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Last summer, BEF received a $10,000 GROW Grant from Advantis Credit Union to support student-run businesses in Beaverton School District high schools. The GROW Grant is a competitive process that relies on community votes to determine the winning proposals. BEF created an application opportunity for high school student-run businesses to propose how they would use grant funds to launch or grow their businesses. In the end, BEF provided three schools with resources to create innovative, career-connected learning opportunities for their students.

At the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE), students participating in the after-school Engineering Tech Team used the grant funds to purchase a fiber laser machine. In this program, students manage the entire process of receiving orders, creating work plans, and delivering products to the school community. One student shared, “It’s been really fun to learn how to control the laser and make it work right. I am learning a lot of new skills.” This hands-on learning experience helps develop skills in technology, finance, and project management.

Southridge High School’s Hawk Shop, a collaborative, student-run enterprise, used grant funds to buy a vinyl printer and cutter to expand printing services for the school community. Like the BASE Tech Team, Hawk Shop students encountered challenges in calibrating the new equipment and learned valuable lessons about problem-solving and resilience and are moving ahead in expanding product lines to meet customer demands. Teacher Kyle Chamberlain is proud of the program: “The students are completely in charge of the Hawk Shop from training to project completion. They own it completely.”

Sunset High School’s Maker’s Space used the funding to purchase a screen printer, an embroidery machine, and other supplies to support their Maker’s Market events. Students in the Product Design class and the Fab Lab used the new equipment to design and create artwork for sale during Makers’ Market. One event was held before winter break, and another is planned for the spring. Profits from sales are reinvested to help Maker’s Space become self-sufficient. By combining art and entrepreneurship, the program allows students to develop a range of valuable skills. One student shared, “I’ve always loved being artistic, but this market has let me explore the business side of making and selling, which makes it feel more real-life and less of a hobby. Now I feel like I have a good reason for spending my time on it!”

These three examples illustrate the positive impact of the Advantis GROW Grant: empowering Beaverton students to learn through hands-on experiences, develop business acumen, and explore future career pathways.

With full hearts we express our appreciation for the 243 individuals, local business and community leaders who came together to make a difference in the lives of our students and families and helped us deliver the requested number of winter break food gift cards to all 54 of the Beaverton schools.

From long-time supporters to first-time donors, this campaign truly embodied the spirit of community. Every member of the Beaverton City Council and Beaverton School Board made a personal commitment to this effort. The entire board of directors of the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce made a donation. Numerous school PTOs contributed to the campaign, on top of their own fundraising efforts for their individual school communities. The Beaverton Education Association and individuals in BSD Central Administration donated to support students over winter break. Beaverton area auto dealers, the Beaverton Police Department, and leaders in the construction industry all rallied support. In the end, the collective effort meant that our students and families were impacted in a new and impactful way this winter break. 

This giving season has reaffirmed that we are never alone in our mission to build a stronger, more compassionate Beaverton community. The needs of our students persist year-round, and this campaign demonstrated that together we can fill the gaps to support Beaverton students.

After nearly 20 years of dedicated service, Kristine Baggett, will be stepping back from her role as BEF’s Executive Director at the end of December. BEF has experienced significant growth and positive change during Kristine’s tenure, and her leadership has been integral in launching signature initiatives, expanding programs, securing vital funding and building strong partnerships in the Beaverton community. 

Betty Flad, retired Beaverton School District teacher and administrator, reflected on Kristine’s impact and influence this way: “Kristine’s ability to work with diverse audiences, identify educational needs, craft creative solutions to complex issues and leverage new funding opportunities through business partnerships has elevated Beaverton Education Foundation to a premier foundation in the state of Oregon. Her zest for engaging others through compelling stories and unique partnerships with community partners have funded hundreds of novel school and district initiatives.  Under Kristine’s leadership, every Beaverton school has been the recipient of funds to support local efforts and unique programs. Thank you Kristine for leaving such a lasting legacy for Beaverton kids.”

Kristine has authored many success stories throughout her time with BEF. Her collaboration with BSD staff led to the creation of the Safe and Sound for Student Success Program (S4), which began as an informal soccer club at one middle school aimed at supporting students who were struggling to stay engaged in class. Over the past decade, the program has grown significantly, expanding to all middle schools in the District, maintaining consistent academic expectations, and securing sustainable funding to ensure its continued success.

Also during Kristine’s tenure, BEF incubated and helped grow Camp Achieve, an in-person summer school program that successfully addressed summer learning regression for elementary students. Recognizing the opportunity to further help students through summer intervention programs, Kristine drove a partnership between BEF and BSD staff to implement Summer Boost, a program that provides students and families with the tools they need to engage in reading and math at home. Summer Boost brings programming to the students, making it easier for families to help students maintain the daily habit of reading by removing barriers like transportation and scheduling. 

Kristine was quick to perceive the evolving needs of students: BEF was a pioneer in funding STEAM initiatives to provide support for the integration of STEAM topics in schools across the District through the Building STEAM 4 All initiative. Building STEAM 4 All originated in 2008 with 9 projects, growing to 44 in 2023.

Rob Guild, current BEF Board Chair and BSD parent shares,“It takes a rather miraculous person to lead a charitable organization. Kristine’s commitment to our mission has had a lasting impact on the students and staff of the Beaverton School District. Thanks to her exceptional commitment to BEF’s mission, we are strongly positioned for success going forward.”

At the November BEF Board of Directors meeting, Deputy Director Lauren Garrett was enthusiastically appointed Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Lauren grew up in Beaverton, and her 20 years of experience as a public policy and political strategist will be invaluable in BEF’s next phase of growth as a partner of the Beaverton community. Lauren’s fresh perspective and ability to lead effective, durable initiatives will enable BEF to respond to the evolving needs of the students and staff of the Beaverton School District.

“As a former Beaverton School District parent and Beaverton Education Foundation board member, I have seen Kristine Baggett’s dedication and leadership make a positive difference for students and teachers and for the community. I have known Lauren Garrett for years and I’m confident that she will be an exceptional Executive Director who will be dedicated to bettering the educational experience of Beaverton students.  I look forward to seeing the BEF continue to thrive with her leadership,” shared Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. 

Please join BEF in thanking Kristine for her extraordinary contributions and the immeasurable good she has delivered to our community and in welcoming Lauren as the next steward of BEF’s mission.

While many of us will enjoy abundance and comfort during this time, we understand that the winter break holds different meanings for different members of our community. 

About 44% of our students rely on school for 2 meals a day. These represent 20 meals that struggling students and families will need to replace during the 2-week break. That’s where our community comes in.

BEF and BSD are partnering this winter giving season to raise $100,000 and help these students bridge the gap during the winter break and ensure that students return to school ready to learn.Together with our community partners, we will raise funds to support our students over winter break.

Help support BSD students this giving season.

All 23 of the BSD school nurses received membership in the National School Nurses Association and the Oregon School Nurses Association with support from BEF.

Thanks to BEF’s support last school year, BSD school nurses’ membership provided vouchers for free eye exams and glasses to 196 students. One BSD nurse said it best, “I am super grateful that BEF invests in nurses and students by paying for our NASN membership.  We have access to a large number of resources such as toolkits and free learning modules.  Vision vouchers save BSD families tens of thousands of dollars a year because after school vision screenings, we are able to  ensure that students can get needed glasses.” 

Membership to the National School Nurses Association and Oregon School Nurses Association provides learning tools and supports that allow BSD school nurses to develop evidence-based systems and standards of practice that support student health, including the areas of communicable disease management, medication administration, cultural responsiveness, mental health, and special education.

Support for these and other initiatives that indirectly impact our students are a part of our BEF mission, and we look forward to continuing to support BSD school nurses during the 2024-25 school year.