Shawnee Mission Education Foundation — promoting innovative and challenging teaching and learning in Shawnee Mission schools. Foundation Forum S UMMER 2011 $37,237 to teachers creating lasting impact The Cash Caravan surprised teachers this spring with Excellence in Education grant awards totaling $37,237-and that’s only the beginning. The Foundation invests in unique and challenging projects that have the potential to become sustainable, impactful programs. Recently, several projects have achieved this level of success in a variety of ways. Growing entrepreneurs At the Broadmoor Technical Center, a 2005 grant built a greenhouse to provide horticultural therapy for students with emotional and behavioral challenges. In 2009, with fresh eyes, Nancy Plunkett, 18-21 Transitional Services educator, saw the greenhouse as an opportunity to teach job skills through an entrepreneurial enterprise. Nancy’s students now grow and sell microgreens and herbs to the Broadmoor Bistro of the SMSD Culinary Arts program, T.A.S.T.E., a local restaurant, and to the public. In the first year, thanks to mentoring by Master Gardeners and donations from Jim and Francie Flynn and Slow Foods Kansas City, the students made $1250 which was reinvested to purchase seeds and growing medium for continued expansion. "My students have definitely gained self-confidence and skills in decision- making, leadership and teamwork,” said Plunkett. “We’ve created a program that will benefit students for a long time." A tenfold multiplier and counting Carol Kain, PE teacher, and Susannah Hart, school nurse, at Rosehill received funds for “Fitness + Fruit = Fun” for the 2009-10 school year. The grant encouraged increased physical activity, taught good nutrition and the impact both have on overall health. Jump ropes were purchased for classroom fitness breaks and use as creative instructional tools and students sampled healthy snacks on monthly “Fresh Fruit Fridays." This year, Rosehill expanded their E2 project with a $30,000 award from the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Their project grew from fruit samples once a month to healthy fresh fruit and vegetable snacks every day. “It’s been amazing to experience the enthusiasm of students, parents and staff!" said Hart. “We want our kids to be healthier and give them tools to make good, life long choices." Rosehill and seven additional Shawnee Mission schools have applied for the FFVP for the 2011-12 school year. Fifteen new programs With similar focus, LeAnn Carver-Jones, Belinder PE teacher, began transforming the health of her school with “Belinder Mind, Body & Spirit,” in the 2009-10 school year. To kick off the program, students, parents and staff walked 43,000 miles “around the world.” Now, Belinder lives and breathes health and wellness. Belinder offers a daily cardio workout option; Walking Wednesdays, with over 200 students walking or biking to school; Thursday line dancing; Friday running club; and the gym is always open to walk laps and visit with friends. “We’ve implemented 15 new programs in just two years and have seen that a little bit of money can make a huge, lasting difference!” said Carver-Jones. “I cannot thank the Foundation enough!” Complete list of 2011-12 E2 Grants on page 3 Making a difference throughout the district SMEF connects community philanthropy with Shawnee Mission schools to impact students across the district. Thanks to your contributions, the Foundation distributed over $250,000 in grants, scholarships and district programs. SMEF affirms the community’s will for educational excellence and provides a means to make a difference. The 49th annual SMSD Research & Development Forum showcased student work in scientific experimental research and innovations and career and technical education. This year the inclusion of the District Art Fair, a social studies Brain Bowl, interactive student demonstrations and musical performances ensured the event offered something for everyone. The R & D Forum is a long tradition of SMSD and has been supported by the Regnier family since its inception. This year, spurred by a $10,000 challenge grant from the Regnier family foundation, SMEF secured $27,500 in contributions from Children’s Mercy Hospital & Clinics, the Sprint Foundation and an anonymous donor. These funds helped host the 2011 R & D Forum and begin a Research & Innovation Fund providing resources for more students to participate in hands on learning projects. Continued on page 4 sm e f Shawnee Mission Education Foundation
Transcript
Shawnee Mission Education Foundation — promoting innovative and challenging teaching and learning in Shawnee Mission schools.
Foundation ForumS u m m e r 2 0 1 1
$37,237 to teachers creating lasting impactThe Cash Caravan surprised teachers this spring with Excellence in Education grant awards totaling $37,237-and that’s only the
beginning. The Foundation invests in unique and challenging projects that have the potential to become sustainable, impactful programs. Recently, several projects have achieved this level of success in a variety of ways.Growing entrepreneurs
At the Broadmoor Technical Center, a 2005 grant built a greenhouse to provide horticultural therapy for students with emotional and behavioral challenges. In 2009, with fresh eyes, Nancy Plunkett, 18-21 Transitional Services educator, saw the greenhouse as an opportunity to teach job skills through an entrepreneurial enterprise. Nancy’s students now grow and sell microgreens and herbs to the Broadmoor Bistro of the SMSD Culinary Arts program, T.A.S.T.E., a local restaurant, and to the public. In the first year, thanks to mentoring by Master Gardeners and donations from Jim and Francie Flynn and Slow Foods Kansas City, the students made $1250 which was reinvested to purchase seeds and growing medium for continued expansion. "My students have definitely gained self-confidence and skills in decision-making, leadership and teamwork,” said Plunkett. “We’ve created a program that will benefit students for a long time."
A tenfold multiplier and countingCarol Kain, PE teacher, and Susannah Hart, school nurse, at Rosehill received funds for
“Fitness + Fruit = Fun” for the 2009-10 school year. The grant encouraged increased physical activity, taught good nutrition and the impact both have on overall health. Jump ropes were purchased for classroom fitness breaks and use as creative instructional tools and students sampled healthy snacks on monthly “Fresh Fruit Fridays." This year, Rosehill expanded their E2 project with a $30,000 award from the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Their project grew from fruit samples once a month to healthy fresh fruit and vegetable snacks every day. “It’s
been amazing to experience the enthusiasm of students, parents and staff!" said Hart. “We want our kids to be healthier and give them tools to make good, life long choices." Rosehill and seven additional Shawnee Mission schools have applied for the FFVP for the 2011-12 school year.Fifteen new programs
With similar focus, LeAnn Carver-Jones, Belinder PE teacher, began transforming the health of her school with “Belinder Mind, Body & Spirit,” in the 2009-10 school year. To kick off the program, students, parents and staff walked 43,000 miles “around the world.” Now, Belinder lives and breathes health and wellness. Belinder offers a daily cardio workout option; Walking Wednesdays, with over 200 students walking or biking to school; Thursday line dancing; Friday running club; and the gym is always open to walk laps and visit with friends. “We’ve implemented 15 new programs in just two years and have seen that a little bit of money can make a huge, lasting difference!” said Carver-Jones. “I cannot thank the Foundation enough!”
Complete list of 2011-12 E2 Grants on page 3
Making a difference throughout the district SMEF connects community philanthropy with Shawnee
Mission schools to impact students across the district. Thanks to
your contributions, the Foundation distributed over $250,000
in grants, scholarships and district programs. SMEF affirms
the community’s will for educational excellence and provides a
means to make a difference.
The 49th annual SMSD Research & Development Forum showcased student work in scientific experimental research and innovations and career and technical education. This year the inclusion of the District Art Fair, a social studies Brain Bowl, interactive student demonstrations and musical performances ensured the event offered something for everyone. The R & D Forum is a long tradition of SMSD and has been supported by the Regnier family since its inception. This year, spurred by a $10,000 challenge grant from the Regnier family foundation, SMEF secured $27,500 in contributions from Children’s Mercy Hospital & Clinics, the Sprint Foundation and an anonymous donor. These funds helped host the 2011 R & D Forum and begin a Research & Innovation Fund providing resources for more students to participate in hands on learning projects. Continued on page 4
smefS h a w n e e M i s s i o nEducation Foundation
President's Message
Shawnee Mission Education Foundation 2
SMEFpromotes innovative and challenging teaching and
learning in Shawnee Mission schools.
2011-12Board of Directors
George Satterlee, PresidentMatt Tidwell, Vice-President
Bill Quick, SecretaryRené Gillespie, Treasurer
Mike AllenPamela Clark
Dr. Chitra DinakarKeith A. Gary, PhD
Kellie Korb GillespieLeslie Greathouse
Janice JacksonRob Nagel
Lisa PleasurePaul RodriguezMandy StukeBetsy Tedrow
Joanie Weaver David Wiggins
Ex officio MembersGene Johnson, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Patty MachBoard of Education
Foundation StaffLinda Roser
Executive Director
Terri Izard Donor Services &
Office Coordinator
Nikol Terrill Community Relations &
Development
Foundation Forum is a publication of SMEF and is free to all contributors, volunteers and friends of SMEF. SMEF is a 501 (c)(3) organization.
7235 AntiochShawnee Mission KS
66204Phone 913-993-9360
Fax 913-993-9364
www.smef.org
One district, one purpose
If you were to ask me what excites me most about the work of the Foundation, I would tell you the recent successes in funding programs that reach across the district. When budget cuts forced the district to
look for alternative means for funding the R&D Forum and the 6th grade Olympic Festival, the Foundation did what we do best—connect community funding partners with district programs.
What a thrill it was to see the extraordinary work of students on display at the R&D Forum and
to experience the energy of 2000 sixth graders gathered to celebrate the end of elementary school in a shared field day. Both celebrations represent big wins for our kids.
Looking forward, 2011 Excellence in Education grants will impact students in all elementary schools and middle schools with program focused funding. Every fourth, fifth and sixth grade classroom will have specially designed social studies resource kits. The kits encourage hands-on investigation of artifacts and primary resource materials from ancient civilizations, the Plains Indians and the civil war. Middle school choral students will create new sounds and rhythms with percussion instruments from cultures around the world funded by an E2 grant. Both programs present remarkable learning opportunities across time and place.
This is the source of my excitement. As one district, we share one purpose: excellence in education. The success in funding these programs exemplifies the power of working together for all.
The prospect of long-term funding challenges for K-12 education appears to be a reality into the foreseeable future. Buoyed by the successes in funding the district programs noted above, the Foundation is willing to leverage our experience to work in partnership with the community to provide an alternative means of funding academic programs.
We cannot do it alone. It takes the will of parents, patrons, alumni, faculty, staff and business to rally in financial support of our common value…excellence in education. The Foundation is ready, willing and able. Are you? Together we can thrive as one district with one purpose…maintaining the tradition of excellence in Shawnee Mission schools.
George SatterleeBoard President
smefS h a w n e e M i s s i o nEducation Foundation
The McEachen Circle is a select
group of forward thinking donors who
have included SMEF in their estate plans.
Planned gifts, regardless of size, provide
a sustainable source of revenue that
ensures long-term viability of Shawnee
Mission School District programs
as well as fund unique educational
opportunities for students.
It is simple to create a lasting
legacy for future generations of Shawnee Mission students. Just make
a beneficiary designation naming the Shawnee Mission Education
Foundation in your will, trust, pension, retirement plan or life insurance
policy. There is a wide variety of ways to impact students through
programs and scholarships. Let us help you create your legacy.
For information or to be included in the McEachen Circle, please
contact Linda Roser, SMEF Executive Director at 913-993-9360 or [email protected].
The McEachen Circle
Bill McEachen, Dick and Judy McEachen
Rich Seitz and Sherilyn Seitz
Calvin and Shirley McBride
Enhancing Creativity and Performance in the Middle School Choral ProgramDebbie Allen, on behalf of all middle school vocal music teachers
Shawnee Mission Education Foundation 3
2011 Scholarships and Awards Jack Ballard Music ScholarshipHailey Esch, SM Northwest
Stephen Clegg ScholarshipDaniel Scharf, SM NorthLisa Shofstall, SM North
Dan Dakotas Art ScholarshipHannah Sailer, SM West
2011-12 E2 Grants Thanks to You!
SM English Language Learner ScholarshipThu Nguyen Tran, SM South and Kathy Vu, SM Northwest
SM Northwest Physics ScholarshipHolly Good
SM South Foundation ScholarshipsHope Jasperson, Julia Nelson, Korbin Richards, Emily Bartlett, Ivy Gichohi, Drew Haig, Ryan Knight, Cecilia Romero
NORTH STARThe NORTH STAR Award honors two North seniors who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, teamwork and respect for others.
Having the good fortune to grow up in the Shawnee Mission district, and particularly to attend North high school, was like winning the educational lottery. This scholarship program is a simple way to give back to an institution that did a lot for me. -Steve Sears, SMN ’79
Ben Enyart Liz Finn
Clark Fund for Professional Development in the Field of Advanced Mathematics
It is so important for teachers to seek new ideas, applications and methods for their classrooms. We are pleased to fund these valuable collaborative experiences. -Charles and Virginia Clark
Andrea BridgesSM North
Heather BledsoeSM North
Cliff Bath Scholarship for Excellence in Restaurant HospitalityThe Cliff Bath Scholarship was established by friends to honor the memory of Cliff Bath, founder of Kansas City’s renowned Starker’s Restaurant.
Cliff Bath set the bar high for a remarkable dining experience. Honorees exemplify the qualities and aspirations of excellence that were central to Cliff. -Beth Derrough
Katherine KeelingSM Northwest
Lauren ColemanSM Northwest
Tania PereaSM Northwest
A.C. Eley Debate and Forensics ScholarshipPeter Bautz, SM EastSukhindervir Sandhu, SM West
First National Bank Business Plan Competition1st Place: Yuqi Hou, SM West2nd Place: Ryan Ellis, SM Northwest3rd Place: Sarah Briggs, SM Northwest
Student Leadership Awards underwritten byPrarthana Dalal, SM EastLogan Heley, SM East
Stepping Stone Scholarships underwritten byDacheira Davis-Smith, SM WestChristine Hruska, SM WestAdam Moon, SM NorthDanielle Neighbour, SM WestMason Oberheu, SM NorthwestNathan Ross, SM EastAriana Turner, SM South
Beatty Boxes for Speech & Language Development - Libbie Cole, Speech/Language Clinician
Digital Storytelling: Pathways to Literacy - Cindy Sheets, Highlands
Give Us A Ring! - Tina Gadwood, Overland Park
Future Engineers Through LEGO Robotics - Stan Anderson, Nieman
History In A Box - Deb Brown, on behalf of all 4th-6th grade teachers
Robots Teach and Sudents Learn! - Lisa Healey, Debbie Converse, Karen Hayse, Christine Garrett, Rosehill Teaching Kids How to ROAR! - Chaussee Druen, Earlynn Reiff, Lori Riscoe, Heather Stajduhar, Trailridge Middle
Technology in Middle School Art Classes - Doug Bennett, Trailridge Middle
Using Performing Arts to Support PBS Initiatives - Jason Coats, Westridge Middle
Adaptations, Resources, Teachers and Strategies: A.R.T.S. for AllJudy Bennett, on behalf of all pre-K-6th grade performing and visual arts teachers underwritten by
underwritten by Helen S. Boylan Foundation, UMB Trustee
Incorporating Technology into PBS Endeavors - Sarah Saugier, Westridge Middle
Motivating Students with E-reader TechnologyCarol Hailey, Rhonda Mundy, Dylan Carter, Amy Lundine, SM West
New World BorderGreg SchieszerSM West underwritten by
2011 Jack Chalender Legacy Award Visualizing the Electromagnetic Spectrum Valerie Galvin, Kim Lipford, Allison Leever, Westridge Middle underwritten by
Brass Bell Award underwritten by
Laura Robeson, Ray Marsh
THANK YOU for supporting the E2 Cash Caravan Hen House, Merriam; Price Chopper, 87th & Antioch;
HyVee, Mission and 95th & Quivira; Roses Only, Mission.
In support of Shawnee Mission schools, come celebrate with us...
2011 Fall BreakfastThursday, September 22, 2011
Overland Park Convention Center 7:00 a.m. Coffee - 7:30 a.m. Breakfast & Program
Tickets are available for $40 online at www.smef.org or by calling the SMEF office at 913-993-9360.
Partnering with the community and SMSD
presenting sponsors
Clear blue skies, the Olympic torch, students wearing their school colors with pride, KC Wolf, relays, tug-of-war and sack races-these are just a few images from the 25th annual SMSD 6th grade Olympic Festival. The 2-day event, made possible with $6500 in contributions secured by SMEF, was held at Shawnee Mission South District Stadium. All 2000 district 6th graders enjoyed a day of camaraderie and cooperative games and celebrated the culmination of their elementary experience. Many thanks to our sponsors, Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors and Sporting KC!
Collectively SMSD mentors impact the lives of more than 1300 students and volunteered over 7800 hours for the 2010-11 school year. Mentors make a difference by serving as academic tutors, career coaches, lunch buddies or by simply being a friend, a constant in a student’s life. For the last three years, the Foundation has proudly contributed to the Volunteer & Community Partnership district initiative with an annual grant of $20,000.
Did you know... 250 community patrons currently donate their time and talent to mentor students in 45 of 47 SMSD schools?
smefS h a w n e e M i s s i o nEducation Foundation
