In Merlo’s bicycle maintenance class, students don’t just learn about gears, chains, and brakes — they learn how to solve problems, work as a team, and take pride in building something with their own hands. The class has quickly become one of Merlo’s most engaging and popular electives, giving students a chance to connect practical STEM skills with everyday life. BEF and donors supported Merlo last year by providing two professional tool kits, but students must wait their turn to use the tools. This slows down learning and limits the hands-on experience that makes the class so powerful.
The solution is simple and impactful: we hope to support Merlo by helping to purchase two additional Park Tool PK-5 Professional Bicycle Tool Kits — the same durable, industry-standard kits already in use. With these additional sets, we can double the number of students working simultaneously, giving everyone more time to learn, practice, and grow their skills safely and confidently. Our donors put real tools into the hands of students, empowering them to think critically, problem-solve, and gain practical mechanical experience that can open doors to future careers.
In return, supporters can take pride in knowing their contribution builds something lasting — not just a class, but a legacy of hands-on learning. These tools will serve countless students for years to come, turning curiosity into confidence and helping young people discover the joy of learning by doing. Together, we can keep Merlo’s program — and students — rolling forward.
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The Terra Linda Resource Room serves students who benefit from targeted instruction, adaptable learning options, and a space where their unique needs are recognized and supported. Our amazing learners are capable and motivated, but they often need specific tools to fully engage with instruction. By equipping our resource room with essential materials (like sensory fidgets and text-to-speech tools) to support social-emotional needs, academic gaps, and engaging activities, you can help support inclusive learning and student success.
Help us create a learning environment where our highest need students can take risks, build skills, and experience success. With your contribution, every student who enters our Resource Room will have access to the tools they need to thrive—without barriers and without compromise.
FLEX Online School recognizes that for many online students, anxiety and unfamiliarity create barriers to participation. We propose to remove some of those barriers by building trust virtually, then offering a in‑person experience centered on comfort and belonging. FLEX will power a multi‑month mental health initiative built on the uplifting Sources of Strength framework. Each month, students will engage with short, practical spotlight videos that teach healthy habits, self‑regulation, connection, and help‑seeking in a format that feels safe and accessible for online learners. These videos build confidence, normalize conversations about mental health, and give students tools they can use right away. Our project culminates in our joyful Sources of Strength De Stress Fest, an on‑campus wellness event where students can explore art, games, movement, shared meals, movies, and calming animal interactions—all designed to help students practice coping strategies while forming meaningful connections. Your support brings this to life, funding spotlight content, engaging activities, and take‑home De Stress Kits that help students grow their resilience.
Kinnaman children love to sing! We launched our after‑school Coyote Choir in 2023 with 24 students. Today, 75 students participate, with more on a waitlist—clear proof of how much this program means to our community. Students love rehearsing each week, performing for families, and sharing their voices at elder‑care residences, the Aloha Farmers Market, and our new winter festival with Aloha High School and Mountain View Middle School. At semester’s end, students proudly perform for families and friends, building confidence and joy through music. Families show a remarkable commitment to keeping this opportunity accessible, but we still need financial support to keep this amazing choir available for students. Please consider supporting the Coyote Choir!
Fir Grove Elementary is requesting YOUR HELP to support our After-School Jump Rope Program for students in grades 3–5. This highly engaging extended-hours program promotes physical fitness, teamwork, coordination, and confidence while providing a positive and structured after-school opportunity. Students will participate one hour per week, over a 10-week period. The program also supports improved school attendance by increasing student engagement and connection to school.
This will be the third consecutive year Fir Grove has offered the Jump Rope program, which has consistently demonstrated strong student participation and community support. Students work collaboratively to learn jump rope routines and skills, culminating in a performance at a school assembly. This culminating experience builds student pride, leadership skills, and confidence in public performance. We appreciate the support of our amazing Fir Grove community!
The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer designed to inspire creative thinking in children that can be programmed in many different ways. Through the micro:bit, students are encouraged to explore ideas using real code. The device helps students experience the interaction between hardware and software, and it gives students practical computer knowledge. Using the micro:bit, students can see how the code on-screen has a direct impact on the device they’re holding in their hand. Not only do students learn about coding, but they also engage with mathematical concepts like variables, coordinates, geometry, and conditional logic. Stoller students LOVE coding, so help us support their engineering curiosity with MICRO:BITS!
For many students, performing in a choir is more than just singing. It’s a chance to build confidence, discover their voice, and connect with friends in a positive, creative after‑school environment. Choir programs also nurture leadership, teamwork, and a sense of belonging—skills that stay with students long after elementary school. At Raleigh Park, we want to continue to offer this opportunity to all 3rd–5th grade students, but we need support to make it happen. Together, we can create a space where students grow, shine, and feel proud of what they accomplish.
This year, our Whitford tech students are engaging with an engineering and design project combining multiple future-ready skills: coding, design, and engineering. They begin by learning how to program a Microbit using both blocks and text. Students program the Microbit to receive and display messages, operate small motors, and act as a light and temperature sensor. Additionally, they use CAD software to make vehicles that can be programmed to follow a course they create. The addition of a Motobit allows students to use larger motors that require more advanced programming and engineering to support multiple motors. Our project aligns with Oregon’s current Tech Standards as well as some of the Next Generation Science Standards. Most importantly, it is fun and engaging! Please support Whitford’s technology program with your donation today!
