Santa Claus came early to the Anacortes schools this year, disguised as an anonymous donor from the community, who gave $20,000 to the Anacortes Schools Foundation. The donation is one of the largest received this year.

Half will go to AVID, the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, which prepares prepares under-served students for four-year college eligibility by supporting their academic and motivational needs. AVID targets students in the academic middle who are willing to work hard and have a desire to go to college. These students are capable of completing rigorous course work but are falling short of their academic potential. AVID requires students to take courses which will put them on the college track, utilizing acceleration instead of remediation.

Anacortes is honored to have received a major grant from the Gates Foundation to establish connections and outreach with the youngest children in our district, those who have yet to enter the doors of our schools!  Virtually every study done shows that money spent on the first five years of educating children saves many dollars later in numerous ways.