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Catalyst Academy gets $125,000 grant

Special Education Department receives donation

By Jennifer LeNoble


District Administrator Kathy Gwidt told New London School Board members Monday, Aug. 10, that the district received a $125,000 grant to aid the Catalyst Academy.

“This was an extremely competitive grant and we owe a huge thank you to everyone who contributed in writing this grant,” Gwidt said. “We originally planned on not being funded and we went with that premise in writing the grant, so we are extremely grateful to be awarded the funding.”

Gwidt further shared that the district’s contact from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) said that they’ve never seen the kind of data that came forward from New London’s grant, and congratulated the district on its tremendous successes in the first year of implementation.

“We are grateful for the dedicated team of professionals that sincerely live our district’s mission each day as they proudly serve students at this off-site charter school,” Gwidt said.

In addition to the grant funding, the Knights of Columbus from the Most Precious Blood Congregation made a donation to the district’s Special Education Department.

More than $800 will be put toward new fencing for the district’s Early Childhood playground this school year.

According to Laurie Schmidt’s Director of Pupil Services report, this donation has been an annual supplement from this local civic group.

“We are thankful to the Knights of Columbus from Most Precious Blood for their ongoing generosity to our school district,” Gwidt said.

Bulldog Pride
Gwidt was proud to share with school board members examples of staff members who go over and above in things that connect the district to the community.

High school social studies teacher, Phil Sloma, serves on the Friends of New London Public Museum Board. According to Gwidt, Sloma is eager to create awareness and support for the museum.

Jo Collar has been a long-time member of the Library Board and keeps the district informed of opportunities for partnership between organizations. High school social studies teacher, Brian Mathu, represents the district on a project that includes all Fox Valley schools to highlight positive contributions during American Education Week.

Intermediate/Middle School Dean of Students, Ann Pinch, Lincoln Elementary teacher Alicia Korth, and new middle school teacher Lynn Schaal, all serve as mathematics facilitators for the Wisconsin State Math Initiative (WSMI).

“We have the most representation in WSMI of any school district in the state,” Gwidt said. “We’re really proud to have these math leaders representing our district.”

Instructional Resource Coach, Michele Green, serves on the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) Board as Director of Library Media and Educational Programs chairperson.

“Michele keeps us well connected to the most updated technologies available to assist in the improvement of student achievement,” Gwidt said.

Gwidt further commented that all staff members of the School District of New London continuously express their Bulldog Pride in making a positive difference for all schools and the community.

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