Springfield Education Foundation

🌱 Big things are growing at Thurston High School! We're thrilled to announce that, thanks to a $26,553 grant, Thurston High School's huge, beloved greenhouse is getting a new lease on life. Construction began last week to revitalize and modernize the expansive greenhouse!

Since the 1970s, the THS greenhouse has been an invaluable space where students go outside, touch soil and plants, and explore forestry, environmental science, and horticulture. It has supported countless students in Career Technical Education, special education, the Child Development Center, the Environmental Club, and more. After many years of wear and tear, this beloved space was no longer adequately serving the students who relied on it. Soon, it will become a year-round hub for outdoor learning! 🌷

This project is the result of an inspiring collaboration between dedicated Thurston educators, Springfield Public Schools, SEF, and generous community partners who believe in investing in student success.

Read the full story, see how this project came together, and learn why this greenhouse means so much to the Thurston community: SEFLane.org/2026/07/THS-greenhouse 🌿

SEF's Executive Committee is leveling up! 🎉 We're excited to officially welcome Adriel Pickar as our Board Chair after serving as Interim Chair for the past four months, as well as introduce Brody Wasson as Vice Chair. Adriel's dedication and leadership, alongside Brody's passion for supporting Springfield students have already made a tremendous impact, and we're honored and grateful to have them leading our Board!

A big thank you also to Justin Martin, who continues as Treasurer, and Micah Adams, as Member-at-Large, providing longtime leadership and commitment to our organization in many ways!

We are so grateful to these incredible volunteer leaders for sharing your time, expertise, and passion to help empower student success through community engagement. 📚

Interested in making a difference, too? Learn about joining our Board and apply today at SEFLane.org/Volunteer

Some stories stay with you forever, and The Outsiders is one of them. 📚❤️ Thanks to an Innovative Educator Grant to Brandy Selby, every 7th grade Language Arts student at Thurston Middle School received their own copy of this beloved novel to read, annotate, and keep. More than just a class book, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton sparks empathy by encouraging students to see the world through someone else's eyes. By giving students a personal copy to treasure long after the school year ends, this project helps ensure its powerful lessons continue to be a part of students' lives for years to come. ✨

As Brandy Selby said, "When students come back to volunteer or visit, they never fail to ask if we are still teaching this book and express excitement for the students to have this opportunity. It literally changes lives. Thank you, SEF!"

Thank you, Cressey Family Charitable Trust for making this program possible in partnership with SEF ❤️ Visit SEFLane.org/2025-sef-grant-awards to learn more! Springfield Public Schools - OR