Strengthening Schools Together
As a new school year kicks off, there’s a palpable excitement in the air as students, teachers, and staff prepare to dive into another year of learning and growth. Our Adopt-a-School partners have embraced this energetic start, going above and beyond to prepare schools for success. From heartfelt breakfasts to generous financial donations, their support is making a tangible difference and setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
Bethel Lutheran Church welcomed all 55 Emerson Elementary staff members on August 26th with a hearty breakfast before their full staff meeting, giving them the energy to start the year strong. M3 also significantly impacted Franklin Elementary by hosting their back-to-school planning meeting and donating a large supply of snacks for the school year, ensuring both students and staff are well-prepared. For Anana Elementary, Blackhawk Church and Exact Sciences alternated days hosting the school’s welcome back professional development sessions, treating staff to beverages, ice cream, and the added comfort of air-conditioned spaces—a welcome relief, as most school buildings do not have air conditioning. The cool environments provided by all these businesses gave staff a refreshing break from the heat, making their planning meetings both productive and enjoyable.
Hawthorne Elementary kicked off its year with a Welcome Back Week celebration hosted by Demco, while Crosspoint Church delivered care packages to every staff member at Kennedy Elementary, highlighting their appreciation and support for the educators as they prepare for the year ahead.
Meanwhile, students at Capital High were warmly greeted by Blackhawk Church Downtown and Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative on September 3rd and 4th. Similarly, Westminster Presbyterian and American Printing made a lasting impact at Thoreau Elementary by providing enough school supplies for 65 students as they returned to school.
At Schenk Elementary and Whitehorse Middle School, the community event “Tunes on the Triangle,” organized by Seeds of Peace, raised funds to support both schools. One of the most touching moments came from Doxa Church, which donated $500 Target gift cards for each classroom at Lincoln Elementary—a total of $11,500. Principal Watson, initially expecting only $200, was overwhelmed by the generosity.
Our partners’ support continues with Eastside Church assisting Lapham Elementary in settling in for the school year, and the Madison West Middleton Rotary Club donating $4,800 to Gillespie School to support their English language learners, theater group, and the purchase of a 3D laser printer.
This summer, we also welcomed a new Adopt-a-School partnership between La Follette High School Athletics and the Ingold Family Foundation. La Follette student-athletes attended the Money Mini-Camp hosted by the Foundation and led by former Wisconsin Badger and current Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold. This partnership will include Mindset Training programs focusing on financial literacy, physical health, and mental well-being. Alec Ingold expressed his excitement, stating, “I am incredibly excited and honored for the Ingold Family Foundation to have established an Adopt-a-School partnership with La Follette High School Athletics. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on student-athletes’ lives through training and experiences that extend beyond the field.”
Looking ahead, Sandburg Elementary staff are in for a treat during their November 4th conferences, thanks to AWSA and Hayes Road Businesses, who raised $800 to provide meals and snacks. These funds will also cover meals for the spring conferences.
At Mendota Elementary, Adopt-a-School partner Seva Circle’s MJ Reiners shared an inspiring reflection: “I am so impressed by the Mendota scholars—change leaders in the making!”
Through every meal provided, every supply donated, and every warm welcome, our Adopt-a-School partners are setting the stage for a successful and impactful school year. Their generosity is a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together as a community.
