Quarterly Newsletter- Late Spring 2026
Togetherness, reflection, and gratitude.
Reflection & Looking ahead
At the beginning of each school year, we set a goal of having every Ashbrook family contribute 10 volunteer hours throughout the year. What we have seen in response has been nothing short of inspiring.
With 135 enrolled families, our community has already contributed an incredible 1584 hours of volunteer service!
These hours represent so much more than time on a spreadsheet. They reflect parents helping in classrooms, serving as lunch kitchen aides, supporting fundraising initiatives, assisting with school events, mowing the lawn, power washing the building, and stepping up wherever there is a need. They also represent families investing beyond our campus walls through community events and outreach opportunities throughout Benton County.
One event where we consistently see the heart of Ashbrook shine is at Planet Palooza, where Ashbrook families volunteer together each year in support of environmental education and community engagement. It is always encouraging to see our students and families actively serving alongside one another.
At Ashbrook, our mission is to challenge and nurture academically capable students. We also believe that part of challenging students means helping them understand the importance of investing in their community and serving something greater than themselves.
Strong communities are built by passionate, dedicated people who care deeply about others. When students witness service, generosity, and involvement modeled by the adults around them, they begin to understand that leadership is not simply about achievement, it is about contribution.
The impact of a united community working toward a common goal cannot be overstated. Every hour volunteered, every event supported, and every act of service helps strengthen the culture that makes Ashbrook such a special place for our students to learn and grow.
To every family who has contributed their time, energy, and heart this year: thank you. Your investment is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and in the strength of our community.
Come to Our Free Community BBQ
Enroll Your Child Today!
Teacher Feature
Ms. Moore, Kindergarten
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I’ve been teaching Kindergarten for 8 years, 4 of which have been here at Ashbrook. I love a lot of things about teaching, but I love building connections and having fun with my students. All those little moments of inside jokes or when I make a mistake and we can all just laugh about it. Building and maintaining that sense of community within my classroom is really important to me.”
“My favorite subject to teach is science. Everything is still so new and exciting for Kindergarteners and it’s fun to really lean into their sense of wonder and to see how excited they get about learning new things! I also love reading books and introducing them to my favorite books as a kid.”
This summer, Ms. Moore is rekindling her old passion for theater! She will be preforming the part of Agatha, in the Mid-Valley Musical Theater production of Guys and Dolls. You can learn more about the Mid-Valley Musical Theater Here.
Have you always been passionate about community theater? “I did theater in Middle School and High School and was reminiscing about the fun of being on stage and part of a drama team. So, I decided to try out for a show just to see what happens! Getting back into theater after not being on stage for 14 years is intimidating, but I’m excited!”
What drew you to audition for this particular show? “While I love Theater in all forms, musicals have a particular place in my heart, and the timing worked out with this show being over the summer. Guys and Dolls is a classic show that I was already a little familiar with, which helped with audition nerves. “
What advise do you have for aspiring performers? “Some advice would be to just go for it! Find people to encourage you. Use your community to support you (shout out to Samantha Shaub and Julie Buchert). And remember that it is supposed to be fun, don’t take yourself too seriously.”
Meet Ms. Coulter, Pre-Kindergarten
What inspired you to become an educator, and what continues to motivate you in the classroom today?
“While I was in college I taught English abroad to little ones. It was such an amazing experience and I felt so energized to work with young children.”
What is your favorite part about working at Ashbrook?
“Some of my favorite things about working at Ashbrook are the families in my classes, exploring new things with my students and the support from my Beginning School team. Since joining Ashbrook as a teacher the families in my classes have been so warm, welcoming and trusting in me as a teacher and caring for children. Additionally, having the freedom to explore new themes and areas of interest alongside my students has been so energizing as a teacher. And finally, the close knit and dedicated team that our Beginning School has is a unique quality that I value so much.”
Ms. Coulter received her degree from Drexel University and has over 20 years of teaching experience.
Explorer Fund
Update
The Explorer Fund is Ashbrook’s annual giving campaign that helps sustain the exceptional educational experience our students receive each day. While our small classroom model creates meaningful opportunities for individualized learning, strong student-teacher relationships, and personalized academic support, it is also a challenging economic model to sustain.
Tuition covers approximately 85% of Ashbrook’s operational costs. The annual Explorer Fund provides essential support for the remaining needs that allow our programs, staff, and student experiences to continue thriving.
Through the generosity of our community, the Explorer Fund directly strengthens the student experience at Ashbrook. It helps make possible the individualized attention, hands-on learning opportunities, enriching programs, classroom resources, and meaningful relationships that define an Ashbrook education. Most importantly, it helps ensure students are known, challenged, nurtured, and encouraged to grow with confidence both academically and personally.
At the beginning of this school year, we set the ambitious goal of raising $100,000 for the Explorer Fund to ensure students continue receiving extraordinary educational opportunities. Below, you’ll see the progression of the Explorer Fund over the last six months. To say we are blown away by the incredible support of our community would be an understatement.
Members of the Ashbrook community showed up in a big way and absolutely crushed our Explorer Fund goal this year!
Thank you for making an extraordinary difference!
We could not do this work without your support.
For every dollar given, every hour volunteered, and every student entrusted to our care each day, we are deeply grateful. Your generosity and partnership help make these meaningful learning experiences possible for our students and community.
It truly takes a community, and this year’s Celebrate Ashbrook Gala was a wonderful example of that. Thanks to the many hands and creative minds who contributed their time, talents, and energy, our biggest fundraiser of the year was a tremendous success. Every dollar raised supports the Explorer Fund and helps strengthen the Ashbrook experience for all students.
Here are just a few of the amazing staff members who volunteered their time to make it all happen and had plenty of fun along the way!
A few Highlights-
Every gift and grant directly supports the student experience. From maintaining small class sizes to strengthening meaningful learning, your generosity makes a lasting difference. Below are a few of the ways your support has impacted students this year.
Not Your Average Classroom
This season has been full of exciting hands-on learning experiences for our students! Classes explored science, culture, creativity, and adventure through activities like a field trip to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, a star watch party, and a visit to the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
Our preschoolers dove into ocean studies with fun, real-world learning activities like counting (and enjoying!) Goldfish crackers. Students also participated in science experiments, cultural presentations, a real-life beehive visit, and a theater short scene challenge.
To top it all off, the 8th grade class embarked on an unforgettable week-long trip to Seattle, Washington. It has been a season full of discovery, learning, and memorable experiences for everyone!
Make Summer Awesome!
Looking For a Space for Your Next Event?
Did you know you can support the Ashbrook mission by renting our facilities for your next event? Whether you need a professional meeting space for a board meeting, a venue for a graduation party or wedding anniversary celebration, or even a place to host an epic cornhole tournament, Ashbrook offers a welcoming space at a great price.
Reach out today to talk about your event vision and see how we can help bring it to life!
Key Dates You Don’t Want to Miss
Ashbrook Golf Tournament- July 20th at Trysting Tree SIGN UP TODAY
Ashbrook Community BBQ– August
This is a free community event for local families to come enjoy food, fun, and community. Local businesses are invited to host table activity stations.
Curious about what else Ashbrook has been able to do?
