green bay sees student needs
Principal Mary Ann Anderson has worked hard to develop community relationships to assist the students and families at Jefferson Elementary. According to Mary Ann, "The extensive public relations efforts and the media attention around the SAGE program have helped to create an awareness of the students' needs to the general public."

Jefferson Elementary is fortunate to have a volunteer organization which is called the Jefferson Adopters. The group is made up of several community organizations and corporate firms, which include the Sunrise Optimist Club, the Greater Green Bay Kiwanis Club, M&I Bank, Cellcom, IDS and Time Warner Cable.

Steve Carako, a member of the Sunrise Optimist Club, heads the organization's steering committee which meets four times a year to coordinate activities. According to Steve, before the Jefferson Adopters became organized, each organization was duplicating efforts, including the comical situation of having several Santa Clauses roaming the school halls.

One of the first tasks the Jefferson Adopters completed was purchasing new playground equipment for the school. Since Jefferson did not have a large parent group which could raise funds for equipment, the Jefferson Adopters decided to contribute the money. Where once there was a blacktop yard and a meager basketball hoop, now shiny yellow and red playground equipment stand.

The Jefferson Adopters also organize and raise funds for several events throughout the year. In October the students visit the N.E.W. Zoo; in December there is a Christmas party where the children receive sweatshirts and small gifts; in March there is a Celebration Breakfast at which parents, teachers, students, volunteers, and local celebrities (such as the Mayor) enjoy a catered meal; and in June there is a field trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary and to Bay Beach Amusement Park where the day ends with free rides and a cookout.

With a 78 percent poverty rate at their school, the Jefferson Adopters realize the need is great. A $1,000 scholarship is provided at the end of the year to a fifth grade student. The student needs to work hard and maintain good grades. When he or she graduates the scholarship will be awarded to use against the cost of any post-secondary education tuition.