22 Nov Ms. Allemann Focuses on Single Area of Impact
Librarian, Ginny Allemann, remembers preparing books bags to send home to students during the remote learning school year. Among the books students often requested were craft books, which would provide a much-needed creative outlet. This was a challenge for Ms. Allemann, who was at that time working in the Woodmoor library.
When I was examining the collection I could see that we really only had about 20 craft books and almost no “maker” books. Other areas of the collection are very strong, but I knew based on what kids were requesting, that we could not fulfill what they wanted.”
Ms. Allemann decided to apply for a grant through the Foundation specifically to purchase up-to-date craft and maker books.
From previous grants, I know that really targeting and building in a single area can have a lot of impacts.”
She spent hours researching publishers to find books with, “attractive photography and clear instructions and supply lists.” She also looked for crafts that could be made from recycled materials. In her grant proposal, she noted that “Getting 30 beautiful books shows kids that we, as a school and as a culture, care about literary and what books we put into their hands.”
After receiving the grant through the Foundation, Ms. Allemann shared the impact the purchase of craft books has had on the students.
Having up-to-date how-to books made such a difference for our students who were seeking activities to do at home during the pandemic. It offered them the chance to build their skills and get them excited about creating and making!”
Ms. Allemann has worked in the Northshore school district for three years. She has worked at both Woodmoor and Kokanee schools and is currently a librarian at Arrowhead elementary. She is married and has two teenaged children. Her family enjoys biking, running, hiking, and camping. Her sister-in-law also teaches at Northshore.
Authored by Susan Griner, Northshore Schools Foundation Board Member
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Northshore Schools Foundation
The Northshore Schools Foundation is a local 501 (c)(3) local non-profit charity that serves students, and teachers in the Northshore School District located in the communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville. The Foundation is funded solely by private contributions and operates separately from the Northshore School District.
We are most proud of our efforts to enrich the educational experience for students, support teachers, and make a meaningful contribution to public education and the community. The Foundation has granted over $2.9 million dollars to our schools, funding programs, and resources that benefit every student, nearly every day during their school career.
We are honored to have been voted “Best Local Non-profit” in the Best of Northshore three times; to have received the “Top-Rated” classification from Great Non-Profits and; to be a “Gold Participant” on Guidestar.
Our Mission is to raise funds and build community partnerships that enhance and inspire learning potential, remove barriers, and build skills for life, thereby amplifying District priorities for student and teacher education and excellence.