by: Gail Thiede
The School District of Baraboo is proud to announce the launch of “Thunderbird Reads”, a new literacy initiative that aims to place nine books a year into the hands and homes of every elementary student in the District—books they will own and keep as part of their personal home library. Rooted in research showing that simply having books in the home is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, “Thunderbird Reads” is a bold step forward in the District’s commitment to literacy. We believe that literacy is the foundation of all learning, and we want to create opportunities for our students that will serve them not only in school but for life. For many of our families, owning books isn’t a given—and “Thunderbird Reads” is our way of changing that. The program will serve all students in grades 4K through 5, with teachers selecting books aligned to student interests, seasonal themes, and culturally relevant topics. The goal is to create a joyful reading experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. This is more than just handing out books—it’s about building relationships, sparking excitement, and making sure every child has the tools they need to grow as a reader. The School District of Baraboo is thrilled to announce that the Topham Family Foundation has pledged $25,000 in matching funds to help launch the program. The District now turns to its community partners to help raise the additional funds needed to sustain “Thunderbird Reads” as an annual tradition. Our vision is that this becomes a lasting part of the Baraboo experience. A community where every child builds a personal library over time is a community investing in its future. Based on estimates from our book vendors, we anticipate an annual cost of approximately $50,000 to fully implement Thunderbird Reads. Our goal is to raise $100,000, which will allow us to launch the program with two years of funding secured—ensuring a strong and sustainable foundation from the start. El Distrito Escolar de Baraboo se enorgullece de anunciar el lanzamiento de «Thunderbird Reads», una nueva iniciativa de alfabetización que tiene como objetivo poner nueve libros al año en manos y hogares de todos los estudiantes de primaria del distrito, libros que serán de su propiedad y que conservarán como parte de su biblioteca personal. Basado en investigaciones que demuestran que el simple hecho de tener libros en casa es uno de los indicadores más fiables del éxito académico futuro, «Thunderbird Reads» es un paso adelante en el compromiso del distrito con la alfabetización. Creemos que la alfabetización es la base de todo aprendizaje y queremos crear oportunidades para nuestros estudiantes que les sirvan no solo en la escuela, sino también en la vida. Para muchas de nuestras familias, tener libros no es algo habitual, y «Thunderbird Reads» es nuestra forma de cambiar eso. El programa estará dirigido a todos los estudiantes de 4to grado de primaria, y los maestros seleccionarán libros acordes con los intereses de los estudiantes, temas de temporada y temas culturalmente relevantes. El objetivo es crear una experiencia de lectura agradable que fomente la curiosidad, la confianza y el amor por el aprendizaje durante toda la vida. Se trata de algo más que repartir libros: se trata de construir relaciones, despertar el entusiasmo y garantizar que todos los niños dispongan de las herramientas necesarias para crecer como lectores. El Distrito Escolar de Baraboo se complace en anunciar que la Fundación Topham Family ha prometido $25,000 en fondos de contrapartida para ayudar a poner en marcha el programa. El distrito recurre ahora a sus socios comunitarios para ayudar a recaudar los fondos adicionales necesarios para mantener «Thunderbird Reads» como una tradición anual. Nuestra visión es que esto se convierta en una parte duradera de la experiencia de Baraboo. Una comunidad en la que cada niño construye una biblioteca personal con el tiempo es una comunidad que invierte en su futuro. Según las estimaciones de nuestros proveedores de libros, prevemos un costo anual de aproximadamente $50,000 para implementar Thunderbird Reads en su totalidad. Nuestro objetivo es recaudar $100,000, lo que nos permitirá poner en marcha el programa con dos años de financiación garantizada, lo que asegurará una base sólida y sostenible desde el principio.
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
JYMS is celebrating our student success by offering the opportunity to earn rewards and shop at our new school store, The Nest. By showing leadership in and around our school, students will earn tickets that they can then spend on small items like fun pencils/pens, mini-journals, fidget toys, stickers, water bottles, and snacks. In order to provide this recognition opportunity our school store will need to be stocked with items. Your donation will go directly to honoring students who lead in our school by showing respect, being responsible, staying safe, and working hard to learn and grow!
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
Your donation will help 8th grade students participate in educational and community building field trips throughout the school year. These trips will foster positive relationships and motivate students to be at school and work hard toward their behavior and academic goals. Possible field trips may include an escape room and bowling at Knuckleheads, The Engineering Expo at UW-Madison, and our end of the year field trip to Devils Lake or Mt. Olympus. Your donation allows us to plan more engaging trips and helps offset the cost for students.
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
The Student Assistance Fund provides support to learners facing hardships. These funds help bridge the gap between a student's resources and their educational expenses, ensuring that financial constraints don't derail academics. By contributing, you're not just giving money—you're investing in potential, fostering resilience, removing barriers, and empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Every donation, regardless of size, makes a tangible difference in a student's life. Help us ensure that no student has to choose between their education and basic necessities.
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
Every child deserves the tools to succeed in school, but many families struggle to afford basic school supplies. Your donation can help equip students with essentials. By contributing, you're not just providing materials—you're investing in a child's education and future. Let's ensure every student starts the school year prepared and confident. Your generosity today opens doors of opportunity tomorrow.
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
Your donation helps cover the cost of breakfast and lunch for students in grades 4K-12 who are most in need, including those with negative meal balances. By contributing to our School Meal Program, you ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family's financial situation or outstanding balances. Your generosity directly supports our efforts to address negative meal balances and support students' well-being. Donate today to make a difference and help eliminate these financial barriers!
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
The Baraboo High School Social Justice Club will be raising money for menstrual products which will be distributed to both the Hope House and the homeless shelter in Baraboo. Our mission is to help raise awareness of period poverty, an insecurity low-income females face when they are unable to afford menstrual products, by bringing dignity to the cause.
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
The Baraboo High School Class of 1976 Education Innovation Grants awards grants annually to educators for creative, innovative projects, activities and educational practices directly related to student learning and outcomes – initiatives that are outside of the District's general operating budget.
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI
by: Gail Thiede
SOAR, which stands for Supportive, Achieving, Organized, and Responsible is the 6th-grade orientation and mentoring program at JYMS. It provides all 6th-grade students the opportunity to be supported directly by two 8th grade students each month through a variety of community-building activities in a small group setting. This program aims to provide incoming 6th graders with the tools, support, and confidence they need to succeed academically and socially while being supported by the 8th-grade leaders of JYMS. To make this orientation a memorable and effective experience, we are seeking donations from generous supporters like you. Your contribution will help us cover the costs of essential materials, activities, and resources that will benefit our students greatly. Specifically, donations will be used for: Community-Building Monthly Activity Supplies 6th Grade Orientation Materials 8th-Grade Leader T-Shirts
Baraboo School District
Baraboo, WI