Grants Aim to Help Homestead Students Succeed in Life
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As printed in the 2016-2017 Annual Report
"I felt very prepared when I went to college...especially in reading, writing, and critical thinking." Siena Mitman HHS 2011 The Foundation aims to grant funds to the elementary, middle, and high school levels commensurate with the number of students at each level. This article discusses the recent donations at the high school level only. |
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“College Ready – College Bound!” exclaim the headlines on a new set of posters hanging near the Homestead High School Counseling Office.The posters detail recent HHS graduates’ post high school plans. Because approximately 90% of Homestead students are college-bound, college preparatory classes are strongly emphasized. Regardless of post high school academic plans, students are better prepared for life thanks to a community that embraces world-class learning opportunities.
“We strive for all of our students to possess a broad range of academic and interpersonal skills when they graduate from high school. Wherever life’s path will take our students, we want them to be empowered and equipped to succeed and to make a positive difference in the world,” says Homestead’s Principal, Brett Bowers.
Thanks to generous donations, the Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation has made impactful investments in HHS academic excellence. During the past six years, the Foundation has given grants to help fund curriculum enhancement and start-up costs; technology resources; personnel professional development; and needed improvements at Homestead High School including the following:
“We strive for all of our students to possess a broad range of academic and interpersonal skills when they graduate from high school. Wherever life’s path will take our students, we want them to be empowered and equipped to succeed and to make a positive difference in the world,” says Homestead’s Principal, Brett Bowers.
Thanks to generous donations, the Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation has made impactful investments in HHS academic excellence. During the past six years, the Foundation has given grants to help fund curriculum enhancement and start-up costs; technology resources; personnel professional development; and needed improvements at Homestead High School including the following:
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Curriculum
AP Psychology AP Seminar AVID Chemistry Fitnessgram for physical education Honors Physics Latin IV Chinese Math Music Theory Robotics 1 Spanish World Studies Technology Chromebooks CO2 gas sensors Document cameras iMacs, iPads, MacBook Pros IMC Presentation Station PC laptops Spectrophotometers Vernier Interface Units |
Personnel
AP testing support AVID training Professional development Sydney Lauren Tabakin Writing Lab Fine Arts Band instruments, speaker and amp Choir SMART Board and CD player Orchestra instruments Pottery wheel Steinway piano repair Building Improvements Black Box Theatre renovation James Barr Performing Arts Center - acoustic shells, theater lights and foyer Room 2015 (formerly the small cafeteria) Room 2016 (formerly the Principal’s Conference Room) |
4 Year Old Kindergarten-Supporting our Youngest Students
As printed in the 2015-2016 Annual Report
The MTSD’s 4K Program kicked off its inaugural year in 2015-2016 and the MTEF was proud to be a part by providing grant assistance. Funds were used toward math manipulatives, emotional learning resources, technology, and classroom libraries.
Hilary James, 4K Program Chairperson and teacher at Wilson Elementary, shares her insight of how the MTEF’s support impacted students:
“In building our classroom libraries, we were able to choose a wide variety of author studies that we are using as a springboard for our units incorporating emergent reading and writing skills. Across the district, students were wild about the author Mo Willems and his use of speech bubbles! This spilled over into our students’ writing, which was shared with peers and parents. In addition, we purchased several small readers where children were able to retell stories and become immersed in books that captivated their attention. The use of technology in the 4K classrooms aided the teachers in differentiating instruction, helping to meet the needs of all learners. Several programs were used (such as the app Handwriting Without Tears) to reinforce the concepts and skills taught throughout our day. The use of the iPads was a great way to infuse technology appropriately for our youngest of learners.”
MTSD 4K parent Kristin Smith said she was actually “surprised and happy” to see iPads in the classroom. “I was very impressed at how the teachers incorporated the iPads into the classroom to help with learning. My daughter benefited from the exposure to the technology, but still loved and engaged in traditional learning methods. Technology is the world we live in today.”
Ms. James also commented: “Without a doubt, we would not have had such an amazing first year without the support of MTSD and the grant money from MTEF. Because of the resources made available by the MTEF, the teachers were able to engage all learners with a variety of materials, to meet each child where they were at and move them forward on the learning continuum, setting the stage for future success.”
Hilary James, 4K Program Chairperson and teacher at Wilson Elementary, shares her insight of how the MTEF’s support impacted students:
“In building our classroom libraries, we were able to choose a wide variety of author studies that we are using as a springboard for our units incorporating emergent reading and writing skills. Across the district, students were wild about the author Mo Willems and his use of speech bubbles! This spilled over into our students’ writing, which was shared with peers and parents. In addition, we purchased several small readers where children were able to retell stories and become immersed in books that captivated their attention. The use of technology in the 4K classrooms aided the teachers in differentiating instruction, helping to meet the needs of all learners. Several programs were used (such as the app Handwriting Without Tears) to reinforce the concepts and skills taught throughout our day. The use of the iPads was a great way to infuse technology appropriately for our youngest of learners.”
MTSD 4K parent Kristin Smith said she was actually “surprised and happy” to see iPads in the classroom. “I was very impressed at how the teachers incorporated the iPads into the classroom to help with learning. My daughter benefited from the exposure to the technology, but still loved and engaged in traditional learning methods. Technology is the world we live in today.”
Ms. James also commented: “Without a doubt, we would not have had such an amazing first year without the support of MTSD and the grant money from MTEF. Because of the resources made available by the MTEF, the teachers were able to engage all learners with a variety of materials, to meet each child where they were at and move them forward on the learning continuum, setting the stage for future success.”
Computer Labs at the Elementary and Middle Schools
As printed in the 2014-2015 Annual Report
Technology continues to play an integral part in the life of our students and it is always evolving. The Education Foundation continues to provide resources for multiple types of technology. Grants implemented last year included resources toward needed updates in the Computer Labs at the elementary and middle schools.
Jeridon Clark, the District’s Executive Director of Information and Technology, was candid about some of the older equipment used in the computer labs:
“Many of the machines we need to replace were purchased in 2006-2007 and are from the pre-wireless generation (i.e. still use cables). The District tries to get the most out of every bit of technology, but many of these machines are essentially only useful as word processors. These older machines don’t have the computing power to handle the newer software programs, as needed for curriculum like Project Lead the Way. Another drawback is these machines do not have the power to run the latest versions of the online web-based MAP test which utilizes Computer Adaptive Technology (CAT).”
With the help from MTEF grants, the District has been able to purchase wireless Mac Mini Compact Desktops for the Computer Labs, which Apple touts as “an affordable powerhouse that packs the entire Mac experience into a 7.7-inch-square frame.” This technology allows our students to access and utilize more advanced software and to experience faster processing times, leading to increased instructional time. An added benefit is the portability of the streamlined Mac Mini which, if needed, allows its use in locations outside the Computer Labs.
The District is mindful of what our Computer Labs need to be to help serve the present day needs of our students in a world of smartphones, wireless notebooks, multimedia and increased collaborative technology. The MTEF is committed to assisting our students as they continue to advance in this 21st century technology.
Jeridon Clark, the District’s Executive Director of Information and Technology, was candid about some of the older equipment used in the computer labs:
“Many of the machines we need to replace were purchased in 2006-2007 and are from the pre-wireless generation (i.e. still use cables). The District tries to get the most out of every bit of technology, but many of these machines are essentially only useful as word processors. These older machines don’t have the computing power to handle the newer software programs, as needed for curriculum like Project Lead the Way. Another drawback is these machines do not have the power to run the latest versions of the online web-based MAP test which utilizes Computer Adaptive Technology (CAT).”
With the help from MTEF grants, the District has been able to purchase wireless Mac Mini Compact Desktops for the Computer Labs, which Apple touts as “an affordable powerhouse that packs the entire Mac experience into a 7.7-inch-square frame.” This technology allows our students to access and utilize more advanced software and to experience faster processing times, leading to increased instructional time. An added benefit is the portability of the streamlined Mac Mini which, if needed, allows its use in locations outside the Computer Labs.
The District is mindful of what our Computer Labs need to be to help serve the present day needs of our students in a world of smartphones, wireless notebooks, multimedia and increased collaborative technology. The MTEF is committed to assisting our students as they continue to advance in this 21st century technology.
Leave a Legacy – HHS Room 2015
The MTEF created the “Leave a Legacy” fund several years ago to help ensure that future Homestead High School students benefit from the same educational excellence that previous students have received. Working in partnership with the Homestead Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO), each graduating senior’s family is asked to join in this legacy. This year’s Leave a Legacy project was the renovation of the Small Cafeteria, now known as Room 2015, aptly named for this year’s graduating class.
Room 2015 will provide students with an excellent venue for 21st Century high-engagement lessons that include physical movement and collaboration. This method of learning is becoming increasingly common at HHS because of its effectiveness in helping students understand ideas more completely and deeply. The room’s size and inclusion of an overhead projector, modular furniture on wheels, and multiple white boards will make this possible.
The room will be available for checkout by classroom teachers on days when they have interactive lessons that do not fit well in traditional classrooms. Room 2015 can also be used for larger meetings or gatherings during or after school, including highly attended events and meetings with parents.
Homestead High School Principal Brett Bowers is appreciative of the fundraising efforts and looks forward to the benefits this renovation will offer:
"I am so thankful for the parental support that brought Room 2015 to life. Our students need spaces like this in order to collaborate most effectively and to learn by doing. I have no doubt that our teachers will take full advantage of this flexible instructional space. It's a great asset to our entire student body."
A Matching Donation Program was set up by an anonymous donor, which helped make this year’s project set a record for both dollars raised and participation by senior families. All donors are recognized on donor plaques in Room 2015.
Room 2015 will provide students with an excellent venue for 21st Century high-engagement lessons that include physical movement and collaboration. This method of learning is becoming increasingly common at HHS because of its effectiveness in helping students understand ideas more completely and deeply. The room’s size and inclusion of an overhead projector, modular furniture on wheels, and multiple white boards will make this possible.
The room will be available for checkout by classroom teachers on days when they have interactive lessons that do not fit well in traditional classrooms. Room 2015 can also be used for larger meetings or gatherings during or after school, including highly attended events and meetings with parents.
Homestead High School Principal Brett Bowers is appreciative of the fundraising efforts and looks forward to the benefits this renovation will offer:
"I am so thankful for the parental support that brought Room 2015 to life. Our students need spaces like this in order to collaborate most effectively and to learn by doing. I have no doubt that our teachers will take full advantage of this flexible instructional space. It's a great asset to our entire student body."
A Matching Donation Program was set up by an anonymous donor, which helped make this year’s project set a record for both dollars raised and participation by senior families. All donors are recognized on donor plaques in Room 2015.
Moving Education Forward with Technology and Program Development
As printed in the 2014-2015 Annual Report
Students of the Mequon-Thiensville schools have their education shaped by many different aspects of their classroom experience, including new technology and programs. The MTEF is an important source of funds to help the schools at all levels offer cutting-edge programs and technology to the students. This year the schools have shared their insight about the many benefits the MTEF helped provide.
Students of the Mequon-Thiensville schools have their education shaped by many different aspects of their classroom experience, including new technology and programs. The MTEF is an important source of funds to help the schools at all levels offer cutting-edge programs and technology to the students. This year the schools have shared their insight about the many benefits the MTEF helped provide.
At the elementary school level, Chromebooks have been an important access point for students to interact with technology. According to Donges Bay Elementary School Principal, Alli Rudich, “Chromebooks have been a blessing…and gotten us to the point where we can just about cover 3 grade levels at once with 1-1 devices.” Mary Jo Tye, Oriole Lane Elementary School Principal, notes how the Chromebooks have specifically provided “quick and easy access to typing pals, Conceptua math, and Google Apps for Education.” Money provided for Professional Development allowed the schools to make progress with School Growth Plans according to Mary Jo Tye and Jocelyn Sulsberger, Wilson Elementary School Principal. Jocelyn Sulsberger goes on to say, “being able to properly train staff in Reader’s Workshop has been instrumental in a successful implementation.”
The district middle schools have also seen improvements in technology and programming due to the support of the MTEF, which “has been instrumental in supporting our efforts to ensure all students and staff are provided with the technology to support a 21st Century teaching and learning environment,” according to Deborah Anderson, Steffen Middle School Principal. Particularly, “the Chromebooks have allowed teachers to infuse relevant, timely events into their lessons, accessed through student research,” notes Lake Shore Middle School Principal, Kate Dunning. Training opportunities funded by the MTEF, such as AVID and Six Traits Writing, “support the growth of children as students and global citizens,” says Kate Dunning. Deborah Anderson references AVID when she notes “this college and career readiness system will be transformational for middle level students.”
Homestead High Principal, Brett Bowers, explains recent program development: “Each of the past two years, Homestead has set numerous school records regarding Advanced Placement in areas like course enrollment, exam participation, and exam scores. Without the generous support of the MTEF to finance teacher training and the procurement of materials and resources for several of our new AP courses, we would not be reaching these heights of excellence.”
Homestead High Principal, Brett Bowers, explains recent program development: “Each of the past two years, Homestead has set numerous school records regarding Advanced Placement in areas like course enrollment, exam participation, and exam scores. Without the generous support of the MTEF to finance teacher training and the procurement of materials and resources for several of our new AP courses, we would not be reaching these heights of excellence.”
Inspiring Young Minds Through Technology
As printed in the 2012-2013 Annual Report
Technology plays an important role in impacting students’ classroom experiences in the Mequon-Thiensville schools. The MTEF is a major player in providing the funds for equipment that will help students at all grade levels reach their potential. Students enjoy using technology to help them learn, and are excited when they are able to learn about equipment they may use in the future.
Technology plays an important role in impacting students’ classroom experiences in the Mequon-Thiensville schools. The MTEF is a major player in providing the funds for equipment that will help students at all grade levels reach their potential. Students enjoy using technology to help them learn, and are excited when they are able to learn about equipment they may use in the future.
Susan Hersh, Oriole Lane
IMC Specialist
Oriole Lane Elementary School’s IMC Specialist, Susan Hersh, sees firsthand how SMART Boards in all of the classrooms engage students in the learning process, and she knows “how much of learning is visual for so many students, having these tools in the classroom is a huge benefit,” because the staff can make sure all types of learners are getting the information they need. Both students and staff agree that the use of SMART Boards excites the classes and increases the level of interaction, which for students means class is more enjoyable.
Mary Lock, Steffen 8th Grade Teacher
Elementary students are not the only ones who get excited about using SMART Boards in class, the students at Steffen Middle School also understand the benefits the technology brings to their classroom experience. One student explains how he likes being able to interact with the lesson while also making notes for the teacher to see. Teachers can help the students better by reading their notes and adjusting the lesson. Mary Lock, an 8th grade teacher, explains “a correlation between the use of technology in the classroom and increased achievement is happening!”
Dave Savage, HHS Science Department Chair
Once students get to Homestead High School, they are able to see the donations of MTEF at work in a more focused use. Students taking science classes are able to use equipment that helps them better understand chemical reactions and read EKGs, which helps them grasp the lessons and show them what is possible in certain fields. The HHS Science Department Chair, Dave Savage, explains “over the long run…MTEF is providing the potential for experiences that hopefully will inspire students to go in to math and science.” These experiences are not offered at all schools, and the students of the MTSD are receiving “high caliber” experiences with the technology.
Thanks to your donations, the MTEF is able to fund technology initiatives that the teachers want to see in the classrooms. By providing teachers with the resources necessary to engage students, the classroom experience is helping students see the importance of technology in their lives.
MAKING MUSIC THE SMART BOARD WAY
Mary Clark, Elementary Music
As printed in the 2011-2012 Annual Report
We all remember singing “This land is your land, this land is my land” in elementary school music class. But with the implementation of SMART Board and document camera digital technology in the MTSD elementary music rooms, children are able to view and hear Arlo Guthrie actually performing “This Land Is Your Land” with the Boston Pops Orchestra while they read about his father, Woody Guthrie, in the text book that has been flashed on the screen. These exercises make the experience "real" as well as provide reinforcement to the curriculum that is laid out in the student’s textbook.
Donges Bay Elementary Music Specialist Mary Clark uses SMART Board and document camera technology to impact the breadth and depth of music experiences her students have in her classroom. With the help of MTEF grants, all elementary school music classrooms are now equipped with SMART Board technology.
The use of technology and multimedia resources to deepen the curriculum is itself a symphony of working parts with Mrs. Clark as both conductor and concertmistress. As Mrs. Clark says, “In the past, I could not necessarily be certain whether an insecure reader was following along and keeping up with the pace while reading or singing a music selection during the lesson. The Doc Cam that the MTEF has purchased for my classroom has changed the way I teach. Using the Doc Cam I project a piece of music on my SMART Board directing the students to focus their attention to the same place in the music score assuring me that they are collectively experiencing the same place in the selection. The outcome is that I have the child’s attention where I want it and learning is happening more efficiently.”
An education in the Mequon-Thiensville School District has long included a comprehensive exposure to art and performing arts from kindergarten through graduation. Homestead High School boasts the only school orchestra in Ozaukee County. The Highlander Band, Choirs, and Orchestra are recognized as among the strongest programs in the state. These results are not possible without the commitment to music education to all students in the elementary schools.
The Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation is pleased to strategically strengthen these programs. By providing educators with the necessary tools, teachers like Mary Clark are able to incorporate a 21st century component to the daily experiences of the students.
We all remember singing “This land is your land, this land is my land” in elementary school music class. But with the implementation of SMART Board and document camera digital technology in the MTSD elementary music rooms, children are able to view and hear Arlo Guthrie actually performing “This Land Is Your Land” with the Boston Pops Orchestra while they read about his father, Woody Guthrie, in the text book that has been flashed on the screen. These exercises make the experience "real" as well as provide reinforcement to the curriculum that is laid out in the student’s textbook.
Donges Bay Elementary Music Specialist Mary Clark uses SMART Board and document camera technology to impact the breadth and depth of music experiences her students have in her classroom. With the help of MTEF grants, all elementary school music classrooms are now equipped with SMART Board technology.
The use of technology and multimedia resources to deepen the curriculum is itself a symphony of working parts with Mrs. Clark as both conductor and concertmistress. As Mrs. Clark says, “In the past, I could not necessarily be certain whether an insecure reader was following along and keeping up with the pace while reading or singing a music selection during the lesson. The Doc Cam that the MTEF has purchased for my classroom has changed the way I teach. Using the Doc Cam I project a piece of music on my SMART Board directing the students to focus their attention to the same place in the music score assuring me that they are collectively experiencing the same place in the selection. The outcome is that I have the child’s attention where I want it and learning is happening more efficiently.”
An education in the Mequon-Thiensville School District has long included a comprehensive exposure to art and performing arts from kindergarten through graduation. Homestead High School boasts the only school orchestra in Ozaukee County. The Highlander Band, Choirs, and Orchestra are recognized as among the strongest programs in the state. These results are not possible without the commitment to music education to all students in the elementary schools.
The Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation is pleased to strategically strengthen these programs. By providing educators with the necessary tools, teachers like Mary Clark are able to incorporate a 21st century component to the daily experiences of the students.
Project Lead the Way
The role that the Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation played in Emily Jakubiak’s education is unknown to her but through your donations MTEF has enabled Emily to pursue her dream. Emily, HHS Class of 2011 and now a student at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, was always interested in architecture so she enrolled in both Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering classes at Homestead. According to Emily, “Project Lead the Way classes really cemented my ideas of what I wanted to do. After taking these classes I knew I wanted to study Architectural Engineering.” Emily received a scholarship for having successfully completed these PLTW courses.
MTEF granted $91,000 in 2009-2010 as seed money for the Project Lead the Way Program (PLTW). These donations, matched by school expenditures, were used to begin implementation of the PLTW program in Lake Shore and Steffen Middle Schools and Homestead High School. Without this seed money, the robust and nationally recognized PLTW classes would not have been as effective or even possible.
MTEF granted $91,000 in 2009-2010 as seed money for the Project Lead the Way Program (PLTW). These donations, matched by school expenditures, were used to begin implementation of the PLTW program in Lake Shore and Steffen Middle Schools and Homestead High School. Without this seed money, the robust and nationally recognized PLTW classes would not have been as effective or even possible.
Emily Jakubiak, HHS Class of 2011
What is Project Lead the Way? PLTW focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum in middle and high schools across the United States while preparing students for post-graduation study and careers in these fields. Due to recent PLTW certification, students may obtain college credit from associated universities upon successfully completing PLTW courses.
Adam Meyer, HHS Class of 2015
Adam Meyer, Class of 2015, experienced PLTW courses at Lake Shore Middle School
in 6th through 8th grade. Winner of the 2011 Golden Hammer Award at Lake Shore
Middle School, Adam participated in the middle level offerings of Design
& Modeling, Magic of Electrons, and Flight & Space because he
enjoys “creating things and learning how things work.” Adam plans on continuing
in the PLTW program at Homestead to help reach his goal of someday becoming an
engineer.
You can see for yourselves that the seed money is already reaping rewards for Emily, Adam, and many other students that benefit from the community’s generosity and a strong science, math and technology curriculum. With your help, MTEF and MTSD will continue to collaborate to improve and expand the college and career readiness opportunities for all our students.
in 6th through 8th grade. Winner of the 2011 Golden Hammer Award at Lake Shore
Middle School, Adam participated in the middle level offerings of Design
& Modeling, Magic of Electrons, and Flight & Space because he
enjoys “creating things and learning how things work.” Adam plans on continuing
in the PLTW program at Homestead to help reach his goal of someday becoming an
engineer.
You can see for yourselves that the seed money is already reaping rewards for Emily, Adam, and many other students that benefit from the community’s generosity and a strong science, math and technology curriculum. With your help, MTEF and MTSD will continue to collaborate to improve and expand the college and career readiness opportunities for all our students.