During August 2009, the Northwest School District employees embraced a newly formed philanthropic endeavor, “The Northwest Way”. This program adopts the philosophy of supporting organizations that help our friends and neighbors in Jefferson County. Employees are given the opportunity to participate by electing to have a payroll deduction at an amount they select. The total amount collected will be presented to the charity during their designation month at the regular Board of Education meeting. The district administrators selected charities that reflect our community’s diverse needs and interests.
September - Peace Pantry -Valley Middle School
October - Feed My People - Early Childhood Center
November - Ladies of Charity - High Ridge Elementary
December - Sunnyhill, Inc. - Maple Grove Elementary
January - St. Baldrick’s - House Springs Elementary
February - Special Olympics - Cedar Springs Elementary
March -Brenden's Friday Backpack - Murphy Elementary School
April - Northwest Alumni Association - Northwest High School
May - Backstoppers, Inc. - Brennan Woods Elementary
June - Jefferson County Foster Children's Fund - Woodridge Middle School
July - Homeless Youth Initiatve - District
August - Aging Ahead - Administrative Center
Northwest received a Promising Practices award for this program. The Character Education Partnership (CEP) gives annual Promising Practices awards for implementing unique and specific strategies in character education.
All the charities are compliant with federal guidelines regarding charitable giving and have Internal Revenue Services issued 501(c) 3 designations.