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Investing in Community Education
2008 marks the Elmbrook Education Foundation’s 50th year of investing in the School District of Elmbrook and its students.
In 1958, a group of school and community volunteers created the Lancer-Spartan Scholarship Foundation to honor high school students with a proven track record in leadership, scholarship, and a commitment to community service. To date, the Foundation has administered nearly $900,000 in merit and need-based scholarships for students planning to attend either a university or technical school.
The Foundation grew considerably in size and mission and is now referred to as the Elmbrook Education Foundation.
In 2001, the Foundation developed an educational grant program to help inspired staff/students bring their ideas to life and share them throughout the district. Since then, the Foundation has funded over $205,000 in grants benefiting our 11 public schools. www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com
By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Tuesday, Oct 6 2009, 01:04 PM
 The Elmbrook Education Foundation has recently announced a commitment to provide a SMART Response system to every math classroom in both Middle Schools in support of the implementation of the District’s new Middle School math curriculum. The new math curriculum provides additional opportunities for students to develop higher abstract thinking skills.
SMART Response systems provide real time assessments of student learning. This assists the teacher in efficiently and effectively differentiating instruction so that every student both understands the material and has a chance to learn something new every day.
 SMART Boards & SMART Response Units
The District's Technology Plan includes the use of SMART Boards and complimentary technologies to more actively engage students in their daily lessons. Students can interact with the information displayed on the SMART Board in a variety of ways. SMART Response systems are uniquely designed to engage students in the assessment of their knowledge on a particular subject in a fraction of the time it would take using more conventional methods.
The teacher develops online assessments for pre/post testing of unit material and/or understanding of a specific daily lesson. The students each receive a remote control that allows them to interact with the online assessment and track their progress. Teachers can instantaneously evaluate their class as a whole and can quickly assess which students need more help or a greater challenge.
SMART Response systems have been leveraged successfully in other buildings. Earlier this year, a Foundation Innovation Grant was awarded to be shared by the 3rd grade team at Dixon Elementary to support math instruction with great success!
 "It is exciting to see how the use of SMART Response in the classroom can provide so much information I need to effectively differentiate for students. It's a wonderful way to keep students engaged in the activities as you monitor their learning and growth. It has brought a whole new of level of engagement to our math lessons. Students now look forward to answering questions, and there are more student discussions and reflections, on what they are learning." Sandy Traylor, 3rd grade math teacher.
Unfortunately, the purchase of additional SMART Response systems can not currently be supported by the District’s operating budget. Those that are using them have purchased them independently as PTO or Foundation grant money is made available. Unfortunately, this approach does not ensure the best price, needed technical support/training, or compatibility with the building’s technology plans. Certainly, it lacks the District wide focus that the Foundation is committed to support.
Consequently, the Foundation has partnered with the District to provide a more cohesive plan for procurement, training, and implementation that is specifically focused on supporting the new Middle School math curriculum. The Foundation has advanced the funds needed to cover the cost of the first stage of this project with plans to raise the remaining funds to complete the project by June of 2011. Over the summer, math leads were trained on the SMART Response systems and attended workshops on how to effectively develop online assessments. Feedback on the use of SMART Response to enhance math instruction at both Middle Schools has been very positive.
 “The SMART Response system will provide teachers and students with instant feedback which can only support and enhance the learning process.” Michelle Pavletich, 8th grade math teacher.
“I see the use of SMART Response as a great way to ‘spot check’ and assess student learning. Since the responses are instant, a teacher can receive detailed feedback immediately and make instructional adjustments. We will be able to focus on the learning needs of an entire group or use the results to differentiate on an individual basis. In addition, the use of technology is a proven way to engage and motivate students”. Sue Hartmann, 8th grade math teacher.
The math team leads for each grade level will receive their SMART Response systems in November and will develop online assessments to support the new curriculum. These new online assessments will then be shared with all math teachers in both Middle Schools. Additional SMART Response units will be purchased and delivered to the remaining math classrooms as funds allow.
Sponsors and Donations Needed
How can you help? The Foundation is looking for businesses and residents interested in becoming a charter sponsor of this campaign. Charter sponsors will receive District wide recognition throughout the life of the campaign. However, all donations at any level are appreciated. Please contact the Foundation for more information.
About the Elmbrook Education Foundation
 The Foundation has awarded continuing education scholarships for over 50 years. In 2001, the Foundation expanded its to include Innovation Grants to support students and staff who submit creative ideas for improving education in our Elmbrook schools. Innovation Grants provide up to $1,500 in funding for these projects with the hope that these project experiences are shared within teams, buildings and across the District to encourage others to keep trying new things.
In 2008, the Foundation introduced Super Grants to directly support projects tied to the District’s strategic plan that can not be funded out of the current operating budget. The first Super Grant was awarded in 2008 - a Technology Grant of $15,000 to each High School. The SMART Response Middle School Math Technology Super Grant is planned to be complete by June 2011. The Foundation will then partner with the Elementary Schools to develop a focus for the Foundation’s third Super Grant cycle.
Through the Scholarship, Innovation Grant and Super Grant Programs, the Elmbrook Education Foundation continues its long history of supporting the students within the Elmbrook School District.
For More Information
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Monday, Aug 3 2009, 10:02 PM
The Elmbrook Education Foundation completed its fiscal year on June 30th, 2009 and is proud to summarize its accomplishments during the 2008-2009 year.
- $33,000 in Continuing Education Scholarships awarded to 22 graduating seniors from Brookfield Central and Brookfield East High Schools. The EEF has awarded $930,000 in scholarships since 1958.
- $23,500 in innovation grants awarded to 10 Elmbrook schools. The EEF has awarded $215,000 in grants since 2001.
- $10,000 awarded to Elmbrook’s 2 middle schools to leverage technology as part of the new middle school math curriculum. This grant funds the pilot phase with plans to raise funds to complete the implementation in the 2010-2011 school year. The EEF awarded its first technology supergrant ($30,000) to the District’s 2 high schools in 2008.
- The establishment of a new endowment at the Waukesha County Community Foundation to help sustain the Foundation’s programs into the future. Donors can make general donations to this fund and/or set up donor directed funds in their name and be recognized for their support throughout Waukesha County.
The Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation for the community's continued support of Foundation programs. The Foundation marched in the City's 4th of July parade along with recent Scholarship winners, grant recipients, and key club volunteers from Brookfield Central High School.
The Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce honored the Foundation’s 50 years of service to the community on Thursday, July 16, 2009 with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at WaterStone Bank, 21505 E. Moreland Boulevard, Waukesha. Waterstone Bank is the Foundation's largest Continuing Education Scholarship sponsor.
Pictured from left to right: Carol White of the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, Francis Wiesner of FJW CONSULTING LLC, Dave Frank (VP EEF), Megan Susko (Grant Chair EEF), Dorothy Smaglick (President EEF), Jennifer Morales (Board Member), Cheri Sylla (Exec. Secretary EEF), Don LaBonte (Principal, Brookfield Central High School), D-J Swant of Brookfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Care, and Sherry Douglas of SEEK Careers/Staffing, Inc.
The Foundation’s funds come primarily through endowments and annual sponsorships of the Foundation’s events and programs. Additional information can be found on the 'Donor' page of the Foundation's web site: www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com.
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Monday, May 25 2009, 08:14 AM
In 1958, three $500 scholarships were awarded to Brookfield High School students by a volunteer group of parent and community members. It has since grown into a community wide scholarship program made possible through the generosity of individuals, community groups, businesses and school PTOs. Having the EEF administer the program helps ensure that the greatest number of seniors can be honored by our community each year. The EEF takes great care to select recipients that meet the criteria provided by scholarship sponsors. As we celebrate over 50 years of community service, approximately $915,500 in scholarships has been awarded to our graduating seniors through our organization. This week, 22 students from Brookfield Central and Brookfield East received a $1500 scholarship to during their respective Senior Honors Celebrations. These students not only exhibit educational excellence, but also leadership and service to their school and community. On behalf of the Elmbrook Education Foundation, congratulations to this year’s Lancer-Spartan Scholarship recipients and best of luck to the Class of 2009!
Sponsored Scholarship Awards
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Waterstone Bank: Thomas Gruman (BCHS), Samantha Dunne (BCHS), Alex Holiday (BEHS), Sarah Naumann (BEHS)
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Brookfield Rotary Club: Darshan Shankar (BCHS), Kristen Bridges (BCHS-Tech), Lauren Brzozowski (BEHS)
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Brookfield Junior Woman’s Club: Elizabeth Lyon (BCHS)
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Sharon Lynne Wilson Center: Emily Davis (BCHS), Ishan Daya (BEHS)
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Pilgrim Park Student Senate: Christina Gartner (BEHS)
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Brookfield East High School PTO: Morgan Mayer-Jochismen (BEHS)
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Janice & Raymond Perry Community Fund: Sarah Nordstrom (BCHS)
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First Weber Group Foundation: Ryan Denu (BCHS)
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Roundy’s Corporation: Rebekah Winiarski (BCHS)
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Johnson Bank: Megan Farley (BEHS)
Memorial and Honorary Scholarships
EEF memorial and honorary funds begin as a single donation or a collection of donations and are established to honor someone special for their impact on the Elmbrook School District.
The Jacqueline Craig Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor her dedication and student advocacy during her 30 year career as guidance counselor at BCHS. It was her first and only job. Jacqueline was being treated for breast cancer but passed unexpectedly from a brain tumor. She was only 53. Jacqueline loved the UW Band; consequently, this memorial fund has provided an annual scholarship to a BCHS student active in band since its inception in 2001. This is the final year of the Jacqueline Craig Memorial; consequently, the Foundation asked one of her prior students (Mary Wacker, Head Forensics Coach at BEHS) to present this year’s award on Jacqueline’s behalf. “She would track down students and place opportunities in their hands vs. making them come to her … she would make sure they were ready for whatever they wanted to do when they graduated”, said Mary.
- 2009 Recipient: Patrick Markey (BCHS)
The Nancy Marsho Honorary Scholarship Fund was established in 2004 to honor her retirement as principal at Tonawanda El for 12 years. Students who attended Tonawanda between 1992-2004 will remember her fondly. These students are now part of Elmbrook’s graduating classes of 2004-2016. Nancy's educational philosophy and belief was always "what's best for kids." She set high standards for her staff and students and, true to research, everyone reached for and achieved her expectations. She believed in Tonawanda as part of the Elm Grove community. It was at her direction that retirement gifts be donated to the Elmbrook Education Foundation for the benefit of Elmbrook’s students. Since then, a scholarship has been awarded each year to a prior Tonawanda student in her name. When the initial funds ran out, the Tonawanda PTO voted to continue to support the scholarship. Nancy Marsho continues to live locally and was invited to award her scholarship directly this year.
- 2009 Recipient: Merideth McVey (BEHS)
The Jim Briscoe Endowment Fund was established by a single anonymous donor who wanted to honor him for his many years of leadership at BCHS as principal from 1996-2002. This endowment provides a scholarship to a BCHS senior in Jim’s name every year. Jim is now serving as a superintendent in IL.
- 2009 Recipient: Jack Korslin (BCHS)
The Charles Turner Honorary Scholarship Fund was established to honor him for the amount of support and encouragement he provided Brookfield Central’s athletes as physical education teacher and coach from 1965-2003 (officially retired in 1989). This fund provides a scholarship to a BCHS student who has been active in track or cross country each year.
- 2009 Recipient: Katie Peterson (BCHS)
The Brookfield Woman’s Club Honorary Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 when the club disbanded after 62 years of tireless service to our community. The club wanted to do something that would benefit the community for years to come. Given the School District of Elmbrook is a key resource for our community, they decided to donate their reserves to the Elmbrook Education Foundation to fund a scholarship at each High School from 2006-2014.
- 2009 Recipient: Elizabeth Kream (BCHS), Courtney Nussbaumer (BEHS)
 
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Wednesday, Apr 22 2009, 09:05 AM
The Elmbrook Education Foundation (EEF) recently established an endowment fund at the Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) in honor of its 50th Anniversary. Many of the EEF’s sponsors, graduates and their families continue to reside in Waukesha County making the establishment of an endowment within the WCCF an appropriate way to recognize the sense of community that has built the Foundation into what it is today.
The EEF’s fundraising campaign is designed to meet the needs of donors and their families through a variety of sponsorship, bequest and trust options. Donors that have a specific cause they wish to support also have the opportunity to set up donor directed funds in their name. The EEF extends a special expression of gratitude to the caring individuals and families who have become annual sponsors of the Foundation and/or have remembered the EEF in retirement plan designations, wills or estate plans.
The new Elmbrook Education Foundation Fund at the WCCF is intended to provide long-term support for EEF programs that directly support innovative instructional strategies, enriching educational experiences, and a value for continuing education across the Elmbrook School District. Integrating an endowment program into fundraising efforts provides another opportunity for donors to support the students of the Elmbrook School District who will become future employees, business owners, and community servants within Waukesha County.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Schmidt, Executive Director
Elmbrook Education Foundation
www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com
elmbrookeducationfoundation@gmail.com
(262) 785-6659
Dave Schultz, President
Waukesha County Community Foundation
www.waukeshafoundation.org
dschultz@waukeshafoundation.org
(262) 513-1861
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Wednesday, Apr 1 2009, 07:24 AM
Background
Excellent education requires great ideas, creative teachers, engaged students and up-to-date facilities/equipment. The Foundation’s Educational Grant Program was developed to help fund projects that support the mission of the Elmbrook School District by helping innovative staff implement and share ideas that enhance the education of Elmbrook students. Sharing their successes serves to inspire others and subsequently benefits the entire District.
Since 2001, the Foundation has funded nearly $215,000 in grants benefitting eleven schools across the district.
Foundation Grant Cycles
“Innovation grants” help students and staff get their ideas off the ground. “Continuation grants” help the rest of the district benefit from their experiences. Grants of up to $1,500 are available in both categories in the Fall and Spring each year. The EEF grant review committee includes Principals and PTO representatives from each level. In addition, the grant committee consults with the district’s Chief Information Officer, Chris Thompson, to make sure technology projects will receive preferred pricing and be adequately supported once implemented.
Spring Grant Package Approved
Elmbrook Education Foundation’s Spring Grant Package was approved by the EEF Board of Directors on 3/16/09 and will allow the following projects to be pursued:
Curricular Projects: The Foundation supports staff ideas on how to extend curriculum in ways that engage and inspire students. Many of these programs are in a proof of concept stage with hopes that lessons learned can be shared district wide.
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Summer Reading Program for At-Risk Emergent Readers: This proof of concept program at Dixon Elementary provides low cost targeted instructional material to students over the summer to ensure that they can start the new school year off on the right foot.
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Expansion of Socratic Tutorial Method: The Socratic (Student led) tutorial method integrates an inquiry-driven process using high level questioning techniques to collaborate as a student group. This method has proven to be a successful strategy for improving analytical and collaboration skills during the implementation of the AVID program at Brookfield East High School. The EEF approved a continuation grant to expand the use of this technique into additional curricular areas at Brookfield East High School.
Interactive Response Systems: The Senteo system provides opportunities for real time assessment of instructional strategies and student understanding of material (i.e. assists with differentiation and daily instruction). It is an innovative extension of SMARTboard technology and therefore complements the District’s Technology Plans; however, Senteo’s can not be included in the District’s operating budget. The Foundation is funding a grant for a Senteo Interactive Response System at Dixon and Brookfield Elementary to assist with Everyday Math, and at Brookfield East to benefit the Science department.
Student Run Business: The Foundation supports programs that involve students in planning and implementation. The Foundation provided a grant to assist the students of Brookfield Central High School in developing a student run business for engraving/graphics projects. In addition to the benefits this program would provide to the students, this business could also provide a low cost valuable service to the community once fully funded.
“The grant review process is so rewarding ... we are inspired by the innovative ideas developed to continually improve the student experience in the School District of Elmbrook,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Laura Schmidt. “Our goal is support high-impact projects that all schools will benefit and learn from.”
The 2009 Spring Grant Cycle was funded via the proceeds from the Foundation’s past community events and a generous donation from Elmbrook School District staff through their annual appeal. The next EEF grant cycle will occur in Fall 2009.
Super Grant Program
The Foundation also raises funds to award “Super Grants” of up to $15,000 to schools for larger programs. “Super Grants” are intended to support the District and building level PTO’s in their efforts to implement key programs that support the District’s strategic plan. Last year, the Foundation awarded each High School with a Super Grant for $15,000 to support each building’s Technology Plan. The Foundation is now raising funds to benefit Middle School Technology Plans that can not be funded by the District Operating budget.
Have questions?
For information on specific grant awards, the Foundation’s Continuing Education Scholarship program, donation information, and/or more information about the Foundation, please refer to the Foundation’s web site www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com.
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Tuesday, Mar 10 2009, 02:31 PM
 The Elmbrook Education Foundation celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a Dinner Dance sponsored by Pasternak and Zirgibel, S.C. and hosted by the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (Brookfield) on 2/22/09.
A sell out crowd of 210 guests enjoyed dinner by Carrabba’s Italian Grill (locally owned and operated by Tony Iannice), coffee service by Caribou Coffee (Bluemound), and dance lessons by instructors from Danceworks (Milwaukee).
At the end of the evening, Bob Dolan (Dolan Productions) and Tom Gehl (School Board Member) spoke and a video production highlighting the work of the Foundation was shared with the crowd. The video was produced by Brookfield High School Senior, Ryan Kolter. Each guest was provided a scroll featuring the Foundation’s scholarship recipients over the past 50 years.
 It was great to see so many people from across the District come out to socialize and support the Foundation! Over $25,000 was raised to benefit the Foundation's Educational Grant and Continuing Education Scholarship programs. This event also resulted in the development of two new fine arts scholarships sponsored by the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center of the Arts which continues to be a true facility partner of the School District of Elmbrook.
 On behalf of the entire board of directors, the EEF would like to extend sincere appreciation to Dea Fotsch and Jennifer Morales who volunteered to chair the event this year! Everyone had the opportunity to relax, spend time with friends, and have an opportunity to win many great prizes thanks to their efforts! The Foundation is excited to host this event again next year!
The Foundation depends on the generosity of its annual sponsors, event sponsors, raffle/auction donors, event guests and volunteers to reach its goals every year. We are so thankful for their ongoing support. All donors are featured on the Foundation’s web site (www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com).
Featured Sponsors
The Foundation would like to especially thank those Sponsors who support the Foundation at the Scholar Level and above:
Professor Level ($3,000+)
School District of Elmbrook Staff
Fellow Level ($1,500+)
Brookfield Central High School PTO
The Kalenek Family
Scholar PLUS Level ($1,000+)
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
The Haack Family
Scholar Level Event Sponsors ($500+)
Clinicare Corporation
Davis & Kuelthau, S.C.
Grant Thornton, LLP
Plunkett Raysich Architecture
Swanson Elementary PTO
The Altschaefl family
The Friedbacher Family, Switzerland
Maria Patterson, M.D. - Children's Eye Center, Brookfield
Mike Juneau's Pontiac/GMC
M3 - Mortenson, Matzelle and Meldrum, S.C.
2008-09 Online Media Sponsor
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Interactive acts as the Online Media Sponsor for all of our events and activities through their support on the appropriate www.MyCommunityNow.com sites. We appreciate their ongoing support!
Upcoming Events:
- March 16: Spring 2009 Grant Package Approved by EEF Board of Directors
- April 3: Deadline for Scholarship Applications from BEHS/BCHS seniors
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Sunday, Feb 15 2009, 05:37 PM
Submitted by Tom Gehl; resident, parent, SDE Board member While many other neighboring Education Foundations are relatively young in comparison, the Elmbrook Education Foundation (EEF) has been in existence for fifty years, and is comprised of private individuals from our community with a heart for involvement in the priceless commodity that is the lives of our students and their schools. And in so doing, I believe they make our community a healthier, more vibrant place to live.
Clearly there are many school districts in our State and Country that seem to get along just fine without an organization like the EEF. Let’s be honest – the School District of Elmbrook would not stop effective functioning if the Foundation ceased to exist. But while that may be true, I suppose it depends on what your baseline of expectation is.
Impact of Current Public Education Funding Model
The dynamics of funding public education in Wisconsin are a complicated and arcane formula of State taxes, local property taxes, revenue caps, and property rich vs. property poor school districts. I encourage all to become familiar with the mechanisms of funding our public schools. You can do so by speaking with your School Board Members, or seeking information from the District Office.
When measured by amount of dollars spent, the budget of the school district of Elmbrook actually grows by about 2.4% each year. This is an amount - a budget “ceiling” if you will, that is allowed by Wisconsin law. But that same law also sets a minimum increase of 3.8% for the compensation packages of the largest employee groups of school districts, which in turn forms the basis of what essentially becomes “pattern bargaining” for all other groups. This law is known as the QEO – the Qualified Economic Offer – and is the result of State legislation from the early 1990’s.
Since the cost of salaries and benefits amounts to about 84% of our budget – and since that BASE of 84% goes up every year by a MINIMUM of 3.8% - we run smack into the “ceiling” of the 2.4% revenue cap. This in turn means that in order to live “underneath” that ceiling, you have to cut other areas that already EXIST in the budget. The only alternative to this is to put forth and gain approval of what is known as an operational override referendum, which is a community’s permission to exceed the limits imposed by revenue caps.
It is critical to understand this dynamic. When there is talk of budget cuts, transparency is required to acknowledge that when measured by the total sum of money spent, the budget actually GROWS each year. But the laws of our State mandate that our costs grow faster than our revenues. One can argue the relative wisdom of such an arrangement, but one cannot argue the reality of the legislation, or the impact that it has.
Some of the more visible examples of this dynamic in recent times are the elimination of foreign language from our elementary schools, the elimination of third grade-band and orchestra. While these were certainly some of the more visible and controversial cuts, I submit that there are other less visible, but just as debilitating over the long term, as the accumulated impact of such decisions are felt in growing measure year after budget cycle year. So – when programs and positions and equipment that have long been considered important to the accomplishment of our mission are cut – therein lies the financial basis of why we NEED an Education Foundation. The Foundation has donated over one million dollars back to the students and staff of the Elmbrook School District since its inception.
Foundation Grant Programs
There are “hard” purchases like smart boards and materials required to kick off new projects that will help our students learn in new and inspiring ways. And every penny of those donations has represented, and will continue to represent, reductions that do NOT have to occur elsewhere. Donations that go to meet operational needs may be a program or a critical piece of equipment whose presence in the schools is as obvious as it is valuable. But what is less obvious is the program that, while not immediately or directly funded by the EEF, survived because the EEF paid for something else, thus freeing up funds for maintaining it in our budget.
Things are only going to get tougher with respect to our operating budget. The District is responding soberly to that reality with the long term planning it has embarked upon. But all of its efforts and planning will not remove the pain. And that is why the dollars provided by the EEF are so vital and so helpful.
Foundation Scholarship Program
There are also “soft” investments like student scholarships for post-secondary education. As for scholarships presented to students – their value is implicit in terms of its financial assistance and in the motivation it brings to performance. And I submit that our need to motivate and affirm EXCELLENCE, as measured by outstanding individual academic achievement, has never been greater. The scholarships provided through the EEF do exactly that.
The EEF’s primary function with regard to scholarships is finding those residents/organizations/businesses who share a value for post-secondary education and then evaluating scholarship candidates on their behalf with consideration to any special criteria provided.
Community Involvement Breathes Vitality into the District
I would further attest the EEF is needed on another front – a front that cannot be measured with dollars, or equipment, or scholarships, but one that I believe is even more important. I believe the greatest need for the EEF is that it provides the most crucial of all ingredients for a successful school district, and that is the vital ingredient of direct, personal, committed community involvement.
The Department of Public Instruction cannot invest life and quality into a school district. Nor can any legislative body or Governor, regardless of creed or party. While these bodies have their role, they cannot provide vitality or a sense of mission. Only a community can do that.
I do not suggest that the Foundation is the only vehicle for doing so. Each of our eleven schools has their individual PTO’s, booster clubs, etc. that are vital in addition to advocacy groups and committees that meet at a District level to continually assess and improve the quality of instruction provided to our students. Each plays an important role and provides unique opportunities to leverage the skills and interests of those committed to serve for the benefit of our students. The Foundation simply provides a district-wide umbrella of support by leveraging the generosity of the community’s residents, civic organizations, and local businesses.
To live in a community that is as engaged with their schools as is this one, is something that we have become so accustomed to as to think it normative. It is not.
Participation in and support of the EEF, both in its operations and initiatives, is to be inexorably linked to our schools. Our schools, in turn, are such a vital part of our community, and a critically important part of keeping it attractive to potential property owners. And most importantly – what nobler cause could we desire than to seek to be an influence in the lives of our young people. I believe that the EEF is needed in that it provides an organized, purposeful, and most of all, SUCCESSFUL forum for people like me, like you, and like your neighbors to participate in this calling. And it has proven its success at doing so for nearly fifty years.
Think upon these things. Think upon them in the broad sense of a community’s ability to unite around efforts that will not only assist our students for the years they are in school, but that will serve and enrich their entire lives. And in so doing, we attain the added benefit of enriching our collective experience as residents and citizens.
YOUR COMMUNITY! YOUR SCHOOLS! YOUR CHOICE!
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Wednesday, Dec 17 2008, 09:45 AM
 Oh, what a night! The Foundation's 5th Annual Ladies' Night was held on 12/2/08 at the Westmoor Country Club and was sponsored by Town Bank of Elm Grove. It was great to see so many women from across the District come out to socialize and support the Foundation! The Foundation raised nearly $11,000 to benefit its Educational Grant and Continuing Education Scholarship programs. 
On behalf of the entire board of directors, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Cheryl Milnes and Megan Susko who volunteered to help chair the event this year and Ginny Myszewski and Sue Amato who went above and beyond to assist with the event. The Westmoor was decorated so beautifully for Christmas and everyone had the opportunity to relax, spend time with friends, and have an opportunity to win many great prizes.
 Among those in attendance were Laura Swiecichowski, Mia Haimert, Peggy Armstrong, and Nikki Rodriguez from Town Bank of Elm Grove (the Titled Event Sponsor).
Wendy Rice, Becky Brusching, and Laura Merchie from Waterstone Bank (Sponsors 2 scholarships at each of Elmbrook’s High Schools each year).
Suzanne Taipala, Michelle Uczen, and Julie Anderson from the Board of the Brookfield Junior Woman’s Club (Scholarship Sponsor).
Ginny Myszewski, Jill Machi, Joanne New and others from the Tonawonda Elementary PTO (Scholarship Sponsor).
Anne Kreul (Principal of Swanson Elementary), Alix Kasmarik (Principal of Tonawonda Elementary), Meg Wartmann (President of the Elmbrook Board of Education), Nancy Gibson (wife of Superintendent).
Anne McDermott (representing Elmbrook Alumni); and Kristin Urban, Cathy Davidson, Kim Marie Speech, Jane Peavler, Nancy Kennedy, Carol McGinley, Mary Altschaefl and Jean Horner (representing Elmbrook Parent Leadership Council).
All were joined by hundreds of Elmbrook Education Foundation supporters representing the 11 public schools across Brookfield and Elm Grove.
Male volunteers staffed the event including Tom Gehl, David Frank, Dana Milnes, Bill Morales and Mike Nordstrom. All from Brookfield and Elm Grove. 
The Foundation depends on the generosity of its annual sponsors, event sponsors, raffle/auction donors, and volunteers to reach its goals every year. We are so thankful for their ongoing support. Please take some time to look at the donor page of the Foundation’s web site (http://www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com/) and thank them for their continued support of the Foundation!
Featured Sponsors
The Foundation would like to especially thank our Sponsors who support the Foundation at the Scholar Level and above:
Professor Level ($3,000+)
School District of Elmbrook Staff
Fellow Level ($1,500+)
Brookfield Central High School PTO
The Kalenek Family
Scholar PLUS Level ($1,000+)
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
The Haack Family
Scholar Level Event Sponsor ($500+)
Wheaton Franciscan Hospital - Elmbrook Memorial Hospital
2008-09 Online Media Sponsor
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Interactive acts as the Online Media Sponsor for all of our events and activities through their support on the appropriate www.MyCommunityNow.com sites. We appreciate their ongoing support!
Upcoming Events
Please mark your calendar for our next event:
The Elmbrook Education Foundation's 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance
Sponsored by Pasternak & Zirgibel, S. C.
Sunday, February 22nd, 20094:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
Presented by Danceworks and Carrabba's Italian Grill
This event is chaired by Dea Fotsch and Jennifer Morales. Please contact the Foundation at 414-319-9851 or elmbrookeducationfoundation@gmail.com if you would like additional information sent to you about the event as it becomes available. Seating for this event is limited to 200 guests.
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Tuesday, Nov 18 2008, 09:55 AM
Background
Excellent education requires great ideas, creative teachers, engaged students and up-to-date facilities/equipment. The Foundation’s Educational Grant Program was developed to help fund projects that support the mission of the Elmbrook School District by helping innovative staff implement and share ideas that enhance the education of Elmbrook students. Sharing their successes serves to inspire others and subsequently benefits the entire District. Since 2001, the Foundation has funded more than $205,000 in grants benefitting eleven schools across the district. The Foundation recently completed its Fall grant cycle and approved $15,000 in innovation and continuation grants for our public schools.
Foundation Grant Cycles
“Innovation grants” help students and staff get their ideas off the ground. “Continuation grants” help the rest of the district benefit from their experiences. Grants of up to $1,500 are available in both categories in the Fall and Spring each year.
Fall Grant Package Approved
 A total of 12 grants were selected this Fall from 23 applications received. This cycle’s grant review committee included Principals and PTO representatives from each level. Areas of interest during this grant cycle included:
- robotics programs,
- proof of concept trials for new techniques in fitness, writing instruction, handwriting instruction, math literacy and music instruction.
- interactive response systems to support classroom instruction,
- technologies (such as smart board applications, document cameras) to leverage and extend the District’s 21st Century classroom initiative (i.e. smart boards/projectors/tablet PC’s)
The 2008 Fall Grant Cycle was funded via the proceeds from the Foundation’s 2008 Winter Social, a memorial fund established for Marge Gatzke (a BCHS Science Teacher for 25 years who passed away in July of 2008) and the proceeds from the Foundation Benefit at Stir Crazy Asian Grill on 9/22/08. Thank you to everyone for their support!
Super Grant Program The Foundation also raises funds to award “Super Grants” of up to $15,000 to schools for larger programs. “Super Grants” are intended to support the District and building level PTO’s in their efforts to implement key programs that support the District’s strategic plan. Last year, the Foundation awarded each High School with a Super Grant for $15,000 to support each building’s Technology Plan. The Foundation is now raising funds to assist the Middle Schools and plans to do the same at the Elementary level as funds become available.
Have questions?
For information on specific grant awards, the Foundation’s Continuing Education Scholarship program, donation information, and/or more information about the Foundation, please refer to the Foundation’s web site http://www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com.
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By Elmbrook Education Foundation
Thursday, Nov 6 2008, 01:16 PM
The Elmbrook Education Foundation has been part of our
community for 50 years. Many have been
touched by its influence …
v Lancer-Spartan
Scholarship Recipients just starting out after High School,
v Staff
members who wanted to try something new and needed funding to see if their idea
would benefit their students
v Students
impacted by projects funded by the Foundation
v Community
members who volunteer their time to support the Foundation
v Residents
who attend Foundation events and gain a sense of community while by supporting
a key community resource.
The concept of an Education Foundation is not
new. Education Foundations are now
prevalent across the country in those communities where the excellence of the
Public Education System is a key component to achieving the community’s vision
and its ability to continue to attract residents. Elmbrook is such a community.
All public schools are under tremendous fiscal
constraints today. In a time of revenue caps and declining enrollment,
the Elmbrook Education Foundation plays an important role by funding projects
that the district would not otherwise have the financial resources to
undertake. The EEF sponsored grant program leverages the generosity of
the community to ensure that inspired Elmbrook students and staff are able to implement
and share their ideas to sustain the level of excellence provided across the Elmbrook School District.
Many other Education Foundations have abandoned
their Scholarship Programs to provide additional funding for their Educational
Grant Programs. However, the Elmbrook
Education Foundation’s History is rooted in the belief that Continuing
Education is important for our graduates and have instead expanded its program
over time through the continued support of area residents, business, and civic
organizations.
The EEF administered scholarship program has
consolidated many of the scholarship programs previously provided by community
partners and businesses to ensure a fair and objective process that rewards
and/or supports as many graduates as possible each year while maintaining the
individual selection criteria of each scholarship sponsor. Most years, we
are able to award 1 out of every 40 graduating seniors a Lancer-Spartan
Scholarship. The EEF administered
scholarship program is truly a community based scholarship program.
More information can be found on the Foundation’s
web site at www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com.
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