WHS STUDENTS CREATING AUDIO RECORDING STUDIO WITH MAJOR WEF GRANT
A group of enthusiastic Wilton High School students have come together to create a professional grade recording studio in an unused space at the high school. After a very informative and comprehensive presentation was made at the last meeting, the WEF Board voted to grant $35,000 toward the project, asking the students to continue their active fundraising effort to raise the remainder of the $46,000 estimated total cost. The student presentation included well constructed supporting information including benefits to the students and school as well as to the larger Wilton and Fairfield County communities. Here is a video that was only a small part of this excellent presentation:
“READING ROCKS!” 2015 RAISED MOST MONEY TO DATE FOR WILTON SCHOOLS
The Reading Rocks! Program has raised a cumulative $160,000 since its inception
In its fourth year, READING ROCKS! had its most successful year yet, encouraging children in grades preK-5 to read while raising money for Wilton schools. The program netted a record $45,000 for the Wilton Education Foundation (WEF), which in turn benefits the Wilton public schools. “Reading Rocks!” is an initiative to encourage children to have fun while reading in a non-competitive manner, while raising money for WEF in the process.
There was a strong show of support with over 1,200 students participating this year – another record-breaker.
“We love the Reading Rocks! program because it encourages our kids to read while supporting civic responsibility,” said Ryan and Kerri Mims, parents of a Miller Driscoll School student.
Dr. Kevin Smith, Superintendent of Wilton Public Schools, said, “Reading Rocks! generates enthusiasm and motivates young children to read and provides critical support to our school community by fostering a deep love of reading. We are grateful to WEF for organizing the event and supporting our school children in such a critical way.”
Incentives were offered at each school by grade (in Miller-Driscoll) and house (in Cider Mill) based on the percentage of involvement. In a random drawing among participants based on the number of pledges gleaned, one iPad Mini was given away across grades preK-5 and one Kindle Fire was awarded per grade at Miller-Driscoll and one per house at Cider Mill.
The students also had fun celebrating “Dress Like a Rock Star Day” to generate excitement about bringing in donations.
Julie Steckel and Rebecca LePage, co-chairs of Reading Rocks!, said, “It is gratifying that this program just continues to grow each year. Not only are more students finding more confidence through increased reading, they are also earning about how their involvement enables their schools to purchase more technology that they themselves will use.”
The Wilton Education Foundation thanks the Stroup family for sponsoring this program. Chris Stroup said, “It is our privilege to sponsor “Reading Rocks!” as we passionately believe that reading, writing and speaking well are crucial life skills. It is also valuable to instill the importance to giving back to the community at a young age.” WEF would also like to thank Reading Rocks!” volunteers:
Julie Steckel, Co-Chair
Rebecca LePage, Co-Chair
Annemarie Aronowitz
Amy Bernard
Kathy Cureau
Amy Foodman
Jackie Guglielmo
Claire Hinck
Brooke Kalter
Amy Kesselman
Susan McCall
Claire Nichols
Jackie Shaw
Sue Stengrim
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Ema Whittaker Photography (link: http://www.emawhittakerphotography.com)