SYRACUSE – Wawasee Community School Corp.’s ledgers received a cash infusion at Tuesday night’s school board meeting. Superintendent Tom Edington asked the board to approve donations listed in his “Good News” report which totaled at least $22,800. Among the checks were $2,000 from Shopko, $8,500 from the Milford PTO for the purchase of iPads, a $2,500 gifts to each school from an anonymous donor through The American Endowment Foundation and $1,800 from Women of Today raised through charitable activities. WOT have also recently donated to the Book Bags program, library summer programs, pizza for Rock Solid afterschool activities and scholarships to high school seniors. Additionally, a $10,000 Lilly grant was awarded to Milford science teacher Amy Evans, who reported how she is going to spend that money. “Micro to Macro is the program,” she stated, explaining that she will experience some “crazy outdoor activities” whose lessons can be transferred to her students. She will spend time camping, climbing, hiking and doing a lot of more strenuous, challenging things that will build confidence and creativity. “I find that being outdoors, physically active, is rejuvenating,” she said, adding, “I want to bring back what I learn for the kids.” A group of students were also in attendance, explaining their peer facilitator program. High school students Kody Carpenter, Elizabeth Jackson, Ali Ousley and Gabriele Camerena explained how they meet with students in need, offering coping skills and an ear to their problems. All conversations are held in strict confidentiality. Carpenter said the program runs “under the radar” so that students’ privacy is protected. “It’s an opportunity for students to have a voice,” added Principal Mike Schmidt. The students have additionally opened the “Clothes Closet,” an area stocked with at least 1,000 clothing items available for little cost for students who might not have the funds for clothes. In other business, the board: • Approved field trips for Advanced English middle school students, and French students, to Chicago. • Approved resolutions allowing them to move forward on building projects at the high school. • Learned how administrators decide on weather closings.
