Bellevue Schools Foundation Raises $565,000 for District Programs

Bellevue Schools Foundation raised more than $565,000 at Spring for Schools, the foundation's luncheon last week, the foundation reported.

More than 1,000 business and community leaders attended the annual luncheon, which featured the announcement of a college and career counseling initiative designed to fill the need for assistance with career exploration and the college application process for students across the district, according to the foundation.

The proceeds of the luncheon are used for programs that improve student learning through district-wide academic initiatives, curriculum material and book purchases, training opportunities for teachers, and an array of programs that meet students' special needs.

This initiative will impact every high school student through late summer “college boot camps,” software to complete and track applications, and other program components, the foundation announced.

“This college initiative represents the continuation of the Foundation’s successful history of identifying what our students and families need and developing programs to meet those needs,” said Roxanne Shepherd, executive director, Bellevue Schools Foundation, said in a prepared statement. “We know that the Bellevue community cares strongly about our schools and will step up to support the best possible learning opportunities for all students in the Bellevue School District.”

The event included a flash mob of 120 students from Bellevue’s International School breaking into dance to begin the program, the foundation said.

Kyaa Dost, a senior at Sammamish High School, told the captivated audience his story of immigrating to the U.S. from Pakistan and how with the help of the AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program, he found the strength and support to achieve his dreams.

Steve Pool of KOMO-TV served as master of ceremonies.

-- Information from and Bellevue Patch archives