Students Speak

“I have never written to you before, but year after year I have appreciated the assistance provided by the Children’s Scholarship Fund for the ___ children. Life is better for them because of your help. It is always the hope that education will break cycles of dependence. I believe that is happening for these children. Their teachers have commented on each student’s progress, and they are receiving additional attention due to our smaller class sizes and the teachers’ passion for each individual.”
— Jim, principal

“I hope you will pass my appreciation along to the appropriate people and let them know the scholarships make a difference in the lives of families, communities and schools.”
— Cynthia, parent

“Our family thanks you so much for this wonderful gift you have given us. It has truly been a dream come true to send our children to the school of our choice, and your donations have made that possible. We are a one-income family, and would struggle without your gifts. Thanks from our family, we know that God will bless you back for your kindness to us.”
— Shirley, parent

“You cannot compare the education and numerous opportunities at private school compared to public school. One daughter went through public school K-6th grade and transferred to Catholic school 7th-8th grades. She had to work twice as hard just to get ‘C’s,’ while my daughter who went K-8th has maintained ‘A’ honor roll through 10th grade.”
— Susan, parent

“We don’t have any amazing stories to tell of life changes in our kids, because we found out about the Children’s Scholarship Fund right when our oldest was entering Kindergarten. So we have never dealt with the public school education or effects that it has had on our kids. I guess that would be a great place to start and an amazing story of sorts….If it wasn’t for this program I am afraid we would not have had this great opportunity. The education is great. My kids are part of a small school, which I love, (my son currently has 14 kids in his class) and they are having chances to do things that they wouldn’t in a big school.”
— Amy, parent

“As Sophia’s teacher, I want to assure your donors that this child would not be where she is today without their assistance and care.

We have a Montessori classroom that is located within an assisted living facility….Our classroom offers a unique opportunity for senior residents and young children to enjoy the benefits of an intergenerational experience together in the same building. For the one girl that has been attending our school through the CSF-P scholarship, this experience has been very profound….

“Sophia has learned a deep respect for the residents, their frailties and handicaps. She is always very courteous to them and makes them feel welcome in our classroom. She has earned a smile and fond heart from every resident in the building. She has developed a wonderful sense of compassion and understanding of the elderly. Many of our children have wonderful relationships with the residents, but, for Sophia, I see the experience as being particularly meaningful. If there ever was a child that needed that unconditional grandma kind of love, it is Sophia. And, what is more meaningful is that she has found a way to give back to them with all her heart. These relationships have permanently boosted her self-esteem. Now, she often reads to the residents that have macular degeneration!

“I hope that I will have more children through the program that can take advantage of our Intergenerational Program….Thank you for giving Sophia such a rich and lasting opportunity.”
— Catherine, teacher

“Without CSF my youngster would have been unable to [attend] this small alternative school which accepts those unable to succeed in all other educational programs available. Thank you.”
— Rochelle, parent

“I chose Maimonides Jewish Day School because we are Jews living in Oregon. Both my husband and I are native Oregonians, Jews. It isn’t easy to be different, and to do it well.

“Because of physiological problems that emerged with my little ones, they both required surgery. One had problems related to her physical issues, that required continued effort on the part of teachers and staff. I doubt if public schools would have the time or compassion to deal with such intense long term issues.

“I would like to thank all of your donors for their love and generosity to my children, and our family. It is not easy to raise children well, and you care enough about people you don’t know, to do something.”
— Mary, parent

“Our school is very diverse, ethnically, economically and religiously. We embrace, respect and celebrate this diversity. Our students thrive in this safe and positive environment. Uniforms ‘level the playing field’ and help students focus on school. High academic and behavioral expectations are set for all of our students. Our teachers know their students and communicate with families when work is missing or there are problems. Our school’s test scores are above the national average, and 96% of our population goes on to graduate from high school compared to the neighborhood rate of 76% and the African American rate of 50%.

“Your generosity has provided a wonderful opportunity for parents to have a choice in their children’s education. Thank you again for your support in the past. We hope you will be able to continue this generous assistance for families in the future.”
— The Staff of Holy Redeemer Catholic School

“Thank you very much for the generous tuition assistance you have provided four of our students over the past years. We have seen these four students grow and mature academically, spiritually, physically and socially…..

“The average test score for the four…Children’s Scholarship Fund students on a nationally normed test taken at the end of last school year ranks them in the 77th percentile….It is my belief that the students showed such a high level of achievement because they were provided with a learning environment that challenged and encouraged them to do their best. This would not have been possible without the financial assistance provided them through Children’s Scholarship Fund-Portland.”
— Pam, principal