Anacortes School District

The Anacortes Community Health Council, an arm of the Skagit County Prevention Council, meets monthly to plan, partner and support local youth programs and activities. In the past several years, ACHC has funded school projects including implementing Search Institute's Developmental Assets survey at the middle and high schools, funds to support the 'School Buddies' mentor programs at Whitney and Island View schools and funds to support the VISTA-based Family Outreach Program at Island View Schools. The group meets monthly and welcomes new members. For more information, please contact ACHC President, Nora McMillan at 293-6905.

The Anacortes School District partners with the Anacortes American Red Cross in support of the school and community-based "Caring for Kids Program". This voluntary program is structured around an ARC Caring for Kids committee. Members work year-round to raise funds for families in need. Many members of the committee are school employees and parents. Each year, thousands of dollars are raised locally and a 'Ready to Learn Fair' is held in August for families in need. Students receive ample school supplies, vouchers for and/or clothing, shoes, free haircuts, etc. Hundreds of families benefit from this worthwhile program each year. http://www.redcross.org/prepare/makeaplan.html*

School staff members receive the Chamber newsletter and attend meetings when possible. A school district information sheet is provided to the Chamber each year for inclusion in their welcome and relocation packets to newcomers. http://www.anacortes.org/chamber.cfm*

DARE Program http://cityofanacortes.org/police.asp*

Special Programs for young students and teens http://library.cityofanacortes.org/*

The Anacortes Schools Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer organization working independently of the school district for the benefit of our students, educators, and community. To date, ASF has focused primarily on scholarships but is expanding its efforts to include fundraising. We are committed to helping our schools address the needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow. http://www.anacortesschoolsfoundation.org*

There is a long history of involvement with the Anacortes Senior Center and the schools. Intergenerational programs (art, photography, journaling, poetry, etc.) continue to be held, allowing young children and older adults to learn from each other and share their views of the world. In addition, a bi-monthly 'Spotlight on our Schools' presentation is held at the Center debuting students and projects from all six schools. The Center has space dedicated to student art and displays. Seniors also are welcomed into the schools for special programs and activities.

This federally-funded literacy program has had a positive impact in Anacortes in the past six years. A 'Teen Center' for middle and high school students opened its doors at the Salvation Army building through a collaborative program between Best PLACE, Salvation Army and school staff. A web-based tutoring program, called Skills Tutor is available as part of the after school drop-in center. The Salvation Army has purchased ample computers and Best PLACE/YMCA has paid for additional program materials and staffing. The school district continues to work with the Salvation Army and Teen Center staff to refer students to the Center. It is a safe location for teens to go after school.

In October 2000, the doors of the new Boys & Girls Club opened at the Armory Building located directly across the street from the Anacortes Middle School. They provide a safe place for youth 6-18 years old and have approximately 350 members (Most are elementary age and about ¼ are middle school students.) The Club Director works closely with the volunteer office and the schools to promote their programs including a homework 'power hour' and a wide range of classes including art, photography, movie-making, as well as games and athletic activities. VISTA and AmeriCorps members from the school district also volunteer their time at this after-school youth club. http://www.bgcskagit.org/anacortes_club.html*

Each March, the Anacortes Depot Art Center and Gallery hosts the Anacortes School District's month-long Student Art Show. The Center, located at 611 R Avenue displays nearly 250 pieces of art from student artists ages 5-18. The Arts Depot is a non-profit organization in support of the arts locally. For more information, call the Depot at 293-3663. The Art gallery is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Stop down in March - you'll be in awe of the beautiful artwork crafted by small and large hands alike. http://www.depotartscenter.com/*

The morning Rotary group has been active with the schools through the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental program) at various elementary schools. They also participate as evaluators for the Senior Project program. Several Rotary members volunteer as reading tutors before and after school. As with the other service clubs, the Rotary Clubs donates several thousand dollars each year in support of the schools. http://www.fidalgorotary.org/*

The other large and prosperous service club in town, the Soroptimist Organization offers dozens of scholarships for high school students seeking assistance for higher education. They also fund enrichment programs on an annual basis to the district. With a focus on promoting success among young girls, the group also sponsors recognition programs to foster growth and development of pre-teen and teenage girls.

One of the largest and most prosperous service organizations in town, the Noon Club supports the school by funding thousands of dollars for specific school enrichment projects annually. The group also earmarks approximately $20,000 in scholarships for Anacortes youth who are college bound. High school students may join the Kiwanis 'Key Club' and perform community service hours. The Key Club is the youth arm of the Kiwanis Club. http://www.anacorteskiwanis.org/*

This service organization is also a generous supporter of the Anacortes School District. Each year, it supports a variety of staff requests for enrichment programs to benefit students.

Health screenings http://anacorteswa.lionwap.org/*

The Salvation Army is home to a 'Teen Center' in Anacortes, which is a collaborative program between Best PLACE/YMCA, the Salvation Army and the school district. The majority of students who attend the program are from the high school. The Center is home to a dozen or more computers as well a separate game room. The Salvation Army has funded the computers and provides any needed equipment and supplies. Best PLACE/YMCA provides the program materials and staffing. The school district works with the staff to refer students to this Teen Center. It has been a safe haven for wayward students with ongoing supervision and encouragement to continue in their studies and not drop out of school.

Based out of Mount Vernon, the Skagit Adult Literacy Program offers classes and tutors to help adult learn to read or improve their reading and speaking skills. Anacortes residents have benefited from this program as the many of the tutors work in Anacortes. Currently, a literacy program is being offered for the entire family at Island View School every Monday and Wednesday evening. Adults and children attend, but meet separately to work on their literacy skills. Staff and volunteers provide the instruction and oversight. http://www.skagitcap.org/Skagit_Literacy.htm*

This relatively new organization in Anacortes seeks youth and adult volunteers to help in the financial support and training opportunities for special dogs that help disabled people lead more productive lives. Several schools have fundraised to help purchase a dog for Summit training or have assisted with training and other aspects of the program. One high school student trained an assistance dog as his Senior Project. Two elementary schools (Fidalgo and Mount Erie) started a 'Tales for Tail' program in 2004 whereby students practice reading a story to a dog each week. The students love it and it has proven to be a great motivator for struggling readers. http://www.summitdogs.org/*

Tesoro Refinery is committed to education and has been an active supporter of the school system. This past fall, Tesoro made a significant donation for a much-needed landscaping project on the high school grounds. Many of its engineers are active volunteering students in math and science. http://www.tsocorp.com/stellent/groups/public/documents/published/tsi_bus_ref_t3__anacortes.hcsp*

Each year, employees of the school district are offered an opportunity to support their local community agencies and programs through a donation to the United Way. The district has received several “Outstanding Support” awards for its annual contributions. http://www.unitedwayskagit.org/news.htm*

Skagit County Community Action Agency is the local regional agency coordinating the AmeriCorps VISTA program. This 2004-2005 school year, the Anacortes School Distict received funding for three VISTA members. Two are implementing 'School and Family Connection' programs for parents and students from Island View and Whitney elementary students. The third VISTA member is setting up tutoring and support program for 8th & 9th grade students who need help in the core subjects including math, English, and science. These students are being offered additional support as a way to help them improve their scores on the state-mandated WASL exams to be taken in 10th grade. http://www.americorps.org/vista/*

Based in Olympia, Washington, the Washington Service Corps is the state agency that administers the federal AmeriCorps program. Since 2001, the Anacortes School District has applied for and received seven AmeriCorps members. This year's four members work as Reading Assistants in the four elementary schools for a 10.5 -month service period. The goal is to help struggling readers improve their skills and to advocate for more volunteers to join the schools in this effort. http://www.wa.gov/esd/wsc/*