Since 1996, Island Adventures has been taking Anacortes elementary students out on their vessel to explore the living world of the water.
Starting with Carol Strandberg’s second grade class, the annual field trip has evolved from a pleasurable boat ride to a virtual floating classroom, with on-board naturalists teaching students the elements of oceanography, including plankton tow, turbidity, and pH scope. The trip grew from one Mt. Erie classroom to all second-grade classes at the school, eventually encompassing all second grade classes in the district.
Now, the Salish Sea Science Trip is aligned with the fourth-grade curriculum, allowing teachers to better prep the students beforehand.
Owner Shane Aggergaard moved to Anacortes at the age of three when his parents handpicked the town based on the schools and the sense of community. Island Adventures has teamed up with ASF to send all our 4th graders on this hands-on STEM experience. He and wife Jen say they love the partnership with ASF because it keeps the focus on the kids.
“It would be a shame to live on this island and not get the kids out on the water,” says Jen.
Shane adds that the most rewarding part of the job is watching the kids’ sense of awe when they learn about all that lives below the surface.
Thank you, Shane and Jen Aggergaard, for giving back to your community in a meaningful way by sharing your love of the water and of learning with our students.
We need your help!
Whether you donate $27 to cover a backpack for our the Ready to Learn Fair, or $30,000 to cover the cost for all 5th grade students to go to Mountain School, your dollars are hard at work to inspire our youth!
Or, send your check to the Anacortes Schools Foundation, 2200 M Ave., Anacortes, WA, 98221. Write on the memo line how you would like your donation to be used. Most scholarship donations are tax-deductible. You will receive a prompt acknowledgement for your tax records. Our Federal Tax ID is 91-1263495. Mail to:
Anacortes Schools Foundation
2200 M Ave
Anacortes, WA 98221
Supporting Anacortes Students Since 1984!
The Anacortes Schools Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) volunteer organization which functions independently of the school district for the benefit of our students, educators, and community.
Created from just one family's donation in 1984, ASF now manages more than $2.5 million in endowments and distributes more than $150,000 annually in scholarships. The Anacortes Schools Foundation was originally founded as the Fidalgo Island Educational Youth Foundation.
Our mission is to empower all Anacortes students through scholarships and enriched learning opportunities.
The ASF believes passionately in the importance of community awareness and involvement in our schools. We sponsor the annual scholarships ceremony where scholarships are presented to our selected students. We welcome students, parents, alumni and community members of all ages to make inquiries at any time. If you would like to know more, please contact us now!
The Anacortes School District is doing great things! Check out the district's latest video to learn more about how the district is using technology, supporting all students, and providing a well-rounded education.