Kristin Mitchell, chair, and members of the Mineral Point Excellence in Education Advisory Board were on hand at the recent Mineral Point Schools Staff Recognition Event for two reasons.
First, the advisory board offered its sincere appreciation to all faculty and staff for their care of and commitment to the students of the district. Each school employee received a special gift: a lanyard with a message of thanks as well as #PointerNation.
The additional item of note was the presentation of grants from the Don Hawkins Oak Savanna Endowment and the Mineral Point Excellence in Education Endowment.
As of May 31, 2019 the EIE endowment had grown to nearly $60,000. During the 2018-19 academic year, the EIE received gifts of over $16,000 from 63 donors. This endowment generates monies annually (and forever) which are distributed through a grant process.
Five (5) EIE grant applications requesting nearly $7,400 were received and reviewed. Two (2) grants were funded. Literacy through Libraries, an initiative at the elementary school proposed by Susan Niehaus, received a grant of $250. Cultivating Creators: 21st Century Production Studio, an initiative at the middle/high school proposed by Kris McCoy, was awarded monies totaling $2,000. School staff were reminded that the EIE will accept grant applications annually, with the deadline being April 15.
Mitchell also recognized the projects awarded Don Hawkins Community Oak Savanna grants. This named endowment is specific for projects/initiative in the school’s oak savannas and has been funded by gifts from the Hawkins family and friends. Two (2) awards of just over $500 were presented. Denise Gorgen accepted a grant to fund flexible seating for students as they study in the oak savanna; Keri Radtke received a grant to support “Wonder of Nature” Day.
The Mineral Point Excellence in Education and the Don Hawkins Community Oak Savanna Endowment Funds are components of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, a 501(c)(3) public charity. For additional information, contact Kristin Mitchell, board chair (608-987-3370 or kristin@kristinmitchelldesign.com) or CFSW Donor Services Rep Barb Daus (608-778-3344 or barb@cfsw.org). Donations to either or both endowments may be made online at www.cfsw.org or by mail to PO Box 5, Mineral Point WI 53565. Make checks payable to CFSW/MPEIE or CFSW/Hawkins Endowment.