What do we support?
The goal with the money raised is to spend it on things that are above and beyond what the school district is expected to supply for our teachers and students.
Are we making a difference?
Dear Mr. Floersch,
What a lovely surprise it was to have you show up at my door this morning with donations of tooth brushes and granola bars. These are both items that we definitely need and hand out to our students on a regular basis. Thank you so much for including the health office at the ALC. The needs of our students are great and we appreciate the support. THANK YOU!! 😊
Gina Singer, BSN, RN
Licensed School Nurse
-Area Learning Center
-District 196 Online
What have done already with the funds raised in 2023/24?
1. We purchased 3 dozen calculators for each of the 6 middle schools and our ALC for students that can't afford them.
2. Every middle and high school nurses office received 3 dozen sets of toothbrushes & toothpaste, along with 3 dozen granola bars to hand out to students in need.
3. We have established five $400 college scholarships for any graduate going into education at each of the five district high schools.
4. We have given all secondary math teachers granola bars and "anxiety" rings to share with students that may need them. Many times our teachers use their own money to purchase these items.
5. We have established some professional development programs for our teachers.
6. We have offered to support any middle school teacher who is willing to start a math peer tutoring program.
7. Gave "Thank you" Gifts to our adult volunteers that come in and work with our students
What are my top 5 priorities?
1. Start up tutoring programs at each of the middle schools where students can get help after school for math by teachers and by other students.
2. Purchase small class sets of calculators for our middle and high school math teachers. These calculators can be checked out by students who can't afford to purchase one.
3. Set up college scholarships at each of the 5 high schools for any graduating senior going into education.
4. Create an incentive program for our teachers to take time to observe their peers or film themselves in class and analyze it. Research has shown this to be one of the best ways for teachers to improve in their craft.
5. Create a mentor program matching an experienced teacher with our new math teachers at each of the schools.
Math Tutoring Programs
Funds can be used to help create and promote math tutoring programs in our schools where students work with students.
Materials
Purchase classroom supplies and manipulatives for our teachers and students that are above and beyond what the school district supplies.
Awards of Excellence
Design, create, and present an Award of Excellence in the area of math recognizing both our students and teachers in grades 6 through 12.
Scholarships
Offer scholarships for a graduate at each of the ISD196 High Schools who have chosen to pursue an education degree.
Professional Development
Support teachers in their desire for professional development. Professional development applications will be reviewed and approved by the Support Our Teachers team.
Appreciation
Funds will be used to show teachers how much we appreciate what they do everyday and how they make a difference to many kids throughout the district. This may include treats on special occasions like Pi-Day.