As the funding from State and Federal sources has taken a nosedive in recent years, volunteers and support groups have helped to keep our programs first-rate. The time, materials, and money that have been given are what make the real difference in our school system. In recognition of their efforts, the district would like to thank the many volunteers who made a difference this year.
Northside Volunteers: Heather Bush, Marilyn Schick, Stephanie Shelton, Margi Winkelman, Merline Erdman, Samantha Wiersema, Amie Behrens, Brooke Newman, MaryJane Connelly, Alice Bordner, Brian Becker, John Taets, Cindy Brackemeyer, Judy Becker, Debra Greenfield, Marsha Geerts, Hilary McDearmon, Lydia Ohlsen, Steven Bearsley, Myra Huizenga, and Karen McKee.
Southside Volunteers: Kent Bush Construction, John Dickey Excavating, Tim Boonstra, Cory Pruis, Amanda Hayenga, Ken Kophammer, and Mark Zinnen.
JH Volunteers: Margaret Good, Kelly Vegter, Don Stralow, Greg Kruse, and Sandy Shetler.
Football: Brian Onken, Jamie Rodriguez, Adam Cook, Tyler Whitebread, Nick Vandermyde, and Dan Wilkins.
Wrestling: Greg Dolan, Ed Weeks, Bob White, Matt McDonnell, and Justin Eads.
Basketball: Kerrie Tenboer, Kelvin Tenboer, and Jim DuBois.
High School Musical: Luke and Joan Vander Bleek, Katie Sedig, Heather and Joel Coyle, Jane James, Mary Ellen Brackemyer, Kim Meyers, Sarah and Jennifer Thorndike.
Baseball: Jacob Tegeler, Mark Pruis, and Abe Houzenga.
Swimming: Pat Campbell and Chelsea Brewer.
Softball: Mike Wiersema, Lynn Patten, and Craig Nelson.
In addition to these volunteers, there are a number of booster groups that make a real difference to our school district.
The Elementary PTO supports our schools through the purchase of reading and classroom materials and playground equipment; paying for fieldtrips; staffing special events; serving as room parents; volunteering in many different ways. Not only does this help our schools, it also maintains closer contact between parents and the schools. It has been proven that this closer parent-teacher contact helps to improve student learning.
The BEST group supports the Junior High in the same way as the PTO. They also help the Junior High to take field trips, purchase materials and supplies, and staff a variety of events.
The Athletic Boosters donated $16,000 to help support extra-curricular sports and also made a significant donation to purchase additional items for the weight room. These boosters help to staff the entrance gates and concession stand for games during the year. Without their help, we would be forced to reduce our offerings.
The Music Boosters also provide support for the music program, through financial contributions as well as staffing at the music festivals and competitions. They allow our music program to shine as one of the best in the region.
Finally, the school district has benefitted from some other local foundations, organizations, and groups. Thank you to the Morrison Schools Foundation, the Morrison Area Foundation, CAPA, Rotary, Kiwanis, Friends of the Parks, Lions, and many local churches.
Together, the volunteers and donations continue to make a difference to students in the Morrison Community Unit School District. We are blessed to have a strong community that values excellent education and also steps up to help keep our programs exceptional.
On Saturday, August 3, 2013, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the district will host the first annual Make A Difference Day for the Morrison School District. Because of reduced State funding, the district has been forced to reduce summer help. In an effort to continue to have top-notch facilities, each building has identified a number of projects that need to be accomplished. These range from gardening to painting. We are asking for lunch donations to help feed the volunteers. We will provide a pool party from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for any volunteers who would like to cool off.
If you would like to participate, please call LuAnn Wieneke or Tori Eads at 815-772-2016. There is a list of options you can choose to work on as an individual or as a group. If you need a different day or time, we are glad to work around your schedule.
Together, we make a strong community with a model school district. Thank you to the community and especially our volunteers, for all of their efforts to support our schools.
Sincerely,
Suellen Girard