Lake Washington Schools Foundation allocates $72,000 for LINKS tutor/mentor program next year.

7th Annual LWSF luncheon at LW High raised $130K

Lake Washington Schools Foundation allocates $72,000 to LINKS mentor / tutor program for 2012-2013 school year.  Volunteers will be needed to serve 1500 students. 

With outgoing President Terri Blier by her side, LeeAnn Wood, Executive Director of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF)announced plans to bolster the LINKS program at the School Board's last public meeting.
LINKS, short for "Looking Into the Needs of Kids," is a mentoring and tutoring program that recruits and trains volunteers "to work one-on-one with students to help them feel connected, valued, and challenged," said LeeAnn Wood.  "Volunteers come from all walks of life:  they're retirees, business workers, community volunteers, and parents."  LeeAnn said they learn skills like problem solving, critical creative thinking, and work & collaborating with peers.

Last year 788 students were served by 158 volunteers for a total of 4400 hours - and 60 kids were still on the waiting list for a mentor by the end of last year.  Next year, the Foundation's Executive Board projects student needs to double to almost 1500.  LeeAnn said they're waiting for the program person's plan from the district.

Ms. Wood announced the Foundation's four new officers for next year.  Peg Hunt is the new President.  Peg's been on the Board since 2009 and has two sons in school.  She has a BS in Psychology from University of Washington and a Master's in Organizational Psychology from San Diego University.  Peg has 8 year's experience working as a scientist for Batelle in Seattle and fundraising success at over $350,000 levels.  Read More >>

Barry Shaw is the Foundation's Vice President, a 1998 Microsoft retiree and coaches youth sports.  Barry was General Manager Active Voice with degrees in computer science.  He gives to non profits.  Barry has two sons in the district. 

Kathleen Reynolds is Secretary and new to the Board though has written Foundation grants for two years.  She has a has a B.S. in Psychology from University of Texas and worked at clinical drug development in pharmaceutical regulatory affaires. She has a child in district school.

Bob Guild is a 2011 Board member and Treasurer and a Robinswood Financial Advisor.  He has a BA in Business and Bachelors in Business and Marketing from WSU and very active in most youth sports, especially in Juanita.  His children have graduated.

Founding LWSF Board of Trustee members are:  The Axelroods, Bliers, Downings, Folgards, Hoeins, Hank and Judy Klein, Siri Bleisner, Don Saul's, Pat & Kitty Vache', Carolyn and Dan Vache', John and Deborah Marchione and Erika Renee Memorial. (Source:  LWSF website). 

LWSF is a 501c3 non profit organiztion with an ultimate mission of "Student success in Academic outcomes."  Quality teaching and leadership, access for all students, and future ready skills are it's  core goals, according to Ms. Wood's address to the school board and Sup Pierce.