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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BOEING COMPANY GIVES $40,000 GRANT TO BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Grant will buy middle school science kits as part of the BSF's Project Discovery
SEATTLE, Wash., Jan. 2, 2003 -- The Boeing Company approved a $40,000 grant request from the Bellevue Schools
Foundation (BSF), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to funding educational and youth initiatives across the
Bellevue School District. The funds will go toward the purchase of "Diversity of Life" science kits for all sixth grade
science classrooms in the district.
The grant from Boeing is part of the BSF's ongoing initiative called "Project Discovery," which is designed to enhance
science curriculum at all levels of the Bellevue Schools. Over the past three years, BSF has worked with the district to
place science kits in every elementary school classroom. While the elementary level program is continuing, BSF is now
focused on helping science classes at the middle and high school levels.
"We thank The Boeing Company for its generous donation that helps Bellevue School District students have more
comprehensive and hands-on science materials in their classrooms," said Sherry Ladd, executive director, BSF.
"The philanthropic support we receive from our corporate partners is crucial to our ability to provide much-needed
funds for schools across the district."
The Bellevue Schools Foundation's goal is to fill the funding gap between what schools receive from the State and
what they need to achieve educational excellence, according to Ladd.
Teachers in both the elementary and middle schools praise the "Project Discovery" program for improving the level
of science curriculum and creating more excitement for science by Bellevue students.
"We see a dramatic difference in the elementary students who have participated in the Project Discovery classes.
Now we're excited to implement a similar science kit program at the middle school level," said Eric Ferguson,
Grades 6-8 Science Specialist, Bellevue School District.
The middle school science kit, called "Diversity of Life", introduces sixth grade students to microscopes and the
world of cells. Students analyze snail habitats, observe the behavior of Madagascar hissing roaches, dissect seeds,
and grow and observe microbes on Petri dishes. Students develop skills and apply science concepts needed to make
evidence-based decisions, solve problems, and independently interpret the world around them.
The BSF is also seeking funding to provide new science equipment, such as microscopes, in the high schools.
For more information or to provide a donation to the Bellevue Schools Foundation, please contact the BSF at 425.456.4199
or email info@bsfdn.org.
About the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF)
The Bellevue Schools Foundation is a powerful partnership between business and community leaders, parents and members
of the education community. BSF was created in 1979 by a concerned group of parents and community leaders, who wanted
to ensure quality education for Bellevue's children despite the economic challenges facing the school district.
Its mission remains consistent: to promote and help fund the best possible learning opportunities for all students in
Bellevue Public Schools. During its 23-year history, the BSF has raised $6.6 million for programs that reach over
12,000 students every year. For 2002-2003, the Foundation's fundraising goal is $895,000. It will help to fund
district-wide curriculum innovations, expand professional development, support mentoring programs and implement a wide
range of programs to meet students' special needs across the district's 28 schools.
As a private, non-profit organization, the BSF depends on individual and corporate donors in order to fund its school programs.
In partnership with the Bellevue School District, the Parent-Teacher-Student Associations and school educators and
administrators, the Bellevue Schools Foundation helps Bellevue's public school students achieve excellence.
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Media Contact:
Margaret Dawson
The Silver Company (for Bellevue Schools Foundation)
Tel: 206-624-0388
Cel: 206-355-6872
margaret@thesilvercompany.com
or
Ann Grometstein
Bellevue Schools Foundation
Tel: 425-456-4199
ann@bsfdn.org
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Last updated Wednesday, March 17th, 2004.
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