Vashon Schools Foundation

06/09/2026

5th grade camp is such a formative, enriching experience for our students. Some of our VISD alumni board members remember their own 5th grade camp experience (Nicole Donnelly Martin still remembers her cabin cheer!) and this is such an important tradition to continue as kids make the big jump from elementary to middle school.

Looks like another fantastic camp experience is in the books!

05/27/2026

Thanks to the generosity of this incredible community, the Vashon Schools Foundation reached our GiveBIG goal. Two full-time counselors will remain at McMurray Middle School for the 2026-27 school year, for every student who needs someone in their corner.

Whether you donated, shared our campaign, cheered us on, or simply care about the kids in our community, thank you. GiveBIG is a reminder of what Vashon does best: show up for each other.

What we achieved together is real. It's two counselors in the building every day. It's a sixth grader who has someone to talk to. It's a family that feels supported. It's a kid who walks through those doors knowing someone will notice.

We are so proud to be part of this community.

With deep gratitude,

The Vashon Schools Foundation Board

05/08/2026

At a board meeting earlier in the year, we heard some astonishing data from annual middle school student screenings:

🟧31% of McMurray students screened showed signs of anxiety
🟧27% signs of depression
🟧9% reported self-harm

A stark reminder of how important it is to have trained mental health professionals in our schools.

The Vashon Schools Foundation is committed to keeping essential support staff in our schools. State funding does not cover two full-time counselors at a school of McMurray's size — that's why we rely on the strength of this community. We know you've seen us posting a lot, but that's because we're passionate about this cause, and we've seen what this island can do when we come together.

We're half-way to our goal of $50,000 to ensure those students have a caring adult in their corner.

Thank you to your generosity and island spirit, and there's still time to donate!

GiveBIG to help us keep two full-time counselors at McMurray Middle School!A good counselor shouldn't depend on your home life — and for some McMurray kids, these are the adults they turn to. These roles are not extras. They are foundational to student wellbeing and...

05/08/2026

Grateful to this amazing community for their generosity and support. Our thermometer is half-full but our hearts are overflowing! There's still time for you to GiveBIG if you haven't yet!

These little ones at Chautauqua will be at McMurray one day, help us reach our goal of $50k to ensure they will have the support they need.

Give BIG here: https://www.wagives.org/organization/Vsf

05/06/2026

We're nearly halfway there, and we need YOU to help us reach our goal of $50k to help us keep two full-time counselors at McMurray Middle School! Please take a moment and give BIG today.

GiveBIG is a great opportunity to show your support for this amazing community of students, teachers, and neighbors!

The Vashon Schools Foundation is committed to keeping essential support staff in our schools. Counseling isn't supplemental. It's foundational. Can we count on you? https://www.wagives.org/organization/Vsf

05/05/2026

Hi Vashon Community!

We're almost 30% of the way there for GiveBIG, please take a moment to donate today to help us...

✅ Keep two full-time counselors at McMurray Middle School for every student who needs one.
✅ Ensure students struggling with anxiety, depression, or personal hardship have immediate, dedicated support.

especially if you...
✅ Believe that counselors help strengthen the safety net for the entire McMurray community — students, families, and educators alike

We love this island community, and we appreciate how you all care deeply about the well-being of our students! Every year during GiveBIG you show up for our students, faculty, and community.

Simple donation process here: https://www.wagives.org/organization/Vsf

05/04/2026

Remember middle school? It’s a formative time for students and always has been…

For GiveBIG, we are rallying the community to raise $50,000 to ensure our middle school students always have the support they need.

Your gift today will:
✅ Keep two full-time counselors at McMurray Middle School for every student who needs one.
✅ Ensure students struggling with anxiety, depression, or personal hardship have immediate, dedicated support.
✅ Strengthen the safety net for the entire McMurray community — students, families, and educators alike.

GiveBIG for our students today, right here:
https://www.wagives.org/organization/Vsf

Thanks to our board members for digging into the vault for this one...

04/30/2026

Middle schoolers are navigating far more than bus routes and combination locks. They are managing complicated friendships, academic expectations and, for some, issues such as housing instability or language barriers. They are carrying a lot while learning how to become capable, compassionate adults.

Who helps them carry it all? Middle school counselors.

State funding does not cover two full-time counselors at a school of this size, and declining district enrollment puts one of these positions at risk of being reduced to part time. That's why we aim to raise $50,000 to ensure that our McMurray Middle School students always have the support they need.

Read more from our co-president, Kennedy Leavens ⬇️

And head to our GiveBIG site to donate today: https://www.wagives.org/organization/Vsf

Today I’ve been thinking about middle school.

04/29/2026

An exciting screenshot from our GiveBIG page! We're already at 12% of our goal! Can we get to 20% by the end of the day??? This is an AMAZING response from our community, letting us know just how much they value our middle school counselors.

Recent screenings tell a clear story of our middle schoolers:

31% of McMurray students showed signs of anxiety
27% signs of depression
9% reported self-harm

Counselors are not extras. They are foundational to student wellbeing and academic success. Our goal in GiveBIG is to raise $50,000 from the community to ensure all our students always have a trained, trusted adult in their corner.

Donate here, today! https://www.wagives.org/organization/Vsf

04/28/2026

Early giving for GiveBIG 2026 begins today!

The Vashon Schools Foundation is committed to keeping essential support staff in our schools. State funding does not cover two full-time counselors at a school of McMurray's size — that's why we rely on the strength of this community.

Recent screenings tell a clear story of our middle schoolers:

31% of McMurray students showed signs of anxiety
27% signs of depression
9% reported self-harm

Our goal in GiveBig is to raise $50,000 from the community to ensure our students always have a trained, trusted adult in their corner.

GiveBIG HERE: https://www.wagives.org/organization/Vsf