Rotary donates $1,000 for Energy Bus for Schools program

I-S Elementary students to benefit from instruction

Waupaca Rotarian Wes Klages (third from right) presents a check for $1,000 to teachers (left to right) Hayli Breyhan, Megan Driebel, Kimberlisa Przychocki, Kristen Bertsch, and Casey Danielson. Trey Foerster Photo

Iola-Scandinavia Elementary School received a grant of $1,000 from the Rotary Club of Waupaca, which funds one-third of the program costs for its new Energy Bus for Schools program.

Costs associated with the program are $2,000 for access to the Energy Bus for Schools Programming and $1,000 for the Energy Bus and Energy Bus for Kids books.

The program will benefit 300 students by (1) Building Resilience in Students, (2) Addressing School Culture Challenges, (3) Developing Future Leaders, and (4) Strengthening School-Community Ties.

The program is designed to have a lasting impact on students.

“A growth mindset prepares students for lifelong learning, as they are more likely to embrace new opportunities, adapt to change, and continuously improve,” the grant application indicates.

“The social skills and behaviors help students form healthy relationships throughout life. In the workplace, strong collaboration and communication skills are key to success. In personal life, positive relationships contribute to overall well-being and happiness,” the grant application continues.

“These habits lead to ongoing personal and professional success. Students who have adopted these positive habits are more likely to become successful leaders, team players, and well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.”

The program’s instructional Energy Bus Team indicates, “We would love for guest speakers to come in to share the importance of positivity, leadership, and teamwork to provide powerful real-world examples. Partnering with local social media platforms and news stations may help foster community pride and increase awareness of what we are doing.”

The Rotary Club of Waupaca recently awarded over $9,000 to the Iola-Scandinavia, Waupaca, and Weyauwega-Fremont school districts.

Over 90 members strong, we are committed to acting locally and globally to address the biggest challenges of our time. Together, the Rotary Club of Waupaca works to: Support education; protect the environment; grow local economies; promote Peace; support mothers and children; provide clean water, sanitation & hygiene; and fight disease.

In addition to hands-on projects focused on the environment, housing, hunger and other needs, the club raises funds through community events to support various programs and service projects that improve lives locally, nationally, and worldwide.

Iola-Scandinavia residents are invited to attend a club meeting to see what Rotary is about. It meets every Wednesday at 7:30-8:30 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene’s Fellowship Hall in Waupaca. For more information, please go here.