North Mahaska Education Foundation Awards Grants, Updates School Board, and Encourages Funding Requests

In addition to traditional reading and computer programs, elementary students are now able to enjoy the new IPad with Audiobooks application as the result of a 2011-2012 grant by North Mahaska Education Foundation. (submitted photo)

Submitted by Marvin Knoot and Christy Bellinger

During their August 28, 2012 Annual Meeting, the North Mahaska Education Foundation (NMEF) awarded nearly $5,000 in grants. Grant money will be used to purchase creative play equipment for the transitional kindergarten, and technology-based dynamic system experiment sets for the NM High School Physics program. Scholastic Dollars raised through the annual book sale fundraiser will be used to purchase books for North Mahaska Elementary School.

Kipp Schuler, high school science teacher, explains that introducing the technology-based program was important because the students would enjoy the program. In addition, it exposes them to technology similar to what they would likely experience in the college environment.

“This equipment takes the Physics classroom away from the normal “plug-n-chug” equation format and adds a large element to scientific inquiry. The student becomes the experimenter rather than the observer,” stated Schuler. He adds, “These students are very privileged to have a community that supports them to such a large extent. The students could have all the technology in the world at their fingertips, but I believe nothing has a greater impact than the community around the students.”

The foundation is guided by a nine-member board composed of community members, instructional and administrative staff. Part of the responsibility of the foundation is to report to the district on the use of funding. During the September 17, 2012 School Board meeting, NMEF Board President Marvin Knoot and At-Large Member, Jeani Phillips, outlined the funding requests for the 2011-2012 school year.
These requests included:

• National Geographic leveled science texts (grades 3 through 6)
• CD players (7th grade literature)
• Roller skates (Jr./Sr. High physical education)
• Condenser microphones (auditorium)
• IPads with audiobooks application (elementary)

When reviewing requests, the foundation looks for ways to maximize their ability to provide funding. When the Marching Warhawks requested a new podium, foundation members suggested that NMEF and the music boosters collaboratively fund the project.

“I was very pleased that the North Mahaska Education Foundation helped to fund the Field Commanders podium for marching band one year ago.   Rather than asking the Field Commanders to adjust to a different podium at each contest they can now count on a safe and reliable podium.  Therefore, feeling much more at ease and allowing them to concentrate on directing the band instead of the fear of falling off.   The podium will be used for many years to come.  Thank you NMEF! ” exclaimed Bruce Peiffer, Marching Warhawks director.

The new roller skating program at the junior/senior high P.E. level was able to be implemented due to NMEF funding. Maddie Mitchell, a senior at North Mahaska High School, felt that the new roller skating program has enhanced her P.E. experience.

Mitchell explains, “I always participated in roller skating during P.E. Others walked around the gym while we had the music playing, and some danced a little! Usually I’m not a huge fan of P.E., but I liked the fact that it was like a real skating rink. We played music and had the lights somewhat dim. The experience of teaching my friends that didn’t know how to skate was always enjoyable also. It kept us laughing!”

NMEF raises funds through the annual Jace Race 5k and one mile fun run, as well as the school book fair. This year, the foundation is planning to add a second book fair, which will give people the opportunity to support the school and purchase gifts in time for the holidays. Private donations to the foundation are also encouraged. Some employers will even match gifts to the foundation.

Established in 1997, NMEF’s purpose is “to ensure all students enrolled in the North Mahaska School District are provided the finest possible learning opportunities”.  NMEF has awarded more than $20,000 to a variety of academic, music, and athletic programs during the last five years.
NMEF would like to extend an ongoing invitation to administrators, teachers and students who see a need to apply for funding. Funding requests must be for a program to benefit the students of the North Mahaska school district. The board reviews requests throughout the year. For more information, or to make your gift to NMEF, please contact Angela Livezey at 641-637-4041.