible community impact:

🎓 One of our favorite wins this month: 44 HOPE students received caps and gowns, helping them celebrate graduation with pride.
💛 Our 25th Annual Bright Futures Luncheon raised more than $150,000 to support VPS students.
🛠️ Students are building skills and confidence through programs like Toolbox and Career Connected Internships.

None of this would be possible without supporters like you. Thank you for helping students learn, grow, and dream big all year long!

📖 Grab your summer reading here: https://mailchi.mp/vansd.org/june-newsletter-26

As we're closing the book on our latest Bright Futures Luncheon, we wanted to give one more shout-out to two incredible sponsors who helped make the event a success. 💛

A heartfelt thank you to the Hilton Vancouver. In addition to sponsoring this event, the Hilton staff provide invaluable mentorship to our culinary students each year as they prepare and serve a delicious meal at our Bright Futures Luncheons—we truly couldn't do it without them! 👏

And one last special thank you to our Centerpiece Sponsor, Lockwood & Like, Wealth Advisors of Raymond James for their generous support of this event: https://www.raymondjames.com/lockwoodlike

We are so grateful for your support, partnership, and commitment to helping students thrive!

💙 Thank You, Halo Designs! 💙

A heartfelt thank you to Halo Designs Salon, owner Charlene Bancel, and everyone who participated in their recent Bag Swap fundraiser benefiting the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.

Every little bit helps, and the donations collected will make a meaningful difference for VPS students and families.

We're so grateful for community partners like Halo Designs who help brighten futures and support student success. ✨

From dentistry to security—and everything in between! 👏

One recent VPS intern had a great experience with Atlas Pacific Security through the Career Connected Internship Program, and stories like this are happening all across our community.

Thanks to the support of U.S. Bank and our growing network of more than 150 local business partners who open their doors to VPS interns, hundreds of students have gained hands-on experience exploring future careers.

This program wouldn't be possible without our amazing partners who help students build skills, confidence, and connections. Thank you for making these opportunities possible! 💙

Learn more about Career Connected Learning: https://vansd.org/programs-items/career-connected-learning/

Still smiling about these joyful moments ✨

A few of our favorite dance photos from the luncheon, because this kind of student joy deserves another share. Wishing everyone a happy Friday filled with as much energy and happiness as these dancers brought to the room.

Photo credit: Micah Nance

“Being a Lunch Buddy is the best 40 minutes of my week. I enjoy building a positive connection with a student while laughing, being silly, and playing games together.” — a current Lunch Buddy ❤️

A huge thank you to our incredible Lunch Buddies for showing up each week and making such a meaningful difference for students.

There’s always room for more cheerleaders, and we’d love to welcome new volunteers to the Lunch Buddies Program! If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to make an impact, this could be it.

Read more about the program and how to get involved in the attached article.

Making an Impact: Why Every Child Needs a Cheerleader—Inside the Lunch Buddies Program - Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools The Lunch Buddies Program was built around a simple belief: Every Child Needs a Cheerleader. At the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, that belief continues to guide our work. We see every day how powerful a single, consistent connection can be. When students feel noticed, supported, and encou...