Small Town News

Elementary schools need new science curriculum

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Wednesday night -- Oct. 28 -- you may get a phone call but not recognize the caller's phone number. This time, you might want to answer the phone. It could be one of the 150 high school students from across the Issaquah School District.

Of course, they want something. They will ask you to support a new science curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grades, new chemistry textbooks and equipment, the extension of robotics clubs to the middle and high schools, and financial literacy programs for all eighth-grade students.

Your donation might also support after-school homework labs, the VOICE Mentoring Program, National Board Certification scholarships for teachers and enrichment grants for class studies.

And each student will be "earning" a share of the donations for his or her club or school activity, in recognition of their volunteer work.

But most of the donations to the annual Calling for Kids campaign will go to the new elementary school science curriculum, "Project Inquiry: Science and Technology for the 21st Century," including training for teachers.

All donations go through the Issaquah Schools Foundation, providing much-needed support for select programs in Issaquah schools. Last year, the foundation raised $250,000 from its Calling for Kids campaign. This time, the goal is $300,000.

It's a sad state of affairs that our schools can't afford to update their curriculum, but that's the way of life in Washington state. But in some respects, a nonprofit foundation is a more equitable way to support education without burdening everyone through an increase in property taxes. This way, you can give what you can, when you can.

No need to wait for the kids to call you. Hop online and make a donation at www.issaquahschoolsfoundation.org.



Copyright 2010 The Issaquah Press, Issaquah, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Issaquah Press Issaquah, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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