Every summer students across our district prepare for the start of school, purchasing new backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens and more. Imagine starting a new school year without these necessary supplies. For an increasing number of students right here in the Issaquah School District, this is a reality that can make them feel embarrassed, unprepared, and less than. That’s where our Tools4School program steps in, ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed from day one.
Why Tools4School Matters
Not Just an Ordinary Box of Supplies
“I walked into the classroom and saw a cardboard box lying on my desk. Inside were brand new pencils, colored pens, and fresh notebooks. To most kids, it was just an ordinary box filled with regular school supplies. But to me, it was an opportunity wrapped in a message, a message that I was seen, that I mattered, and that I could do anything regardless of where I came from.”
– Hannah, Skyline High School Senior and Tools4School recipient
Education is a fundamental right, but not all students have equal access to the tools that make learning possible. To ensure cost is never a barrier to students starting the year with the supplies they need, we are working with the Issaquah School District to distribute new backpack and school supply kits at the Issaquah School District Back to School Resource Fair in August, where families can access many resources beyond just school supplies. In 2024, almost 500 families with 900 students attended the first Resource Fair. With your help, we’ll help level the playing field, allowing students to focus on what truly matters: learning and growing.
K-5 Supply Packs Include:
Notebook paper, spiral notebooks, composition book, Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola colored pencils, Crayola crayons, broad line markers, fine line markers, dry erase markers, highlighters, Elmer’s glue sticks, erasers, scissors, pencil box, Sharpie permanent marker, and 2-pocket folders.
6-12 Supply Packs Include:
Notebook filler paper, spiral notebooks, composition books, graph paper spiral notebook, pencils, Crayola colored pencils, ballpoint pens, highlighters, erasers, 2-pocket folders, expanding file folder.
Backpacks:
Each student is able to pick out a backpack from a large variety of colors.
How You Can Help
This program is made possible by individual donors and community sponsors. Your gift of $55 gives a student in need a backpack filled with supplies. In order to provide consistency across our schools, we are unable to accept donations of physical items.
Will YOU help us provide 1,000 students with backpacks and supplies this year?
Are You in Need of Supplies?
If you or a family you know needs school supplies, please encourage them to register for the Issaquah School District Back to School Resource Fair. You can find more information here. If there are backpacks and school supply kits available after the Resource Fair, they will be provided to school offices allowing families in need to access at their local school.
Want to Volunteer?
Your involvement in the Tools4School program not only provides essential supplies but also shows students that their community cares about their success. By working together, we can ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn and thrive. We will need help the week of August 11 to prepare for the Resource Fair, and additionally during and after the Resource Fair on Aug. 13. Sign up link coming soon or email info@isfdn.org to indicate if you would like to assist.