Education Foundation Makes Its First Grant
The Washington Island Education Foundation (WIEF) is proud to announce that it has made its first grant to the students of Washington Island School. That grant was used to help pay the remaining balance due for basketball uniforms – money that isn’t available in the regular school budget.
The WIEF was an outgrowth of the School Board Planning Process that began in September, 2009. It was incorporated as a Wisconsin non-stock corporation in December, 2009, and qualified as a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation in mid-2010. We have been working quietly to organize our board, committees, and initial fund-raising efforts. The Foundation exists to raise money through grants, fund-raising drives and events, donations, alumni gatherings, etc. Those dollars raised will then be used to make positive impacts on the youngsters attending Washington Island School… money for text books, technology updates, field experiences, special seminars, non-budgeted equipment and supplies, and other non-administrative expenses.
Members of the Board of Directors of the WIEF are: Betsy Boshka, Joan Kuhn, Helene Meyer, Hoyt Purinton, John Rader, Steve Waldron and Betsy Wallman. Joan Kuhn and Betsy Boshka serve as representatives of the School Board.
Education Foundations in general help to strengthen schools by funding learning enrichment opportunities for students – events and experiences outside the general curriculum – providing learning materials and/or supplies. Education foundations can also fund special training events for teachers, or help to meet the day-to-day needs of students. Education foundations also provide an opportunity for community members to make a difference in the school-life of a child.
The WIEF will be asking for your ideas and suggestions regarding ways in which we can, as a community, strive for on-going excellence and improvement in the educational experiences of our school-aged citizens. Look for additional information in the Observer and in your mailbox in the coming weeks and months. We invite you to take an active role in the Washington Island School Foundation.
–by Helene Meyer, President, WIEF
