Celebrating graduation is a milestone that marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one in our students’ education journey. It is an incredible highlight in the community—a time to be joyful, and reflect on the amazing accomplishments of our students, staff, volunteers, and the community support. We have been lucky enough to experience 15 graduations at Spitler Schools! 

This year 90 students were promoted to middle school, and many will attend Stephen Mazujian Middle School, a school also supported by the SSF. The ceremony was attended by many local dignitaries honoring the achievements of our students, the unwavering dedication and commitment of our staff, as well as the families of our students and staff. Our student Apsara dancers performed, and each graduate received a certificate along with a school uniform and supplies needed for middle school. 

This celebration showed our students that they were successful at overcoming the challenges they and their families faced, and that they are strong enough to face the unknown challenges ahead.

Our partnership with Kids Play International was on full display, when many of our students and staff participated in Olympic style activities last month. From carrying the torch to all kinds of races and fun activities our students and staff got to feel and display the Olympic Spirit. 

“School is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside.” ~ Lon Watters

The walls of our little schools are precious, but they are also subject to time, weather, heavy usage.  

We always make sure that there is funding from the Spitler family to cover all administrative expenses so that all other donor funds go directly to teacher and staff salaries and expenses directly related to the children. This year four members of the Spitler family increased their annual gifts allowing us to devote some of those funds to repairs and upgrades to our facilities. We have been able to repaint buildings at Kurata School, add some new tables and an air conditioning unit to our meeting and activities room, repair a leaky ceiling in our administrative offices, and even add some plants to the landscape.