A Lifeline for Students & Families
When life becomes unstable or spirals out of control for families, where do they turn? Most often, it’s their child’s school. Beyond academics, schools offer stability, safety, and hope. They can be the difference between chaos and calm, hunger and nourishment, uncertainty and the chance to dream of a brighter future.
Invisible to many are the students who don’t have a consistent place to call home, relying on meals at school as their only reliable source of food. This is the reality for students in all of Madison’s public schools, where 48% are economically disadvantaged. A sobering fact: over 1,000 MMSD students are currently experiencing homelessness. Schools play a critical role in addressing this community crisis, though it’s important to note they don’t provide housing directly.
Essential Services of Public Schools: Integral to Student Success
Madison’s public schools are uniquely positioned to address these challenges for several reasons:
- A Place to Connect: Schools are where children spend most of their time, making it the easiest place to form meaningful connections.
- Consistency and Stability: For children experiencing upheaval and uncertainty, the routine of attending school provides a critical sense of normalcy in their otherwise chaotic world. It’s more than just a daily schedule—it’s a safe haven where they can count on warmth, consistent meals, and the presence of caring adults who provide emotional support. This stability fosters mental and emotional well-being, allowing children to focus on their education.
- The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: This federal mandate ensures all children have equal access to free public education. While essential, the funding to support these essential services often falls short.
- Supporting Immigrant Families: All students have the right to a free and equitable K–12 education, regardless of immigration status. Plyler v. Doe is the landmark United States Supreme Court decision that guarantees all children equal access to a public education. In the face of heightened fears around immigration policies, Madison schools serve as sanctuaries for families navigating uncertainty. They provide language support, connect families with local and legal resources, and foster trust and belonging for marginalized communities.
- Community Hubs: Madison schools focus on developing the whole child, addressing crises both large and small. They serve as central hubs where families can access critical resources with the support of a highly qualified team of professionals. In addition to providing on-site services, schools connect families with local resources to help students thrive despite the challenges they face. For example, several MMSD schools host school-based pantries and markets in partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank, ensuring families have access to essential food supplies.
How the Foundation Helps
Our mission is to secure resources for MMSD schools, ensuring that educators and staff—who have the lived experience and firsthand knowledge of their students’ needs—are equipped to support them. The impact of our work is often felt through the partnerships we build and the resources we provide rather than our direct presence in schools.
One of our most impactful initiatives is the Teacher Support Network (TSN), which gives schools 24/7 access to an online store stocked with essential items. In 2024, the program’s impact was undeniable:
- Schools ordered 56,107 individual snacks, a stark reminder that hunger remains a barrier to learning. When students are hungry, it’s hard to focus—making snacks the most requested item.
- With many families facing financial strain, schools ordered 24,312 Ticonderoga #2 pencils, 20,484 markers, and 406 packs of index cards, among other supplies. These seemingly small items are fundamental tools for learning—used for taking notes, solving math problems, crafting stories, and creating art.
- In total, $139,565 worth of supplies were distributed through TSN, directly benefiting students and classrooms while alleviating the financial burden on teachers who often pay for these necessities out of pocket.
Winter gear is another critical component of the program, made possible through a long-standing partnership with Lands’ End. Waterproof gloves and mittens are among the most in-demand items, ensuring students arrive at school warm, dry, and ready to learn. These items also allow kids to fully participate in recess and outdoor learning—even in Wisconsin’s harsh winters.
As a flexible partner to MMSD, our programs adapt to meet evolving priorities. This year, TSN expanded to support middle school attendance initiatives, securing support from Wisconsin’s sports teams to provide exciting swag and gift cards as incentives. These efforts reinforce our belief that every child deserves access to education, and for some, a little extra motivation can make all the difference.
Thanks to generous donor contributions, the Foundation provides the funding and program oversight, while our trusted business partner, EZ Office Products, handles the operational side. From procuring items to processing orders and personally delivering supplies to schools, this partnership ensures a seamless and efficient process that prioritizes the needs of students and educators.
Another cornerstone of our work is the Adopt-a-School program, which has connected local businesses and organizations with schools for over 20 years to address unique challenges. Partners like Messiah Lutheran Church have stepped in to fund van transportation for students. “The results speak for themselves: In only one year, attendance rates at Kennedy went from 78% to 92% for children living at the shelter,” said Kennedy Social Worker Bridget Cremin.
But the impact goes beyond data, Cremin emphasized. “When needs are met, it’s easier for kids to focus on learning. Additionally, it ensures kids have a stable environment during what can be a chaotic and tumultuous time as their families work to obtain a more permanent residence. Once safe and fed, they can start doing things like learning and growing. Even if kids are here, but they’re coming half the time, they’re never fully getting into the rhythm of school. The social aspects and relationship aspects are huge.”
American Family Insurance supports its Adopt-a-School partner, Lake View Elementary, by participating in the school’s walking school bus initiative. This program provides a safe, reliable way for students to get to school while fostering a sense of community.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the students and staff at Lake View Elementary School through the American Family Adopt-a-School partnership,” said Andrew R. Jacus, Senior Project Manager at American Family Insurance. “Participating in the Lake View Walking School Bus is an opportunity I look forward to each week and something that truly enriches my life.”
Adopt-a-School partners also supply bike locks to secure vital transportation, gift cards for food and gas to help struggling families, and holiday care packages filled with food, activities, and gifts to support students during school breaks. They also show appreciation for educators by providing meals and coffee on professional development days—small gestures that recognize the invaluable role teachers play in students’ lives.
Together We’re the Village Making a Difference for Our Students
In every corner of our community, schools quietly fulfill roles outside of academic instruction. Staff know the children who might otherwise fall through the cracks, offering a lifeline of stability, nourishment, and connection when it’s needed most.
The challenges our most vulnerable students face are daunting and heartbreaking, but they are not insurmountable—not when we come together. Every pencil handed out, every winter glove delivered, and every walking school bus started is a testament to what’s possible when a community invests in its future.
