Foundation Focus
Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Newsletter
Open Books, Open Minds, Open Door!
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Board of Directors:
Jennifer Hamann, President Joyce Black, President-Elect Patti McArdle, Secretary Lori Liffring, Treasurer Roger Breed Gary Demmel Sid Dinsdale Teri Dreessen Warren Marcia Heywood Jerry Ladd George Lerner Jim Lindsay Bob Peterson Larry Peterson Kim Riggle
Susan Nelson, Executive Director
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Mission Statement
The Elkhom Public Schools Foundation, Inc. was established in 1983 to secure resources to support and enrich the educational programs and services of the Elkhom Public Schools. The Foundation provides funding for innovative ideas and creative approaches that enrich the curriculum, inspire students and staff and expand the community's involvement in public education
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A Message from the President
As I reflect on all the events of our world of recent, I am thankful to live in a community where neighbors and friends help each other without being asked. I am equally grateful to live in a community where the education of our young people is of the utmost importance. Once again, I welcome you to the second edition of Foundation Focus, and I ask you to take some time to read and learn about the significant things students and teachers within the Elkhorn Schools District are doing. Much of what you will read is a direct result from the many contributions of time and money given to the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation this past year.
It has been a year of growth and excitement, and we are pleased to share our accomplishments with you who made them possible. I extend to your families many wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season, and look forward to a bright and successful new year. Enjoy!
Jennifer Hamann, President
Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation
Board of Directors
Former Skyline Principal Remembered…with Fondness
By Susan Nelson, Executive Director
Longtime Elkhorn resident and Principal, Don Nordlund, passed away last July after a year and a half battle with cancer. Don was a tremendous individual and is remembered by many with fondness.
Don joined the Elkhorn Schools in 1969 as a sixth grade teacher. In 1974 he was named Principal of a new elementary school, Skyline Elementary. Construction on the school building was not complete so classes were held at what is now known as the Administration Building. In 1975 the school was opened and experienced tremendous growth due to an increase in the number of families moving to the Elkhorn area due to newly established busing policies in Omaha. Don remained at Skyline for the rest of his career until retirement in 1995. After retirement, Don remained active in the schools serving as a van driver. He also opened his own embroidery business, but his love remained with the Elkhorn students and staff whose lives he touched.
Mardele Johanek, a former secretary and neighbor to Don remembers him as a kind man who truly enjoyed the kids. She shared stories and memorable times with Don. "I remember a time when a student came into the health room with a cut on her knee and very concerned about what we were going to do to her. Don told her that we were going to 'cut off her knee' and she looked up at him with big, round eyes and told him that all she came in for was a Band-Aid!" Mardele said, "Don really should have written a book about his experiences."
Paul Sieczkowski, physical education teacher at Spring Ridge Elementary worked for Don at Skyline. Paul remarked that Don had a genuine concern and interest in his
teachers, both as educators and personally. "Don made you believe that the kids truly
gained from what you did. He truly made you feel worthwhile," he said.
An avid football fan, Don could regularly be seen at athletic events at Elkhorn High School and attended all
home football games for over 30 years. He and his wife Jan are regular contributors to a scholarship established by the Skyline PTO which bears his name and provides funds for students wanting to pursue higher education.
Don remained in touch with many of his students over the years, watching their progress in college and on into adulthood. He was an educator to the core and will be missed
Making
a Difference in 2001By Susan Nelson, Executive Director
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation had another record year in 200 I. The
Foundation staff and Board of Directors thank all supporters and contributors who have made this past year the best one yet! Twenty four student scholarships totaling over $38,000 were awarded this past year. Additionally, thirty classroom grants totaling more than $20,000 sponsored innovative projects involving teachers throughout the Elkhorn Schools District.The Foundation 2nd Annual Golf Outing was held this summer at Shadow Ridge Golf Course and raised over $13,000. Our Fun Club continues to grow and serve over 270 students this year. Bricks continue to be purchased for the pavilion located at Elkhorn High School. Specially engraved bricks may be purchased for a donation of $50 each. Proceeds will be used towards the programs of the Foundation.
American National Bank of Elkhorn provided a challenge gift matching funds raised in the first ever, Staff Campaign. The dollar for dollar match added to the gifts received from teachers and staff made the total raised from this effort $5,900. Funds will be used to fund classroom grants and scholarships. Thank you to American National Bank and to
all who participated.
The Seventh Annual Hall of Fame Banquet was held on Sunday, October 28, 2001, at
Spring Ridge Elementary. More than 260 people took part in the evening which honors
teachers and community members for their significant impact on Elkhorn Schools. This year's
recipients included Former Educator of the Year,
Joyce Oleson; Carl L. White Educator of the Year,
Deb Madden of Spring Ridge Elementary; Commu
nity Booster of the Year, Steve Sempeck of Gateway Lanes; Volunteers of the Year, George and Therese Lerner; Support Staff Member of the Year, Carol Campbell of Westridge Elementary; and Alumni of the Year given posthumously to Tim Moylan, Class of 1974.
Another new program implemented this year is the Community Partners Program. Partnerships have been formed between schools within the District and businesses and allow businesses to help with the needs at each of the schools. We want to thank those businesses who have stepped forward in such a significant way!
None of this would be possible without the continued dedication of all our volunteers and board. Your ongoing interest and support are sincerely appreciated!
Fun Club. ..The More You Know
By Dawna Daily, Program Director
Did you know that the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Board oversees the operation of
the Before and After School Fun Club at all four Elkhorn elementary schools? It is designed to give parents in the district a safe alternative to meet the rising demand for care in the area.
The program currently serves over 200 students during the school year and 50 in the summer.
Our mission is to provide a high quality, developmentally appropriate program for school
aged children. This is achieved through meaningful staff/child interactions; developmentally
appropriate activities based on the interests of children and a flexible daily schedule in which
children are allowed to choose activities that interest them. The program goals are to 1)
develop self-confidence and independence; 2) develop social skills; 3) promote teamwork; 4)
develop and support positive self -help and life skills; 5) promote an understanding of a wide range of cultures; and 6) develop responsibility, concern for others and a genuine interest in a wide variety of activities.
This mission is based on the belief that school-age children grow and develop best in a supportive, stimulating and adequately supervised environment. We strive to meet the highest quality care in which the children will receive physical, social, emotional and intellectual independence. To do this, we offer a wide variety of activities, with regular opportunities for the children to participate in physical play, creative arts, dramatic play and constructive quiet time.
In keeping with the goals, we are currently coordinating Club Fun. These new club pieces to Fun Club will be held at each of the four schools a couple of times a week after school, at a minimal charge to parents, beginning in January 2002. Examples of clubs offered may include Strike a Pose, lessons in photography; Extra! Extra!, creating a newspaper; Kaboom!, dabbling in science; Memory Making, scrapbooking class; Elkhorn Babysitters Club; Travel Through Time, a history lesson; Really Off-Broadway, the study of drama; Come Dance With Me; Bam! Cooking without Emeril; World of Woodworking; and a number of athletic classes such as basketball, cheerleading, soccer and golf fundamentals.
For more information about the services we offer, to volunteer, or to request a registration packet, please contact Dawna Daily, Program Director at (402) 203-4871.
