MAEF Newsletter - 2013 - Fall

EDUCATION BOOSTERS
FALL 2013
Have you renewed
your membership
for 2013?
Perhaps you would
like to make your
funding goal a
higher level this
year.
MONTICELLO AREA
E D U C AT I O N F O U N D AT I O N
INTRODUCING OUR
NEW LOGO!!
The Monticello Area Education Foundation board recently updated its logo. Early
on in the branding process there was general agreement that the logo needed to
have an owl, an apple, and Monticello Area Education Foundation written out in full
and potentially a slogan. We are pleased with the results, and think that it is
consistent with the Monticello Schools branding of the Sage owl, and explains the
organization’s mission. The Monticello Area Education Foundation is proud to be a
supporter of Sage students and schools!
Remember: Your
membership
donation is
tax deductible!
In this issue:
Page 1
New Logo Design
Decatur Park
Singers
Page 2
President’s
Report
Page 3
2014 Gala
Page 4 & 5
2013 Gala
Review
Page 6
Scholarships
DSA Winners
Page 7
Grants
Summer Fundraiser
Decatur Park Singers
The Monticello Area Education Foundation sponsored the Decatur Summer Singers on
Friday, June 28th at the First Christian Church. The singers were led by Monticello
alum Christopher Weisenborn. Although the skies broke open and the show was
stopped for a brief spell, the show was able to go on! The concert was free and
Marble Slab Cream ice cream donated a portion of their sales to the MAEF. It proved
to be an enjoyable evening!
MONTICELLO AREA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
]
Page 2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The formation of the Monticello Area Education Foundation (MAEF) occurred in June of 1998 with
the sole purpose of providing financial support for programs and initiatives which otherwise could not
be funded. I am honored to serve on a board which focuses on the promotion of education within our
community. Fifteen years have passed and the organization continues to work towards enhancing
educational opportunities to the students, as well as strengthening community involvement in the
Monticello Schools.
The MAEF board of directors consists of individuals from our community who offer a wide range of
backgrounds including teachers, parents of students, the Superintendent of the Monticello Schools,
as well as a member of the Board of Education. It is a privilege to work with these individuals who
are committed to the betterment of our schools. In addition, we appreciate the numerous volunteers
who offer their services and envelope the mission of the foundation.
Last spring, MAEF awarded 14 scholarships to deserving seniors in the amount of $19,500. The
MAEF also awarded 10 grants in the amount of $22,409 to teachers in the district, as well as funds
for 25 summer tutoring scholarships
The MAEF approved new initiatives for the year including the funding of a $500 library program to all
students over the summer at the Monticello Middle School. Being opened once a week throughout
the summer, this opportunity was advantageous to students who lived outside the Monticello
Township Library district. In addition, due to the district budget cut, the board agreed to assist with
field trips for the Middle and High School students for the 2013-14 academic year.
For the past 10 years, the MAEF has hosted its annual Gala. Graduates of Monticello Schools
return to Monticello to speak about their life and accomplishments and to reflect on the valuable
education they received in Monticello Schools. Thus far, 21 Monticello High School alumni have
been honored at this yearly event.
Anyone can be a member of MAEF, membership information is included in this publication and gifts
are welcome at any level. Attending a fundraising event is an ideal opportunity to support the
MAEF. Getting involved in the education of our youth is essential in a time of funding challenges.
As responsible citizens of Monticello, we must work together to ensure the best possible educational
atmosphere for the students and teachers of our district.
Our school system is highly valuable to our community, and we thank you for your continued
support!
LeAndra Vogelzang
2013-2014 President
MONTICELLO AREA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
]
Page 3
MAEF 2014 GALA “Honoring Educators”
Gala 2014 features Educators
On Saturday, March 8, 2014, the MAEF will host its eleventh annual fund-raising Gala at the
Monticello Middle School.
Each year the Education Foundation honors former graduates of Monticello High School who have
achieved excellence in their field of endeavor. Proceeds for this event help teachers fund creative
projects to benefit students throughout the Monticello school district. The 2014 Gala theme will be
Celebrate the Legacy of Learning — A is for Apple—Honoring Educators.
Meet this year’s honorees:
Scott Myers
SCOTT MYERS : Graduated from MHS in 1973 and has had the joy of working with
children in various capacities since leaving Monticello High School. Presently he is the
Principal for Hudson Elementary School, going into his 37th year in the Unit Five
School District. Scott has taught all grade levels from kindergarten to Sixth Grade and
has been a school principal for 14 of those years. His second career takes place in the
summer where he has served on the staff of Lake Owego Camp for Boys in the Pocono
Mountains of Pennsylvania for 19 summers and as State Farm Day Camp Director for
20 summers. He has also served as the founding Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 19
and, just as on the MHS stage, continues his love for acting with performing roles in
Bloomington Community Players. Scott lives in Bloomington with his 17 year old son
and has a daughter attending Heartland College in Normal.
Hazel Lindsley
HAZEL LINDSLEY: is an exemplary and successful graduate of MHS. She started
teaching in Monticello in 1995, and remained in this position for 30 years. Hazel taught
sophomore and senior English. Her goal in the college prep class was for the students to
learn the basics of both written and spoken communications. Teaching public speaking,
extensive writing, as well as including a research paper in her lessons. In addition, Hazel
was a student council advisor for numerous years and her local council members
published a book on leadership. She was a founder of the Monticello Theater Association,
a member of the Americana Cancer Society Board, as well as the Kirby Hospital Auxiliary
Board. Hazel has received several awards including 1978 Outstanding Student Council
Advisor, 1999 Monticello Outstanding Citizen Award, 2000 Illinois Women of Achievement
Award, and in 2010, Hazel was inducted into the Monticello Hall of Fame. The success of
Hazel’s teaching is exemplified by the numerous students who write to her or come back
home to thank her for preparing for them for their future.
SANDY BORRIES: Graduated from MHS in 1984 and attended the University of Illinois and
graduated with a BS in elementary education in 1989 (endorsed in Middle School
Mathematics), and her MS from National Louis University in 1994. Sandy began her
teaching career in Antioch, Illinois and is currently in her 25th year. She has been the math
department chairperson since 1995, and won the Abbott Laboratories Middle School Math
Teacher for the 2002-2003 school year. Outside the realm of academics, she has been a
coach for the girls’ basketball, volleyball, and dance teams at the Antioch Upper Grade
School. Sandy is married to Tim since 1990, and they have two children. Megan is a
freshman at Butler University in Indianapolis, and Nathan is a sophomore at Antioch
Community High School. In addition to camping with her family, and taking long vacations, Sandy Borries
Sandy is an avid reader and loves to walk everyday with or without her beagle, Bailey.
Page 4
Honoring the Healing Arts
On February 23, 2013, the
Monticello Area Education
Foundation celebrated its
annual Legacy of Learning
Gala. The theme this year was
“The Healing Arts” and two
outstanding Monticello High
School alumni were honored for
their accomplishments in their
field of medicine.
The Gala was held at the
Monticello Middle School. As
the guests arrived, they were
entertained by the wonderful
sounds of the middle school
jazz band directed by Ms.
Amanda Allen. The evening
was kicked off with opening
comments from MAEF
President Brandon Hissong
who highlighted the
achievements of the foundation.
The National Anthem was
performed by Zoe Myers and
the invocation was delivered by
Pastor Mike Heiniger. Dinner
was served by the MHS
Lifesaver and Student Council
members. During dinner,
guests enjoyed the vocal
performance of Zoe Myers.
The first speaker was Dr. Hicks.
She delivered an uplifting
message of how the teachers
and community members of
Monticello influenced her to
become the person she is
today. As a youth, Dr. Hicks
said she struggled both
personally and academically,
especially in the areas of
communications and spelling.
Though the help and
intervention of teachers at
Monticello, she turned things
around. She recalled her
teachers taking her aside and
saying “we’re going to help you
learn to read, we’re going to
help you learn to write, and
we’re going to help you become
Page 5
2013 MAEF Gala
a better speller”. Due to their
dedication, Dr. Hicks ended up
in a profession where she
communicates every day with
people while performing her art
of healing.
Dr. Crouse’s thought-invoking
presentation focused on the
amazing capabilities of the
human brain. During his
presentation, Dr. Crouse
discussed five patient cases
from the Mayo Clinic. All five
individuals suddenly possessed
extraordinary abilities after
sustaining head injuries. He
concluded that the mind is a
fascinating complexity and that
you are capable of anything “if
you look at something long
enough, hard enough, with all
your heart, and with all your
mind”. While in high school at
Monticello, Dr. Crouse credited
several teachers for making him
think outside the box, a trait that
has helped him excel in his
personal and professional life.
The evening ended with a short
reception in the middle school
rotunda where Gala guests
could visit with the honorees. It
was another successful Legacy
of Learning Gala and everyone
in attendance left with a
reaffirmation of how lucky we
are as parents and as a
community to have dedicated
teachers, administrators, and
district employees to make our
schools the best in the state.
The annual Legacy of Learning
Gala is the Monticello Area
Education Foundation’s main
fundraiser. Money earned from
the Gala help the MAEF fund
teacher grants, scholarships,
summer tutoring, and other
projects that benefit the
students and Monticello
schools.
MONTICELLO AREA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
MAEF Scholarships
]
Page 6
Distinguished Service
Record Night for MAEF Scholarships!
Last spring during the 2013 Honors Night, the Monticello Area
Education Foundation provided a record $19,500 in scholarships! This
was possible through the actions of our community to sponsor fund
raising events and very generous donations. These scholarships are
one of the many ways our community illustrates its value of education
and support of our students.
The following students received scholarships for their hard work and
achievements:
MAEF $1,000 Scholarships
 Luke Zimmerman, attending Parkland College to specialize in
Agriculture Production and Education

Abigail Vanderkloot, attending Parkland College with a focus
in Crop Science.
MAEF $1,500 Scholarships
 Nicole Happ, attending Indiana University to specialize in
Neuroscience & Cognitive Science.
Charlene Wolter-Harris, Marlise Dahl and Jan Trigg
The awarding of the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) by the
MAEF has become an annual event. Each year there are individuals
who have worked for years to enhance the educational opportunities
through teaching, mentoring, working as a volunteer and dozens of
 Emma Reinbold, attending U of I with a focus in Special
other ways that make a huge difference to hundreds of children in our
Education.
schools. The award is presented to those that have contributed
excellent and sustained service to the Monticello CUSD #25
 Ryan Rodgers, attending U of I with a focus in Agricultural
educational system.
and Biological Engineering.
The awards were presented by Superintendent Vic Zimmerman at
the annual All-School Service Recognition Ceremony held at MMS on
 Claire Hettinger, attending U of I specializing in English.
Thursday, May 30. This year’s awardees were Jan Trigg, Marlise Dahl
and Charlene Wolter-Harris.
 Adam Auten, attending U of I with a focus in Electrical
Jan Trigg is retiring as Lincoln School Secretary this year. The
Engineering .
nomination says, “Jan is retiring this year as Lincoln School Secretary.
She first started working for Monticello Schools almost forty years ago.
 Elizabeth Nisly-Nagele, attending Milliken University
Often times Jan is called upon to serve as a nurse, caretaker, and
specializing in Nursing.
counselor along with her routine job responsibilities. She handles each
situation with ease and makes sure that the people she is working with
 Chloe Nayonis, attending IUPUI specializing in Nursing.
know that she cares about them. Mrs. Trigg uses her experience to
 Mary Grace Haugen, attending U of I with a focus on General benefit those around her so that the daily operations at Lincoln School
run smoothly. She has served as secretary, problem solver, friend,
Studies.
mentor, nurse, mom and grandma to thousands of students over the
years. It has been said that Jan is someone who knows what they are
 Nicole Landa, attending Illinois State University specializing
supposed to do and just does it perfectly. She is always willing to go
in Psychology.
the extra mile for the good of the school and the district without
Stine Memorial $500 Scholarship
complaint. Her knowledge and experience are irreplaceable.”
Marlise Dahl is a Special Ed teacher at MHS. The nomination says,
 Elizabeth McGiles, attending St. Louis College of Pharmacy to “Prior to Marlise’s employment at MHS, students with moderate to
specialize in Pharmacy.
severe disabilities were either bussed to Decatur or placed into the
regular education program here; Most of her students will continue to
Kay Wilkey $2,000 Scholarship
live at home and someday they might enter a group-home. Some will
 Megan Garrett, attending Eastern Illinois University to pursue work in sheltered workshop situations, some might work at a place of
employment with a job coach. For these students, the typical high
a degree in Elementary Education.
school education may not prepare them for their future. Knowing the
skills that would benefit the students, Marlise developed a functional
Ann Baughman $1,500 Scholarship
program to help transition them into adult life. She started this program
 Emily Wells, attending U of I to pursue a degree in Human
from scratch and she has organized a number of hands-on learning
experiences to reinforce their classroom learning. These have included
Nutrition.
“work” field trips, the Sages Café, the Christmas ornaments store, and
The MAEF scholarships are given for academic achievement, financial
Firstlight flashlight assembly. In addition to providing her students with
need, and community and school involvement. The Stine Memorial scholar- a functional program, Marlise has made sure that they feel like a part of
ship is for a student pursuing a degree in a medical related field. The Kay MHS. She makes sure that each of her students attends several
Wilkey scholarship is for a student working toward a degree in education.
classes with their non-disabled peers. Marlise works closely with those
The Ann Baughman scholarship is provided to a student pursuing a degree teachers to ensure her students experience success in the regular
in community service.
education program.”
Charlene Wolter-Harris is a media center and teacher aide at MHS.
Thank you to the nearly thirty students who applied for scholarships and to
The nomination says, “Officially, she is a Media Center Aide, Vocational
all the MAEF supporters for making this possible. These scholarships are
Teacher,
and Homeroom and After-School Tutor, but she goes above
one of the many examples why our community is so special .
and beyond those roles and means so much more for the students she
assists and the teachers she supports. Mrs. Wolter-Harris has been
especially valued for her assistance to students within our school. She
is well aware of their assignments, abilities and problems.She develops
personal relationships with these students and provides guidance not
only in their academic lives, but in their personal lives as well. As the
Media Center Aide, Mrs. Wolter-Harris has sought new material for
classroom activities and keeps teachers aware of new items that are
available. She is extremely helpful to teachers and students in their
efforts at finding material through other libraries and services. Mrs.
Wolter-Harris is a kind, positive, and patient individual who serves MHS
in a professional manner which goes far beyond her assigned duties.”
Congratulations to the 2013 Distinguished Service Awardees.
MONTICELLO AREA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
]
Page 7
MAEF GRANTS Benefit Classroom Teachers
Each year the Monticello Area Education Foundation (MAEF) awards grants to classroom teachers to help fund
special projects in the classroom. MAEF grants provide academic opportunities for students from pre-kindergarten
through high school and provide funding for innovative ideas. Ten classroom grants for a total of $22,409 were
awarded by MAEF to teachers in the five District #25 schools in 2013. A summary of some of these grant requests
follows:
Sally Bower, Lincoln Elementary School: Concept Oriented Reading Instruction
This grant will allow the purchase of non-fiction level readers for Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction.
The program is designed to foster reading engagement and comprehension through the teaching of reading
strategies, scientific concepts, and inquiry skills, which will motivate a child to want to read.
Jennifer Smith, Monticello Middle School: Using Models to Make Genetics Meaningful
This grant will allow the purchase of models and kits to help students develop a deeper understanding of
genetics concepts. Sometimes students have difficulty understanding genetic concepts such as the structure and function of DNA. Models are a great way to provide students with a visual and tactile frame of
reference for these abstract concepts.
Sarah Lauschke, White Heath Elementary School: ActiVote Learner Response System
This grant will allow the purchase of a class set of ActiVote student response clickers. These clickers will
increase student engagement in daily lessons across all content areas. Aside from making things more
game like and interactive, they will also allow for students to respond to questions in a non-threatening way.
They will also yield instant feedback to the teacher so they can adjust their teaching right away.
Mindy Donahue, Washington Elementary School: Leveled Literacy Intervention System
This grant will allow the purchase of the Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention System, the
Gold 4th Grade System. This system is a small group, supplementary intervention designed to increase
children’s reading ability drastically, and close the reading gap for any student who is struggling or is below
grade level.
Kathy Mabbs, Washington Elementary School: Journaling and Art in Nature
This grant will allow the purchase of Sakura Water Brushes, which carry the water supply for you. Students
will learn about Beatrix Potter and John James Audubon, review watercolor painting techniques, and head
outside with supplies to journal, draw and paint what they experience using these brushes.
New Perfect Attendance Scholarship offered:
Congratulations to graduating senior Seth Chitwood for perfect
attendance all four years of high school! He thought the streak had ended
his junior year when he woke up one day under the weather, but that his
mom “talked me through it.” Presenting Seth with the first $500
scholarship offered in this category by the organization is MAEF President
LeAndra Vogelzang, and MHS High School Principal Tip Reedy.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
Monticello Area Education Foundation
PO Box 473
Monticello, IL 61856
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #24
MONTICELLO, IL 61856
Return Service Requested
2013-2014 MAEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS:
LeAndra Vogelzang, President
Sarah Probst-Miller, President-Elect
Brian Fulton
Leanne Wichus, Secretary
Ellen Barrett
Zach Hillard (ex-officio)
Brandon Hissong, Past-President
Teri Coleman
Cochran Keating
Stephanie Dawson
John Rupkey
Mindy Donahue
Vic Zimmerman (ex-officio)
We are on the Web!
www.sages.us/maef
Luke Feeney
The Mission of the Monticello Area Education Foundation
EDUCATION BOOSTERS
To benefit students; to support, enrich, and enhance educational opportunities;
and to strengthen community involvement in Monticello CUSD #25 by supporting
educational initiatives for which other funding is not readily available.
PO Box 473
The Foundation’s philosophy is to offer a vehicle for Monticello area citizens,
alumni, and others to become more directly involved in supporting local
education without supplanting traditional roles of teachers, educators,
administrators, or school board members.
Monticello, IL 61856
E-mail: [email protected]
CONTRIBUTIONS are accepted throughout the year and can be made by visiting our website at www.sages.us/maef or by
sending a check payable to: MAEF, PO Box 473, Monticello IL 61856
Y ES ! I believe in the Monticello school district and want to contribute to the Foundation with a gift in the amount of:
$__________
$1,000
$500
$100
$50
$35 (annual membership)
THANK YOU!
My company has a matching gift program. I am attaching a matching gift form from my personnel or benefits office.
Name of Company ___________________________________________________
I would like to learn more about the work of the Foundation
My gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
I would like to volunteer. Please contact me (please print)
Name_________________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
City, St, ZIP____________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________
Email _______________________________
Please return this section to the address above with your gift. THANK YOU!