Committed to Excellence in Vashon Public Schools

For over 35 years, Vashon PIE has enriched public education on Vashon! Since 1987, Vashon PIE supporters have donated over $1.8 million and helped PIE fund nearly 1,600 grants!

Vashon Partners in Education (PIE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose goal is to enhance the learning environment in our public schools. We do this by funding activities and materials requested by those closest to the educational process — our teachers. Chautauqua Elementary, McMurray Middle School, and Vashon High School teachers, staff, and other community members are encouraged to submit grant proposals identifying specific needs or opportunities not addressed by the existing school budget. Grants are evaluated on educational value, innovation, need, and impact.  For more information about PIE’s mission and to see a list of our previous grants, see “More About PIE.”

PIE grants are typically due in early Fall to allow ample time for teachers to get materials into the classroom that school year.  If there are additional funds available, PIE will open grants again later in the year. In addition, PIE has a grant opportunity made possible by a generous donation from the estate of islander Robin Appleford. The Robin Appleford Enrichment Fund broadens PIE’s goal of enhancing the learning environment in our public schools by focusing on projects and ideas that deepen learning, specifically in the areas of Civics & Community and Environment & Ecosystems. This fund accepts applications on a rolling basis.  PIE highly encourages student groups to apply for Appleford grants!  For more details on grant opportunities, see the information under “Apply for a Grant.”

Support Innovation in Vashon’s Schools!  It’s never too late to help us fund as many grants as possible — donate today! Download our electronic brochure for more information, donate by mail or online.

PIE helps facilitate the new Gerie Wilson Play Grant

The Gerie Wilson Play Grant has been created in conjunction with Gerie’s family to honor her legacy of bringing joy and play into her multiage classroom, and bringing students into the garden and outdoors to play. It will fund play-based projects at Chautauqua Elementary that do not involve any technology. The grant proposals will be led by students, with teacher support. Grants can be submitted HERE by November 30, 2024 and February 28, 2025 to the Gerie Wilson Play Grant board made up of her four former multiage teammates Aristy Gill, Carolyn Candy, Glenda Berliner and Joleen McCauley. Applicants will get a response within 10 days. This grant is facilitated by Vashon Partners in Education. Please note, donations to the Gerie Wilson Play Grant are not donations to PIE’s general grant fund, which supports grants to the entire Vashon School District. We hope donors will support both!

You can donate through the PIE donate page. Put “Gerie Wilson Play Grant” in the “Please list in honor of….” area. You can also mail a check to PIE and specify “In Honor of Gerie Wilson.”