Lighting The Way: SPARK Launch Marks The Start of a Bright New Year

There’s something magical about the week before school starts. The buildings feel alive again as teachers prepare their classrooms, staff reconnect after summer, and the excitement of a new year begins to build. This year, that energy was matched with something new and inspiring: the launch of SPARK, the North Kitsap Schools Foundation’s payroll deduction program that puts resources directly into classrooms through grants.

SPARK is simple, but powerful. It’s teachers helping teachers—a way for staff to join together and invest in one another’s classrooms. Every monthly contribution, regardless of its size, is reinvested in funding innovative projects and essential resources for students. It’s proof that when we pool our efforts, we can do extraordinary things.

The launch wasn’t just a line item on the calendar. It was woven into a week of celebration and connection. For certificated staff, the Foundation partnered with the Poulsbo Lions Club to provide a homemade lunch during their professional development day. Walking into the commons and hearing teachers say, “Something smells really good!” was a highlight—because the lunch was more than food. It was a moment of community, a reminder that we are all in this together.

Later in the week, our non-certificated staff—the heart of our district—started their professional development day with donuts and coffee. It was a small but heartfelt way to express gratitude to the people who keep our schools running smoothly and ensure every student feels supported.

And there was one detail that brought it all together: staff proudly wearing their “I’m a SPARK!” buttons. That small badge became a prominent symbol of unity, pride, and shared commitment. Each button told a story—of someone choosing to stand with their colleagues, to invest in classrooms, and to help light the way for our students.

Looking around the room that week, you could feel the energy. Laughter mixed with planning. Conversations sparked new ideas. And at the center of it all was a shared commitment to our students and to one another.

That’s why launching SPARK at this moment felt so right. It’s not just about payroll deduction—it’s about community, about lifting each other, and about believing that together, we can create brighter opportunities for every child in North Kitsap.

This year, we’re excited to see how SPARK grows, how those small monthly contributions add up to something incredible, and how our staff and community continue to inspire one another. The spark has been lit—and we can’t wait to see it shine.