John Muir Elementary in Kirkland has created an online Teacher Wish List to help connect their teaching staff with possible donors in the community.

The John Muir PTSA found that many of their staff’s needs were not being met with district or PTSA funds. It’s about connecting people who want to support the education of the students with the specific requests that would be most beneficial.

John Muir serves a very diverse group of students, including many families who find it difficult to provide the financial support for enrichment materials that are common at other local schools.

PTSA fund raisers pay for some limited programs like field trip busses, PE and music curriculum, library books and a swim program. However, they have not been able to raise sufficient funds within the school community to fulfill many teacher needs.

PTSA has in the past provided small teacher “stipends” to every safe member, but reduction in fund-raising support lead them to cut this item from the current PTSA budget.

The online wish list allows one central place for businesses and individuals to match their interest in supporting teaching and learning to a specific teacher’s request.

PTSA co-president Lynette Apley says, “John Muir has such a diverse and caring community. Our PTSA is dedicated to supporting both our students and teachers. We know that people in the community want to help our public schools and by posting our wish list online, we hope to spread the word and make it easy for others to help John Muir in areas that our PTSA budget cannot. The teacher wishes range from popsicles and wet wipes to a gym climbing wall. There’s something for every level of donor.”

Community businesses and individuals that are interested in helping this Kirkland school can view the wish list online.

Donations of items or money can be brought to the school office anytime at 14012 132nd Ave. N.E., Kirkland.

For more information, contact PTSA co-president Lynette Apley at lynetteapley@hotmail.com.