• fcrc, go ready
  • fcrc, go ready
  • fcrc, go ready

Nearly 1,750 kids and adults attended the second annual Go Ready, a free festival designed to help VPS families with their back-to-school needs so that all students are prepared to begin learning on the first day of school.

Held Aug. 19 at Hudson’s Bay High School, the 2015 festival distributed 500 bags of gently used clothing; connected 160 kids with haircuts; and facilitated 100 immunizations. Attendees also enjoyed 1,600 hot dogs; 4,000 ice cream treats; family-friendly activities; and entertainment. Fifty district partners from the community provided food; fun; information; and materials about early learning, counseling, health care, housing and other resources. Approximately 80 volunteers lent their time and talents to ensure that families were ready for school.

The festival is organized by the district’s Family-Community Resource Center team, which supports and engages families.

To assist students with school supplies, the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools partnered with the Evergreen School District Foundation. The organizations collected donations for their inaugural Write from the Start citywide school supply drive. As a result, every Vancouver school received its requested supplies.

Additionally, the Foundation for VPS’ 2015 luncheon shattered records with nearly 600 guests and a record $158,000 in contributions. The luncheon is an annual fundraiser that supports and inspires success for students attending Vancouver schools.

This and other stories originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Inside Vancouver Public Schools.

#VPSsuccess

The 2014 Go Ready! received a first-place Magna Award from the American School Board Journal.

VPS was one of 50 districts in the U.S. and one of four Washington districts named a District of Distinction in 2014. VPS was recognized for its Family-Community Resource Centers.

VPS’ Family-Community Resource Centers and Homeless Outreach Promoting Education program provide information about housing resources and other support.