Spring Highlights
Webster Education Foundation has come out of our winter hibernation and have really been active over the past two months! Here are some of the highlights:
- Garden Shed: When you drive by the Elementary playground, you might notice there is a new garden shed in the school garden area. The old aluminum shed collapsed under the weight of snow and needed to be replaced. The new wooden shed was funded by WEF and will house garden and recess supplies.
- Outdoor Classroom: WEF’s 2024-25 Large Project was to fund an outdoor classroom space at the Elementary School. You will see that structure in the Elementary Playground area this Spring. It will be complete with benches and a whiteboard for outdoor learning.
- Classroom Grants: WEF awarded Spring Grants at the March meeting. They included $1000 in funding for Garden supplies to be used in the Elementary Garden, funding for Mr. Kemp’s annual 7th & 8th Grade Science Namekagon canoe trip, funding for materials for Ms. Nightengale’s 1st grade Science of Reading program, purchase of current licensing for Mrs. Hall’s GoFit Heart monitors and funding for software upgrade to the projector system in the Cafetorium. (That system was purchased by WEF a few years ago.)
- Portable AED Purchase: The friends and family of Trent Tuchtenhagen gifted WEF with funding to purchase a portable AED for use on our outdoor athletic fields as a show of appreciation to all of our emergency service providers. Trent survived a medical emergency while staying in his cabin in Burnett County last summer. Thank you to the Tuchtenhagen Family!
- New Light System Project: The current light system for the stage and Cafetorium is 25 years old and is no longer functioning properly. Mr. Ruiz (Building Coordinator), Mrs. Merkt (Choir and Theatre Director), Mrs. Wols (Middle School ELA and Theatre), Mr. Arjes (Technology Coordinator) and Robyn Formanek from the WEF board met with a tech representative to determine the needed upgrades. This will be a two-phase project that will include upgrading the control system first and then replacing the fixtures with LED lighting. WEF has committed to funding phase one if this much needed project. This system will work in conjunction with the new sound system sponsored by WEF last year.
- Trip to Superior School Forest: On March 21st, Mr. Kemp (7/8 Science), Terry Larsen (School Board) and Jeff Roberts and Robyn Formanek (WEF board members) had the opportunity to meet and learn from Lori Danz. Lori is a science teacher in the Superior School District, the 2023 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, and the Superior School Forest Coordinator. Over the past 15 years, Lori has developed an amazing curriculum for outdoor learning that reaches far beyond Science classes. She encourages fellow teachers to get kids outdoors. She knows outdoor activities can enhance all learning, from creative writing to team building. Check out the Superior School Forest Facebook page to see some of the wonderful things they are doing. Lori has generously offered to advise our team as we begin a new project to improve our School Forest property, as well as maximize the potential uses of our campus and new outdoor classroom space. WEF is really excited about this opportunity!
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:
- 2025 Taco BINGO is Saturday, April 12th. Taco dinner begins at 4:30, Bingo at 6:00pm. We are accepting prize donations at this time. Grand Prize raffle tickets are available at Wayne’s Foods in Webster, Yellow River Pharmacy and Copy Cat Hot Tubs, Home & Hearth in Webster. They are $5 or 5 for $20.
- Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5-9th is Teacher Appreciation Week. Please say “Thank you” to our wonderful teachers and staff! We appreciate all they do!
- 12th Annual WEF Golf Scramble will be Friday, August 1st at the Voyager Village Golf Course. We are looking for ½ and full Hole Sponsors. Team registrations will open soon. Registration fills quickly, so be sure to get your team signed up early. Watch our website and FB page for more information as it becomes available.
The Power of Community
We are grateful for the continued support and engagement of our incredible community members and businesses. Your involvement and enthusiasm help make our community a wonderful place to live. Our Foundation would not be successful without you all! We cannot begin to describe how overwhelmed we have been by your donations to our Taco BINGO fundraiser. Thank you for caring about the education of our young people!
- Get Involved: WEF is always seeking volunteer participation in events and activities. Volunteering your time and skills can make a big difference.
- Support Local Businesses: Shopping locally helps boost the economy and supports local entrepreneurs.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your neighbors and community members. Check out all the wonderful events that happen at our school. The monthly Senior Breakfasts are a great way to see the fantastic things our young people are doing!
- Check out our Facebook page.
Thank You for Being a Part of Our Work!