One Spark Lights the Way — Especially in October!

Can you believe it’s already the end of October?

The leaves are falling, coffee cups are switching from iced to warm, and every classroom is filled with that unmistakable autumn buzz, creativity, costumes, and maybe just a hint of candy corn energy.

It’s also the perfect time to pause, look around, and celebrate something quietly remarkable happening all year long across North Kitsap schools:

our staff are giving back — to each other, and to their students.

Through a simple payroll deduction program called SPARK, NKSD staff are lighting the way for classrooms across the district. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t make headlines. But it’s the kind of steady, meaningful generosity that builds brighter schools and stronger communities — one spark at a time.

What Is SPARK?

SPARK stands for:

Support. Partner. Advocate. Reach. Kindle.

It’s the North Kitsap Schools Foundation’s monthly giving program for district employees; a way for teachers, paraeducators, counselors, custodians, and office staff to come together and say, “We believe in what happens inside these classrooms, and we want to keep that magic alive.”

When you join SPARK, you’re not just making a donation.

You’re joining a movement, one that fuels creative ideas, hands-on learning, and the kind of experiences students remember for a lifetime.

Why It Matters

Here’s the amazing part: these small, monthly gifts add up to something extraordinary.

Because of SPARK donors:

• Music filled the halls again — more than 100 broken instruments at Kingston Middle School were repaired, bringing joy (and a little noise!) back to the band room.

• Third graders became scientists — classrooms at Wolfle, Poulsbo, Suquamish, and Vinland Elementary raised baby salmon, learning about ecosystems and stewardship through hands-on discovery.

• Artists found their voice — high school students crafted fine metal jewelry using professional-grade tools, exploring craftsmanship, patience, and creativity.

• Young learners found focus — Poulsbo Elementary’s flexible seating project gave students the comfort and movement they needed to thrive.

• Culture came alive — students at Kingston High and Choice Academy celebrated Indigenous Mexican culture through community projects that deepened understanding and connection.

And that’s just a handful of examples. Every one of these moments started because someone — maybe a teacher, a secretary, a bus driver, or a principal — decided to be a SPARK.

Why You Should Join

October is all about transitions, as the season shifts and the year finds its rhythm, and our schools settle into full swing. It’s also the perfect time to start something meaningful.

By joining SPARK, you’re giving more than dollars; you’re giving momentum. You’re helping fuel projects that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and build confidence.

When you join, you’re part of something bigger: a community of educators helping educators.A network of people saying, “I might not be in your classroom, but I believe in what you’re doing.”

Even $5 or $10 a month can help fund the next big idea, and who knows? That small gift could spark something extraordinary.

How to Join

Joining SPARK is simple (and faster than grading a stack of quizzes!):

• Pick up a SPARK Payroll Deduction Form from your school office.

• Choose your monthly contribution amount — any amount makes an impact.

• Return the completed form to the NKSD Payroll Department.

That’s it! Your gift will automatically support North Kitsap classrooms month after month.

A Spark for Every Season

As we wrap up October, with pumpkins glowing, conferences behind us, and the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the sparks that keep our district shining.

SPARK isn’t just about generosity; it’s about connection. It’s about believing in our students, in each other, and in the power of community.

And here’s the best part: something new is coming soon for our families and community members!The North Kitsap Schools Foundation is developing a new giving program designed for parents, alumni, and community supporters, one that mirrors the spirit of SPARK and gives everyone the chance to fuel classrooms and create opportunities for students.

Keep an eye on www.nkschoolsfoundation.org for updates in the coming weeks.