Click the image for an informational brochure on the FMPS Adopt-A-School program.
Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road has adopted Aldo Leopold Elementary School through the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools Adopt-A-School program.
While that is a lot to fit into a sentence, the connection is pretty simple. The Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools (FMPS) encourages local businesses to start and build relationships with area schools. Since the spring semester of 2011, employees of Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road have been volunteering at Leopold Elementary in a number of capacities, including the Lunch Buddy and Schools of Hope programs.
“The Adopt-A-School program makes the relationship between Zimbrick and Leopold Elementary both official and lasting,” says Kendall Dahmen, general manager of Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road. “We look forward to working with FMPS to build up our volunteer capacity and look into additional ways to assist the school.”
The Lunch Buddy program at Aldo Leopold Elementary is geared towards providing students with individual attention and support through one-on-one time. While eating lunch, playing games and joining them at recess, volunteers are having an influence on the lives of children by being positive role models.
Starting in the fall semester of 2011, Zimbrick employees are participating in the Schools of Hope project. Schools of Hope is a unique collaboration of the Madison Metropolitan School District, United Way of Dane County, and local area non-profit agencies serving children and youth. Its mission is to work with school staff to increase the academic performance of students of color and those from low-income families through math and literacy tutoring.
“Zimbrick’s location in our area and their support of Leopold is a great example of the community building so important to our school,” Aldo Leopold Elementary School principal John Burkholder said. “Their presence in our lunch room and work tutoring students is valued support.”
The Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools is an independent, community non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining and extending the excellence of Madison’s public schools. The Foundation raises private funds to enhance educational opportunities for students in Madison’s public schools, awards grants for creative and innovative projects which are not funded within the core school budget, and develops supportive relationships between the schools and community that enrich the education of children.
“The Foundation’s Adopt-A-School program connects the talents and resources of local business with our public schools to strengthen the quality of education and create a brighter future for every student,” said Stephanie Hayden, FMPS president. “This partnership demonstrates Zimbrick’s strong commitment to both public education and the entire Madison community.”
For additional information about the foundation and how to become involved, please contact Stephanie Hayden at (608) 232-7820 or shayden@fmps.org.
