We hope this message finds you well. As staff of Frank Elementary School, we are reaching out to seek your support in a vital initiative: the rebuilding of our beloved playground.
Purpose of the Letter
We are writing to inform you that, after a recent evaluation by our facilities team, it has been determined that the playground at Frank Elementary, specifically the Fun Station, is no longer safe for student use. Consequently, the playground has been permanently closed. We understand how much the Fun Station has meant to our students, and we share in your disappointment.
The estimated cost to rebuild the playground exceeds $100,000. As a Title I school, we encounter specific challenges, especially following recent budget cuts and a failed district referendum. While Title I funding is vital for ensuring our students have access to a high-quality education and the extra academic support they need to succeed, it does not cover playground expenses.
About Frank Elementary School
Frank Elementary serves a diverse population in the heart of Kenosha. Our extended-year school calendar begins in August, with breaks for enrichment courses, and we require uniforms to promote equality. Students remain with the same teacher for two years, enhancing personalized learning and relationship building.
As part of the EL Education Network, we help students develop the academic and character-building skills needed to reach their potential as learners and leaders. Our academic support includes specially trained staff-led literacy interventions for struggling readers and health support through programs like Seal-A-Smile, a partnership with local dentists.
Importance of a Playground for Students
Access to a well-designed playground is crucial for all students, particularly in a Title I school. It promotes physical health, enhances social skills, relieves stress, fosters creativity, builds resilience, and encourages community connections.
Without a safe and engaging playground, our students miss out on essential opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, both vital for their development. We are committed to restoring this important space, but we need the support of our community to make it happen.
How You Can Help
We warmly invite you to support the rebuilding of our playground. Here are several ways you can contribute:
Monetary Donations:
- Your financial contributions will directly support our efforts to rebuild the playground. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please visit our secure fundraising page.
Physical Donations:
- We welcome physical donations, including:
- Food or decorations for our events
- Gift cards, discounts, coupons, or tickets to events
- Raffle prizes to support our fundraising initiatives
In-Kind Donations:
- Any products, skills, or services your business can provide would be immensely appreciated. This could include:
- Advertising or sponsorship for event nights
- Specialized skills such as photography, printing services, or catering
- Music services for events, fundraising expertise, grant writing, fitness instruction, or artistic contributions
Networking Opportunities:
- Connections to potential supporters would be incredibly valuable to our efforts. If you know of any businesses or individuals who might be interested in supporting our initiative, please let us know!
If you are interested in supporting our initiative or would like to discuss partnership opportunities further, please reach out to:
Mitch Thomas
School Culture Coach
Email: mithomas@kusd.edu
Subject: Frank Playground Support
Together, we can create a safe and vibrant playground that will serve as a cornerstone for our community for generations to come. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and families. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to collaborating to rebuild our playground.
Many thanks,
Frank Elementary School Staff
Frank Elementary School
1816 57th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-359-6324
www.kusd.edu