06-07 Foundation Mini Grant Recipients


Family Math and Science Nights

The Family Math and Science Nights at Maplewood and Lakeview Schools originated as an opportunity for families to work together on science and math projects.  Different stations are set up where families are able to work together on experiments and projects.  This is an excellent avenue for parents to interact with their children, and also to better understand what their children are doing at school.  Opening the school to the families and community offers the Sparta Area School District an opportunity to showcase the schools and the positive things that are occurring in our schools.

    

   

FFA - Food for American

        Sparta FFA, FFA Alumni and local agri-businesses joined together to present a day of educational activities to Sparta fourth grade students.  After a morning of presentations held at the Schauf Dairy Farm, students toured local businesses such as the Sparta Coop, Sparta Floral and Greenhouses, and the Sparta Vet Clinic. 

 

Archery in the Schools Program

 The Foundation provided financial support to allow the Middle School Archery Team to participate in the state archery competition in Wisconsin Rapids.  Although the team is new this year, it took first place in its division.

    

   

Geo-Cashing

 

High Point students and 4th graders from Ms. Thibodeau's class went to the Sparta School Forest to take part in a Geo-Caching experience.   The 4th graders had been studying the lumber industry, so High Point students helped students identify trees in the forest.  High Point students had previously identified seven different species of trees, mark them with ribbon, and determine their longitude and latitude coordinates with the GPS units that were purchased with the grant money from the Foundation. 


Put Reading First

The Foundation provided funds to purchase 30 Spanish-English children's books to benefit the district's bilingual students.

    

   

MS Wellness Day

        In May, 6th grade classes hosted a Health Fair for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students.  Each student prepared a display board on a health related topic which was presented to almost 500 other students. A couple weeks later students and staff participated in a 1.5 run/walk. 


Outdoor Education

The Foundation provided funds for Mr. Pederson's fifth grade students to visit the Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center on French Island and to explore the marsh area habitat in LaCrosse's Myrick Park area. 

    

   

Vocal Music Education             The Foundation supported a residency by the vocal group "Impulse" in March.  The four member group performed for over 1700 students and worked with the high school vocal jazz ensemble.  They also presented an evening concert for the general public.

MS Math Night

     The Meadowview Middle School Family math night was held on Tuesday, September 26, 2006.  Participants spent one and a half hours rotating through eleven different math related activities such as kite construction, origami, and games.  They also had the opportunity to explore various math web sites that can be used for skill practice or homework assistance.  Refreshments, as well as cookies, were served to approximately 70 attendees.