I am hoping you will help me get the word out about an important issue affecting the Highline community. As I'm sure you're aware, education is of vital importance to most members of the community, but many members may not know how they can easily make an impact in our local classrooms.

One of my best friends, Ryan Reilly, is a new teacher at Madrona Elementary in SeaTac and has already spent several hundred dollars buying necessary teaching tools for his class. Unfortunately, he is not alone - teachers spend an average $1,200 of their own money each year for classroom supplies.

I went online looking for a way to help him out and came across Adopt-A-Classroom. I had him register his class and am giving the first donation. I would love to see him get the rest of the money he needs and also make other teachers and community members aware of this valuable tool.

Adopt-A-Classroom is a non-profit organization that makes it easy for members of the community to support teachers and students. Teachers can register their classrooms and what they need to teach better, and community members can search among the classrooms registered with the program for a classroom they want to help.

One hundred percent of the donation is given to the teacher who uses the funds to purchase critical resources and materials, transforming the classroom into a vibrant center for learning. If desired, sponsors can communicate with the teacher throughout the school year and experience first-hand the impact of your support.

Here is some information on Ryan's classroom: www.adoptaclassroom.org/adoption/Locator_Adopt_donate.aspx?src=search&Private=0&inter=0&state=WA&city=Seatac&SchoolId=7130&ClassroomID=63337.

Please help get the word out. A small number of concerned citizens helping each classroom could have a huge impact!

Kristine Ashcraft

Seattle