Conrad Elvehjem Primary Schools
Small Choices Big Differences
by: Chelsea Baumann
Our class has made pysanky kits. This is a Ukrainian tradition we learned about as a class. Together we wanted to support Ukrainians and this our way to help others. All money will be going to Worlds Kitchen.
Conrad Elvehjem Primary Schools
McFarland, WI
Summer Meal Support
by: DODI KUEHL
Food insecurity impacts 1 in 5 families in Dane County. Our village has diligently supported the efforts of the McFarland Food Pantry, but the summer months create an increase in usage by families with school aged children. This project would provide nutrition support for 20-25 students who attend Summer School during 5 weeks in June/July. Students would be confidentially invited through referrals from CEPS/WIS guidance staff and social workers. Students would be enrolled in Summer School classes over the course of the 5 week program offerings. Each morning upon arrival for classes, students would check in with office staff at WIS to pick up their "Snack Pack". Each pack would contain a breakfast item, a beverage (milk or fruit juice), a sandwich or other protein item, a snack, fruit and a small treat (cookie, fruit snacks, etc.). This pack would be created to sustain students for 2 meals a day. Additional funding available will go towards the creation of supplemental food packs to be distributed at the end of the summer school session.
Conrad Elvehjem Primary Schools
McFarland, WI
We Can Read It!
by: MARIA MARKING
I remember years ago, sitting on a classroom carpet with my kindergarten teacher, when it happened. My teacher had taught us strategies, tips and tricks and with her guidance and support from home, suddenly reading "clicked" for me! There on that carpet my strategies for reading came to life! I couldn't wait to get home to show my family! I am inspired by Kelly Livingston's "Bringing Families Together with Books and More!" project, and I know that her proposal could benefit the children of my kindergarten families! Children need so much exposure to text and most importantly text they are able to read fluently and independently. This means that having the appropriate books available for our young learners and their families is so important! Throughout the school year, I have sent home leveled book bags with each of my kindergarten readers! The books are read with families in the evening and the bags and books come back the next day. We have certainly worked hard to "grow readers"! This upcoming school year I will be adding a new component to our bags! A "Readers Response" for our kinder readers and families to reflect on what they have read. The response will be a bubblegum thought, "what stuck with you from your reading?" Was it a snap word you read? Did you find punctuation in your book? The possibilities are endless! To complete this family activity, it is so necessary to have the books they need to share available at the level they are independently reading at. I am looking to secure funds to add to my limited collection of books meeting readers at a more accelerated level. These students and I work on higher level comprehension strategies and word study. I would love to be able to provide my students with more of a selection to share how much they have "grown" as readers with their families!
Conrad Elvehjem Primary Schools
McFarland, WI