Beyond the Bell: How SEF Keeps Summer Learning Alive

Beyond the Bell: How SEF Keeps Summer Learning Alive 

Funding Summer Learning in Snohomish 

 Did you know the state’s funding ends when the bell rings at the end of a school day? And that funding cuts off completely on the last day of school each June? 

That’s right – Washington State pays for 180 “school days,” or the time between the first and last bell of the standard school year. 

So, how does Snohomish pay for student activities that happen after school, on the weekends, and during the summer? All those great things like football, robotics, summer school, choir, debate competitions, band, the Book Café, summer library hours, and so much more? 

These activities and learning opportunities are made possible because of voter-approved levies, booster and club support, volunteer time and donations, and, for the last three decades, funding from the Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF). 

Continuing its mission to inspire, excite, and empower each student, SEF recently granted the Snohomish School District over $78,000. For summer 2025, that money means: 

• Opening the Elementary Summer Academy for students needing a boost with basic reading, writing and math skills 

• Continuing summer literacy programs, including keeping elementary libraries open for students and families to spend time reading together 

• Scheduling summer learning for the district middle and high school students. This includes extra opportunities in the summer to earn credits needed toward graduation. 

Another program funded this summer is BRAINball for district elementary schools and the Parent Partnership Program. BRAINball is a tool that uniquely combines physical activity with academic learning. PE teachers across the district saw its potential to not only keep kids healthy through activity but to boost reading and math skills too. Lessons can even help students learn anatomy and foreign language.  

“Learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends, and neither does our commitment to supporting students. The Snohomish Education Foundation is proud to provide funding that helps bridge the gap between the school year and summer, ensuring students continue to have access to meaningful academic and enrichment opportunities,” says Erica Cenci, Executive Director of the Snohomish Education Foundation. 

Support for summer programs and ongoing enrichments like these are made possible through the community’s generous support of SEF, which hosts an Annual Auction and other fundraising events. 

Summer school is not all SEF does. Since 1986, SEF’s support of families, students, staff, and schools has included: 

• More than $3 million in scholarships to graduating students 

• More than $1.3 million in classroom grants to teachers and staff for innovative learning 

• Nearly $800,000 for K-12 year-round programs at all schools in the district 

 

For more information on SEF, to donate, or to get involved, visit www.snoed.org or contact office@snoed.org.