Post Messenger Recorder -

Caring for Kids is a partnership between the New Glarus School District and the community to serve students in need in the New Glarus School District. The program started in 2012, thanks to a generous donation, and began by providing items like school supplies and winter clothing to students in need. Thanks to generous donations the program has expanded to now include a food program, Food for Kids, and an afterschool program, Knight School.

Starting at the end of the 2012-13 school year, Caring for Kids developed a summer food backpack program called Food for Kids. It was becoming more evident that many students were likely going home to households struggling to put food on the table. Summer was approaching, which meant many students would not have access to the school breakfast and lunch programs; Caring for Kids decided something needed to be done. Food for Kids provides students with backpacks filled with non-perishable food items. After families use the groceries, they can return it for a new, filled backpack. Originally created as a way to provide food over the summer, the program has expanded and is now in place year-round.

During the 2013-14 school year, Caring for Kids added another opportunity called Knight School to its outreach programs. Knight School meets on Tuesday through Thursday for identified students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Students receive small-group and/or one-on-one assistance with completing their homework, reinforcing concepts in math and reading, as well as time on research-based reading and math interventions on the computer. Each student also receives a snack each day when they arrive. Teachers are present each evening to work with the students, develop and implement activities and interventions, and organize volunteers. Volunteers from the high school and the local churches and community groups are often present to help out.

Caring for Kids has already made a significant impact on helping address student needs in the New Glarus School District, and looks forward to continuing meeting the needs of students in the future. If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to assist with Caring for Kids, checks should be made out to Swiss United Church of Christ, who manages the fund, and sent to New Glarus Elementary School.