Dear Rotary Club members,
On behalf of the students, teachers and families of the School of Technology and Arts II (SOTA II), I would like to thank you for your generous donation of $500 towards our fundraising goal. The money will be used to purchase Apple Pencil stylus for each of the students and teachers at the the school. SOTA II is a middle school (6th, 7th and 8th grade) charter within the school district of La Crosse. At full enrollment the school is 45 students in a multi-aged classroom setting. The mission of SOTA II is to integrate the arts and technology in the delivery of the core curriculum. Studies have linked learning of an art form to increased student motivation and the ability to learn other skills like reading, mathematics, and writing. It also showed correlation between active involvement in the arts to positive outcomes such as increased student participation in community service and appreciation of cultural differences. Similar research indicated that a wide range of computer technologies supported the development of advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. The idea to purchase the Apple Pencils was taken from the teachers wish list. The teachers wanted to give the students a device that should be in every artist’s electronic tool box. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained everyone's budgets and the need for financial support has never been greater. I feel very fortunate that your group believes enough in the SOTA II mission to support our efforts.
Sincerely, John VonRuden| SOTA II Inc, Treasurer
We also received a thank you from the Gateway Area Council......CLICK here to view thank you and holiday photo card.
I want to thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, emails, cards, memorials, gifts, food and for helping me through the loss of my mother, Rosemarie Herlitzke. Memorials will be given to The Parenting Place and the Children's Museum... she would be so happy knowing she is helping families in the community. I was fortunate that Bluffview Memory Care allowed me to be at her side for her final hours. Thank you to those that helped me through this five-year journey with her....your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. Heartfelt thanks, Lyn Sheffer
