The Caledonia Education Foundation (CEF) recently received a gift of $13,000 from the GRR1 Amazon Fulfillment Facility. At the end of 2021, CEF provided Amazon with a wish list of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related needs in the district as this is an initiative of Amazon. Several groups will benefit from the donated funds.
CEF invited Amazon to join their prize patrol that surprised each group with balloons, a big check, and the exciting news of the awards. Lexi Cooley, Human Resource Manager, and Matt Moss, General Manager for the GRR1 Fulfillment Facility, joined Denise Blunk, CEF Executive Director, and several CEF board members including Jeff Uherek, Laura Witvoet, Andy Johnson and Jessica Webster-Huizen as they visited each group to learn more about how the funds would be used. Students in Jim Klomparens’ CHS Engineering Design class and Mike Wilson’s DLMS STEM Advanced class were excited to be a part of the surprise and celebration.
- Caledonia Robotics, run through Caledonia Enriched, will use funds to help complete their RAD drone field as well as purchase two 3D printers that are used to make replacement parts for the drones.
- Our Caledonia High School (CHS) and Duncan Lake Middle School (DLMS) Robotics’ classes received over $3000 for program supplies including cables, batteries, robots, and vex kits.
- The district’s technology department was thrilled to be awarded almost $5000. Funds will allow them to purchase needed network testing and maintenance tools including a security camera tester and a cable tester to trouble shoot issues within the many miles of cables that run throughout the district.
CEF invited Amazon to join their prize patrol that surprised each group with balloons, a big check, and the exciting news of the awards. Lexi Cooley, Human Resource Manager, and Matt Moss, General Manager for the GRR1 Fulfillment Facility, joined Denise Blunk, CEF Executive Director, and several CEF board members including Jeff Uherek, Laura Witvoet, Andy Johnson and Jessica Webster-Huizen as they visited each group to learn more about how the funds would be used. Students in Jim Klomparens’ CHS Engineering Design class and Mike Wilson’s DLMS STEM Advanced class were excited to be a part of the surprise and celebration.
In November, the CEF prize patrol awarded 10 grants to the following people and programs!
Congratulations!
Teresa Yonker of Caledonia High School for her grant: Coalition of Community Rooted in Reading
Andrew Crawley of Caledonia High School for his grant: Digital Media Equipment Upgrade
Kara Stevens of Caledonia High School for her grant: Choir Uniforms
Jeff Jenkins of Caledonia High School for his grant: Lighting Console Upgrade for Fine Arts Center
Jill Arehart of CAL Enrich ED for her grant: VEX IQ Robotics Launch
Liz Alexander of Kraft Meadows Intermediate School for her grant: KMIS Library Collection Renovation
Cara Flegel of Caledonia High School for her grant: HDMI Microscopes
Kaylie Schertzing of Caledonia High School for her grant: Choice Reading Book Order
Dionna Damaskos of Duncan Lake Middle School for her 2 Grants: DLMS Coffee Cart and Kitchen Supplies
Congratulations!
Teresa Yonker of Caledonia High School for her grant: Coalition of Community Rooted in Reading
Andrew Crawley of Caledonia High School for his grant: Digital Media Equipment Upgrade
Kara Stevens of Caledonia High School for her grant: Choir Uniforms
Jeff Jenkins of Caledonia High School for his grant: Lighting Console Upgrade for Fine Arts Center
Jill Arehart of CAL Enrich ED for her grant: VEX IQ Robotics Launch
Liz Alexander of Kraft Meadows Intermediate School for her grant: KMIS Library Collection Renovation
Cara Flegel of Caledonia High School for her grant: HDMI Microscopes
Kaylie Schertzing of Caledonia High School for her grant: Choice Reading Book Order
Dionna Damaskos of Duncan Lake Middle School for her 2 Grants: DLMS Coffee Cart and Kitchen Supplies
CAL CARES is only one way the Foundation will gave to our schools this year. Thanks to our donors and the strong base of the Foundation’s endowment, the Foundation gave a $75,000 donation to help offset the expenses of the new K-8 math curriculum. This allowed Caledonia Community Schools to reallocate funds to reinstate the Student Supports Coordinator position that helps with the coordination of mental, social and emotional services to meet the needs of students at a time when it’s so desperately needed.
In March, we gave an additional $10,050 to the district that was raised through our CAL CARES community campaign. This donation will provide transitional leveled reader resources for our Kindergarten thru 8th grade buildings as well as transitional activities for students, staff, and families as we transition to new middle school buildings in the fall.
We want to thank our donors who gave to this CAL CARES campaign! You are appreciated!
An unprecedented challenge demands an unprecedented response.
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CEF presents CAL CARES check to Dr. Martin.
L to R: Andy Johnson (CEF Trustee), Jeff Uherek (CEF Trustee), Dr. Martin (Superintendent)
David Schnurstein, (CEF President) and Denise Blunk (CEF Executive Director)
L to R: Andy Johnson (CEF Trustee), Jeff Uherek (CEF Trustee), Dr. Martin (Superintendent)
David Schnurstein, (CEF President) and Denise Blunk (CEF Executive Director)
