Welcome Staff

Welcome Staff to this special section just for you!

For some of you who have been part of the David Douglas School District family for several years, you will recognize this picture.  I was supposed to be a fairy princess with a magic wand and my opening line was “If Wishes Came True.” It is one of many, sometimes wild and crazy, costumes and personas that I created to get your attention.  You may not have remembered what I had to say, but you remembered the costume.

I am still saying much of the same words because I continue to feel they are important.  Thank all of you for caring about our students. Even though some days seem tough and you don’t always get that pat on the back, be assured that what you are doing is helping each student toward success and you are appreciated.

This section contains information about the Spring and Opportunity Grant programs, and provides access to applications for each.

Also available is information about the $5 Campaign, a payroll deduction plan that has been available since 2006.  Many of you have been contributing since then, even increasing your deduction amount over the years, and have made an invaluable impact on the assistance DDEF can provide for those kids in need or special requests from staff and school-sponsored ventures.

During the past years, we have extended funds for library and classroom books, supplemented Rocket Team expenses to compete at the National level of Team America Rocketry Competition, funded flexible seating options for students, new equipment for PE classes, student leadership conferences, and partial expenses for a Gold Place winner to join in the Scholastic Art & Writing National Celebration (among other requests).

Because of these extra requests, our Opportunity Grant fund is in need of your help.  For every $5 increment, it is divided between the Kids Fund and Opportunity Grants. If you have never participated, the payroll deduction plan is an easy way to help so many – maybe even your grant request someday!  If you can, please sign up for the Kids Fund Payroll Deduction Plan or increase your amount by $5 this year – it does make a difference.

So “If Wishes Came True”, I wish for an exciting and successful school year for all and hope you will seriously consider signing up for the $5 Campaign now - see the $5 Dollar Campaign section directly below. In addition, we encourage you to apply for an Opportunity or Spring grant when needed - Opportunity grants are open year-round; Spring grants are open during a specified period in the Spring (usually March or April).

Sincerely,

Beverly Fischer, DDEF President (still!! – and enjoying it all)

$5 Dollar Campaign

The David Douglas Educational Foundation’s $5 Campaign is a simple and painless payroll deduction where employees are asked to contribute as little as $5 per month to DDEF.

Many thanks to you that have signed up in the past and are still supporting the $5 Campaign, some since the inception in 1994-95!  Your payroll deductions have assisted in providing glasses, clothing, shoes and many other needs for some of our children (Kids Fund) and many Opportunity Grants. 

Please click the “Learn More” button below for more information and to download the $5 Campaign Application.

Free Ways to Give: If you shop at Fred Meyer and haven’t already done so, sign up and designate DDEF as a recipient of a percentage of sales.  This is a free service and helps fund DDEF goals and projects.  Check out Fred Meyer Rewards on our Ways to Give page. 

As always, thank you for all that you do for our students - not only providing them with an education but helping them learn how to live and enjoy reconnecting with their peers. Covid 19 really has taken a toll on all of us.

I am planning to visit each school staff meeting this spring to tell you about DDEF, what we have accomplished and encourage each of you to sign up for the $5 Campaign, (a payroll deduction plan).

Each elementary school received at least 20 or more fleece beanies to give to children in need when the wind is blowing and the air is chilly. (See the Warm Hats Story here.)

Looking forward to seeing you face-to-face in August during the Welcome Back staff picnic.

Foundation Offerings

Scholarships: Dates to apply are February 1-March 31, 2024.  If you have a chance, encourage your students to apply for some of the scholarships posted on our web site’s Scholarships page.

Grants: If you’re interested in seeing more detail on what the Opportunity and Spring Grants have provided, click Grants at the website’s top menu bar, ddefforkids.org/grants.  You’ll see a snapshot of a variety of grants provided in past years.

When you apply for a DDEF Spring or Opportunity Grant, please be sure to read all of the instructions and complete a grant proposal form (#GR-F-001) for the district as well as the DDEF Opportunity Grant or Spring Grant application. Both forms are required.  The Grant application buttons are located at the bottom of this, our Staff Resources page, so keep scrolling down.

The Spring Grant season is closed.

Keep on scrolling to find the Spring and Opportunity Grant request forms below.

Thank you for all you do,

Beverly Fischer

DDEF Spring Grant

The DDEF Spring Grant program supports staff requests to enhance and supplement district programs and to provide additional educational opportunities for David Douglas students. Spring Grant applications are accepted during a specified time frame announced to staff (typically in February and March).

The Spring Grant application period is closed for Spring 2024.

Looking for the Opportunity Grant application? Just scroll a little further down this page to the “DDEF Opportunity Grant” section below.

DDEF opportunity Grant

Do you need assistance funding a special project?  Opportunity Grant Applications may be submitted to DDEF at any time. They are those requests that would not be considered for a Spring Grant because either they do not meet Spring Grant requirements or they do not fit the Spring Grant application period. You may apply for an Opportunity Grant (previously called Special Grant) by downloading the application here and following the instructions.