MONROE — The Monroe Excellence in Education (EIE) Fund, a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, Inc., last week announced its latest round of grant allocations, totaling $45,392.04 in support of the Monroe School District. This significant investment continues the Fund’s long-standing tradition of generosity, having provided nearly half a million dollars to local schools since its inception.
The EIE Fund is dedicated to supporting “new and innovative programs” and “creative approaches” that fall outside of the standard school budget. This year’s recipients represent a diverse array of projects designed to enhance student learning across all grade levels:
● Innovation and STEM: Significant funding was directed toward hands-on science and technology, including classroom aquaponics (“From Tank to Table”) at Monroe High School, KidWind renewable energy lessons, and compound light microscope exploration at Monroe Middle School.
● Arts and Community: The Fund supported the Summer School Kids’ Theater production of Aladdin Jr., the purchase of a pottery wheel for middle school art, and the “One Band, One Community” initiative at the high school.
● Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Grants were awarded for a Kindness Retreat for 5th graders in all three elementaries, Virtual Reality headsets for meditation, and “The Peace Corner” at Northside Elementary to support sensory and emotional needs.
● Literacy and Life Skills: Funding will also support a school-wide novel reading initiative, flexible learning spaces for special education, and real-world clinical skill practice for high school students.
“The Fund provides the flexibility for addressing changing needs to advance the most promising, creative approaches in the education of our children,” according to the organization’s mission, noting that these grants also “strengthen ties between generations” within the Monroe community. Grants were awarded to several School District of Monroe staff at the Monroe School District Board meeting on Monday, May 11 at the Bauer Education Center.
Coming up
A pickleball fundraiser will be used to continue providing these opportunities. The EIE Fund is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, June 13, at the Pickleball Courts at Northeast Park. Community members are encouraged to register for the following sessions:
● Adult Co-Ed Tournament: 9 a.m. – Noon ($50 per team)
● Family Tournament: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. ($50 per team)
● Register by phone at 608-329-2460 or online at: https://monroewi.activityreg.com
For more information about the Monroe Excellence in Education Foundation, or for those wishing to donate or pledge to support future grants, contact Linda Gebhardt, Director of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin at 608-758-0883.
