With the beginning of a new school year, Methow Valley Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA) is conducting its annual fall campaign to raise funds for academic enrichment in the public schools.
Since 2003, PSFA has raised more than $600,000 to fund programs and purchase materials that expand educational opportunities in the Methow Valley School District.
Each year teachers, students, administrators and community members apply to PSFA with proposals for programs and materials to benefit students and enrich the learning environment in the public schools.
Programs initiated or supported by PSFA include a college adviser for high school students, elementary school violin and Spanish classes, Advanced Placement classes at Liberty Bell High School, science field trips for elementary students, and tutoring for high school students.
Funding from PSFA also helps support the Young Authors Conference at Methow Valley Elementary, school performances and artist residencies through Methow Arts, science excursions to Puget Sound and the North Cascades, music and art programs, and thousands of books for school and classroom libraries.
PSFA is a nonprofit organization founded by community members who were concerned about cutbacks in funding for public education. For more information about PSFA, visit the website, www.methowvalleypsfa.org.