The Foundation is sharing stories from grant and scholarship recipients to show how funding makes an impact. Hear how MCPASD staff, teachers and students are using their grants and scholarships, and see how your dollars make a difference!
A group of 21st Century eSchool students received a $1,400 grant for their eImpact project in 2017. Teacher Wendy Ripp says students chose to focus on addressing the cycle of poverty in the local community. “After researching the cycle of poverty, students determined that education and enrichment opportunities are an area that can have the largest impact on breaking that cycle,” she explains.
The eImpact team partnered with Sauk Trail to design and run a weekly after-school club. To give elementary students an enriching after-school experience, the eImpact team developed two sessions of a Games Club and one session of Tech Club. About 50 elementary students participated, and both 21st Century eSchool and Sauk Trail students benefited from the clubs.
“Games Club provided some unexpected challenges for the student leaders as they had to learn how to manage a rowdy, antsy group of students,” Ripp says. She says student leaders discovered that managing a large group of elementary students was best handled by dividing into smaller groups and rotating to stations. The clubs were helpful for families in need.
“If a family is financially in need, they may not be able to afford quality after-school activities for their child,” she says. “We provided an after-school club that was free and included a snack.” “They gained experience with new technology and increased physical health through the Games Club,” Ripp adds. “It was neat to see how excited the students were to attend every week.”
In addition to the clubs, the eImpact team used the grant to fund enrichment backpacks for 50 students at Sauk Trail and Northside. “These summer packs included books, family storytelling games and science kits that allowed students to continue accessing educational content throughout the summer,” Ripp explains.
The 21st Century eSchool students made a lasting impact on their peers throughout the community!
MCPASD staff, teachers and students who are interested in applying for an Education Foundation grant or scholarship can contact Perry Hibner. To donate to the Foundation, use the link on our donations page or mail a check to MCPASD Education Foundation, c/o Perry Hibner, 7106 South Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562.