Volunteers Bring Campus Improvements to Life at Cascade Parent Partnership

Volunteer Enhancement Project (VEP) season is underway, bringing community partners together to make meaningful improvements across SPS campuses. At Cascade Parent Partnership, recent efforts are already transforming the school grounds. 

With support from Amazon volunteers, the site received upgrades to its garden and play spaces—including replacing a failing fence with a new one designed in the shape of a mountain range, clearing weeds and old materials, and planting new greenery.  

The makeover was especially noticeable in the school’s back area. What was once a space that was covered in concrete and clovers now has a clear space that allows students to plant more flowers and vegetables.  

These enhancements are creating a more welcoming, engaging outdoor space for students. Special Education Instructional Assistant Carolyn Kelley said the outdoor spaces have been pivotal in helping students – many of whom have taken ownership over taking care of the flowerbeds. 

More projects are on the way, with additional volunteers scheduled this fall to continue improvements, including an outdoor classroom patio and new mural. 

Upcoming VEPs 

• June 5: Sand Point Elementary – 140 Deloitte volunteers are creating a mural, repainting games, building picnic tables, and clearing invasive plants 
• June 10: Roxhill Elementary – Starbucks volunteers are supporting garden maintenance and building an outdoor classroom chalkboard 
• June 11: Nathan Hale High School – Stantec volunteers will be removing invasive plants along Thornton Creek 
• June 11: Nathan Hale – Horticulture students and University of Washington partners are unveiling a new orchard and farm stand 
• June 13: Sacajawea Elementary – Playground game line refresh with the school community 
• Aug. 6: Pathfinder K-8 – Seneca volunteers will be refreshing playground games 
• Sept. 1: Adams Elementary – Amazon volunteers are repainting playground game lines 
• Sept. 19: Cascade Parent Partnership – Volunteers from MKA are building an outdoor classroom patio, creating a mural, and repainting games 

Together, these projects highlight the impact of community partnerships in creating vibrant, engaging spaces where SPS students can learn, play, and connect.