Bids for Kids 2023 Recap
An Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Fundraiser
The 2023 Bids For Kids event raised more than $71K for Math & Reading Intervention and Classroom Grants at Elkhorn Public Schools!
Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation hosted a successful Bids For Kids fundraiser. Over 450 members of the Elkhorn community donated to the event raising over $71,000 to support the Foundation’s Classroom Grant and Math & Reading Intervention Programs.
Every year teachers can apply for a classroom grant through the Foundation. Examples of some of the 76 classroom grants approved for the 2023-2024 school year include funding for a book swap, robotics equipment, middle school speaking events, audiobooks, updated technology, and more!
Proceeds from Bids For Kids also funds elementary school teachers’ time before and after school to lead Math & Reading clubs for students struggling to master math and reading skills. The Elkhorn Public Schools teachers are amazing, but it is difficult to give specialized attention when a teacher has a whole classroom of students. The Math & Reading clubs provide a smaller learning environment where students get more individualized attention.
Foundation staff chatted with three students who attend Math Club at Spring Ridge Elementary School. Fourth graders, Kennedy and Eliot, have participated in the Math Club for three years and find Math Club valuable.
“Sometimes math stresses me out, but math club introduces me to things I will do in class, and I feel a little bit better about what we are going to learn,” Kennedy said. She wants to improve her math skills because “math is everywhere and it’s so important to learn.”
While students are learning, they are also having fun! Eliot enjoys Math Club because she gets to have fun and learn by occasionally watching math videos.
Isaac, a fifth grader, started before-school Math Club this year. “Math club is important to me because I just want to get better in math so I can do better in school,” he said. “I like the teachers because they’re friendly and nice.”
Students recognize how important these clubs are for them, and parents with students in the clubs also appreciate the impact the extra help has on their children’s learning. A key theme among parents was the confidence Math and Reading Clubs help to build in their children.
Angie Madsen has two children who have benefited from the before-and-after school clubs. “They were definitely more confident in their reading and their MAP scores went up … so we saw some great improvement there. They love math now.”
Another parent, Angela Bell reflects, “When you first find out that your child might not be keeping up in class, it can be kind of devastating as a parent because you just want them to succeed, but what I love about the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation is that they’ve stepped in to fill that gap.”
Molly Anderson saw a huge change in her daughter’s overall academic performance. “The impact of Math Club on my daughter’s academic performance cannot be overstated. Not only did Addi’s math skills improve, but her overall academic performance saw a positive shift,” Molly said. “The critical thinking and problem-solving skills in math club spilled over into other subjects. In addition, the club instilled a sense of discipline in Addi by teaching them the importance of practice and hard work to achieve success.”
Attending Bids For Kids is a fun experience that also benefits the students and teachers in the district. At the event, attendees could see all the auction items in-person, mingle with other attendees, view student and parent video testimonials, and watch two short fall demonstrations. Lisa from Hy-Vee Floral in Gretna did a fall floral demonstration with a pumpkin, flowers, and a drill. Kathy from A Catered Affair showed attendees how to make a delicious pumpkin martini!
New this year, the Foundation sold the 20 floral centerpieces that were then delivered to the purchaser’s favorite district staff or teacher the day after the event to show their appreciation. Arrangements were delivered to staff or teachers at Fire Ridge, Skyline, West Dodge Station, Westridge, Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, Elkhorn High School, Elkhorn South High School, and the district’s administration building!
The Foundation is so fortunate to have donors like our Bids For Kids sponsors, bidders, attendees, and Elkhorn community members who consistently come together to support our schools. Angela said it best: “I just ask that as you’re thinking about donating, just think about the kids and how as a parent we all want the same thing – We want our kids to be more successful than we are.”
Check out Facebook for photos from the event!
✨ About Bids For Kids: Bids For Kids is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. Proceeds of this event fund the Math & Reading Clubs that take place in Elkhorn’s elementary schools before and after school. These clubs help students gain confidence through small group tutoring and improve their overall math and reading comprehension.
In the 2022-2023 school year, over 400 elementary students needed additional instruction in math and reading. Because of the generous support of our Bids For Kids sponsors, donors, and bidders, we’re able to continue to fund these vital programs as the need for them increases.
If you are interested in making a donation to help fund these important programs, you can donate online or call the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation office at (402)289.1727. Thank you for your support!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS!
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes student achievement and the unity of our community and its public schools by encouraging, supporting, and recognizing excellence in innovative education, quality school programs, and civic involvement. We offer scholarships, classroom grants, before & after school care, teacher tuition reimbursement, and more.
