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“BEF’s partnership means our middle schoolers are able to access academic activities that connect them with new and exciting experiences,” says Whitford Principal, Zan Hess. “We know we have to test solutions to engage our students, and with BEF, we are doing just that.”

The Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) supports Whitford Middle School educators and students where and when they need it. From consistent annual after school programming to classroom support and expanded opportunities, BEF helps Whitford students have what they need to thrive.

BEF worked with Whitford to pilot and grow the first Safe and Sound 4 Student Success (S4) after school program, more commonly known among students as “soccer club.” S4 combines individualized academic support with organized extracurricular activities like soccer and now basketball and the arts. S4 is a powerful conduit for building student connections with peers and adult mentors and has increased student attendance and achievement.

For students enrolled in the Upgrade+ program at Whitford (along with Mountain View and Five Oaks), BEF helped connect them to opportunities to explore technical careers including auto tech, construction trades and manufacturing. Field trips took Upgrade students to visit high school programs where they received hands-on learning opportunities including changing tires, completing carpentry projects and learning how to be safe when using a blow torch. These experiences are an introduction to high-wage, high-demand technical careers students can train for in high school.

Most recently, through our PE + Play initiative, with support from Nike and the Juan Young Trust, Whitford was awarded $20,000 for much needed PE equipment. 

“PE teachers got most everything on their wish list at Whitford, Meadow Park and Cedar Park,” said Kristen Gustafsen, PE Teacher on Special Assignment. From volleyball to pickleball, a fitness circuit and yoga mats, students now have access to the equipment needed to get the most out of their gym time and leave class focused for their academic lessons. 

You can make a difference in supporting programs just like these – become a member of our Building Blocks Circle today.

Thanks to our generous donors Beaverton Education Foundation has awarded $63,527 funding 45 classroom projects so far for the 2023-24 academic year.  

Equipping Our Students: Oregon Battle of the Books for Whitford

Whitford Middle School
Students Served: 50
Recipients: Christopher Miller & Cameron Turner
Award: $825

Funding provided in part by The Mike Osborne Memorial Award Fund

Whitford students are excited about reading, thanks to your support for their recent Beaverton’s Choice project. Funds raised purchased English and Spanish books for students to participate in this year’s OBOB competition and are providing increased opportunities for our teachers to build enthusiasm for reading.

Fifth Grade Field Scientists

Beaver Acres Elementary
Students Served: 125
Recipients: Shannon Hanson, Emily Reberry, Angela Steindorf, Evan Churchill & Sandra Hoppenrath
Award: $1,102

Funding provided in part by the BEF Building STEAM 4 All initiative

Fifth graders’ last year at Beaver Acres will be filled with happy memories and authentic learning opportunities, including a field trip to the Oregon Zoo. Support for their Beaverton’s Choice project will transform students into field scientists, increasing interest, motivation and joy through offsite experiences that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.

Communicating is Key for McKinley!

McKinley Elementary
Students Served: 54
Recipients: Cyndie Pelto, Lynne Fowler & Lucia Olvera Rodriguez
Award: $1,794

Funding provided in part by the Parent and Teachers of McKinley and the the BEF Building STEAM 4 All initiative

McKinley now has access to six pocket translators for staff and students to connect and communicate. Thanks to generous support for their Beaverton’s Choice project, staff don’t have to rely on their personal devices for translation assistance and have access to more languages too.

Tech Tools for STEAM Skills

Rock Creek Elementary
Students Served: 415
Recipients: Marjie Downing & Connie Hilger
Award: $3,785

Funding provided in part by the BEF Building STEAM 4 All initiative

Rock Creek Elementary students have greater access to enhanced, interactive lessons in library and technology thanks to our community’s support for new iPads. Funding from their recent Beaverton’s Choice project will also give students even more opportunities to learn from the school’s STEAM-focused tools. 

Coyote Cooking Club’s Recipe for Success 2.0!

Kinnaman Elementary
Students Served: 12
Recipient: Emily Nelson
Award: $500

Funding provided in part by the BEF Building STEAM 4 All initiative

Coyote Cooking Club students at Kinnaman Elementary are building life skills, learning to be independent and healthy, all while furthering their understanding of fractions. Support from our generous donors funded the sustainable supplies needed for students to experience free cooking classes and the impact has already been felt across the community. 

Thanks to your generous contributions, the dollars raised are enabling enrichment programs in Beaverton schools that otherwise would not be possible. For current programs, and to begin your application, please visit Beaverton’s Choice, Beaverton Education Foundation’s online resource that brings community and classrooms together.

BEF was honored to be a part of the Shop to Support campaign for the second time this fall, where Columbia generously donated 10% of shopping pass sales to BEF. In an impressive collaborative effort, money raised from BEF supporter purchases totaled $21,058 and will go towards Kids Count Grants for after school and summer programs in Beaverton schools.   

A $5,000 grant from the Cultural Coalition of Washington County in association with the Oregon Cultural Trust will provide art supplies to help seniors at every high school prepare submissions to an upcoming juried art competition, the 36th Annual Herzog-Meier Senior Art Scholarship Show.

The exhibit will run April 21-27 and feature more than 200 art submissions. One scholarship will be awarded per school, with all participants being celebrated at a reception on Wednesday, April 24 at the Herzog-Meier Auto Center Showroom (4275 SW 139th Way) in Beaverton.

“These awards are two examples of how our community comes together to give Beaverton’s students an opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Kristine Baggett. “From institutional donors to local businesses and individuals who shopped for Beaverton schools, every level of support makes an impact.”

Since 2003, donations to the Cultural Trust have generated more than $27 million in grants to more than 1,000 arts, heritage and humanities programs and 2,500 projects through the Cultural Coalitions that serve every county and federally recognized tribe in Oregon.

By donating to BEF, you become eligible for Oregon’s Cultural Tax Credit, making it possible for you to support cultural activities with your state taxes. This tax credit is in addition to the deduction you got for your initial gift. Check their website for details.

Learn more about BEF’s impact in our 2022-2023 Impact Report.

“When can we go back?” Students in Sexton Mountain’s Structured Routine Center (SRC) asked following their recent field trip to Spectra Gymnastics, a local gym dedicated to supporting those living with developmental and intellectual disabilities. 

Sexton Mountain’s three SRC classes rotated through stations — climbing, balancing, jumping and swinging their way through the gymnastics studio — with the comfort of knowing their teachers and specially-trained gym staff were there to support them. Funding for the trip was provided through BEF’s crowdfunding platform, Beaverton’s Choice.

“Students had an amazing time, learning how their bodies move and interacting with friends,” said Ashlee Rice, special education teacher. “Since Spectra, we’ve had several young students show greater bravery on the play structure at recess!”  

Willingness to try new things and engage in movements across the body makes an impact beyond the playground as well. Strengthening these muscles is essential for writing, life skills and understanding how to successfully manage sensory stimulus. 

“Providing all Beaverton students with engaging, hands-on experiences is at the heart of BEF’s mission,” said Kristine Baggett, executive director for BEF. “Activities, like this trip, have an immediate impact while also giving students the confidence to continue exploring the unknown, which is at the foundation of all learning.”   
For many SRC students, visiting Spectra Gymnastics marked their first field trip — a true milestone in their educational journey. Learn more about BEF projects seeking support, visit Beaverton’s Choice today.