GiveBig 2026
GiveBIG to help us keep two full-time counselors at McMurray Middle School!
Middle schoolers are navigating far more than bus routes and combination locks. They are managing complicated friendships, academic expectations, and for some, issues like housing instability or language barriers. The support they get now shapes everything that comes after. Among the most important adults helping them carry it are the school counselors at McMurray Middle School.
Recent screenings tell a clear story:
- 31% of McMurray students showed signs of anxiety
- 27% signs of depression
- 9% reported self-harm.
And yet — 97% say there is an adult at school who truly cares about them, and 99% say there is an adult who listens. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because two counselors show up for every student, every day.
State funding does not cover two full-time counselors at a school of McMurray’s size, and declining enrollment puts one position at risk. Mental health and academic success are deeply connected. Counseling isn’t supplemental. It’s foundational. We need your help to keep it that way.
Please donate so we can ensure our McMurray students always have someone in their corner.
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Vashon Schools Foundation harnesses community funding to ensure excellent, equitable public schools where all kids can thrive.
At Vashon Schools Foundation, we work to ensure every child has access to quality education by bridging gaps in public school funding and empowering students with the resources and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential. We are committed to fostering a thriving educational community by partnering with families, educators, and supporters to provide rich, equitable learning experiences that prioritize student well-being and inspire lifelong success.
Impact Highlights
Funded Critical School Staff Positions
Enabled the hiring of a second Family Engagement Coordinator and a Reading or Math Intervention Educator — ensuring targeted support for students and families who need it most.
Successful GiveBIG Campaign
Met our fundraising goal in May, thanks to an outpouring of community support — allowing us to continue funding academic and social-emotional programs that aren’t fully covered by the state.
Sustained Investment in Enrichment Programs
Continued support for science curriculum, classroom art residencies, and vital social-emotional learning tools across all Vashon public schools.
VSF’s First Annual Gala “Under The Stars”
We hosted our very first Gala on November 15, 2025, raising $335,000 to fund a wide range of needs in Vashon’s public schools, including staffing, academic and family engagement services, arts education, social-emotional support, science programming and more. Check out all the details here and stay tuned for more 2026 Gala updates!
Board Leadership & Volunteer Activation
Welcomed new board members and increased volunteer involvement – energizing our work with fresh ideas and capacity.
Annual Report
For the 2024–2025 school year, VSF played a vital role in closing the gap between what our community expects from public education and what state funding provides. VSF invested $188,000 directly into our schools—supporting essential programs and services that enrich students’ learning and well-being.
At the same time, strong fundraising throughout the 2025 calendar year positioned us for continued impact. These additional resources are enabling support for the 2025–2026 school year while thoughtfully reserving funds to help sustain programs into 2026–2027.