The Monroe community school supply drive to support elementary students in the school district will be held July 1-31. The drive has been successfully coordinated by the Monroe Noon Optimist Club and has been running for over 20 years in Monroe because of the generous support of many community members. This year’s drive is in memory of dedicated Noon Optimist member Ann Wells.
The drive is coordinated by the Monroe Noon Optimist Club and supported by the following institutions:
● Woodford State Bank
● UMB Bank
● Bank First
● The Bank of New Glarus — Monroe
● Summit Credit Union
● Marine Credit Union
● First Community Credit Union
● CMG Bank
● Aster Assisted Living
● Walgreens — Monroe
Supply donations can be dropped off at any of these locations during their regular business hours.
In addition to school supplies, monetary donations can be accepted through the Monroe Noon Optimists. Donations will be used to purchase the most needed items.
Additionally supplies to support this drive can be ordered from the Amazon Wish List: https://tinyurl.com/59ff8cb2.
The items most needed for this years drive include; Expo dry erase markers, washable markers, colored pencils, pencils, glue sticks, backpacks and headphones.
Monroe students and families in need of school supplies can visit Parkside Elementary, Abraham Lincoln Elementary or Northside Elementary on the dates listed below. Families can visit any site at the time(s) that work best for them. Donations will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Remaining supplies will be available at each elementary school during Meet Your Teacher night later in August.
Additional questions regarding the drive or making a donation can be directed to Jean Sinkule, Monroe Noon Optimists Coordinator (jsinkule@tds.net), or Jenna Trame, Elementary Principal Coordinator (jennatrame@monroe.k12.wi.us).
Shoe program
Members of the Monroe Morning Optimist Club recently met with School District of Monroe elementary staff to plan for the 4th Annual “Shoes for School” program.
The program began 4 years ago when the club contacted school staff offering support for initiatives and needs in the buildings. Parkside Principal Jenna Trame and School Counselor Amanda Covert approached the group to share their idea to ensure that all students have access to a new pair of safe and comfortable shoes for school activities during the back to school season.
School staff identified that the costs of school supplies and school fees add up quickly for families and due to generous support of community partners there are programs to support students in these areas. The group noted that they often see students wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or aren’t safe for school activities such as recess and physical education class.
The Monroe Morning Optimist Club then stepped in to assist with this need for elementary students. When the program started in 2023 the club funded about $2,500 worth of shoes for students attending Parkside Elementary. In recent years the program has expanded to include all elementary schools and funding has grown to over $3,500 worth of shoe purchases annually.
The shoes will be available on a first come, first serve basis for elementary age children only (no specific size or style requests will be accepted). Families in need of assistance with shoes can visit any site at the time(s) that work best for them. Donations will be available on a first come, first served basis. Remaining shoes will be available at each elementary school during Meet Your Teacher night later in August.
Dates for pick-ups
Parkside
August 10, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
August 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Northside
Monday, August 10, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Abraham Lincoln
Tuesday, August 11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
