Nearly 3,000 Auburn students benefited in March from funding provided by the Auburn Public Schools Foundation.

The foundation made a $3,000 gift to Cascade Middle School to support students attending a multi-day, overnight environmental science program. In mid-April, approximately 30 Cascade eighth-graders will attend the Mount Rainier Institute. The institute integrates science, math and social study skills to help students better understand local ecology. The foundation’s support helps several students from low-income families to attend the trip.

The foundation also provided $2,000 in funding for a disability education program at Hazelwood Elementary School. The school partnered with the IDEA Project (www.theideaproject.org) to teach students awareness, understanding and empathy for peers with a wide range of disabilities. Training was March 20-22.

March launched the initial funding for the Auburn Pantry Project. The new foundation initiative is designed to provide school administrators with an on-hand supply of basic food and hygiene supplies for children in need.

With an eventual goal of supplying all district schools, the foundation has provided $400 gifts at four schools this month. The gifts will establish a supply of pantry materials at Hazelwood, Chinook, Lea Hill, and Gildo Rey elementary schools.

Hop Jack’s Restaurant in Lakeland Hills supports the Auburn Pantry Project. The foundation seeks additional support from other members of the restaurant community.

“We are so excited to watch support for the foundation growing,” said Matthew Longhurst, Auburn Public Schools Foundation executive director. “This allows us to provide targeted support for teacher or administrator-led projects that would be impossible with regular budget resources.”

Individuals and businesses looking to support Auburn students can contact Longhurst at mlonghurst@auburnpsf.org.