A goal-oriented partnership - Sun Prairie Area School District

School Administrator, March, 2003

The Sun Prairie Area School District in Sun Prairie, Wis., is this year's state winner of The Civic Star Award for a goal-oriented business partnership begun in 1990.

Starting with two educators and five business leaders, the Sun Prairie Business and Education Partnership has grown to include more than 100 businesses. The partnership has three key goals and focuses its programs and activities on those areas. First, it strives to have business people provide a vibrant, caring presence in public and private schools. Second, it aims to reinforce the significance of student achievement, and, third, it strives to connect the world of education with the world of work.

Several activities support the goal of providing a caring presence in the schools. On the first day of school, for example, business members greet students at the door. More than 100 business employees participated in the activity this past fall.

Twice a year business members visit kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms to read. Last fall 145 employees read in 118 classrooms. The readers told students about their jobs and about the importance of reading and why they enjoy it. To improve student attitudes about the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam, business members are present at the time of testing to distribute pencils and snacks and to deliver pep talks about the test to eighth and 10th graders.

To reinforce the importance of student achievement, the partnership holds quarterly recognition luncheons. Students in grades four through six who complete every assignment are invited to a pizza celebration hosted by business members.

A breakfast of champions is held for students in the fifth and sixth grades who complete every assignment on time for the entire year.

The partnership also reinforces achievement annually with three post-secondary scholarships in technical careers. For seventh, eighth and ninth graders, the partnership sponsors an annual writing contest on a topic related to career goals. Community senior citizens get involved by reading and selecting the finalists.

TO LEARN MORE CONTACT:

501 S. Bird St. Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Tim Culver, Superintendent Sun Prairie Area School District

Phone: 608-834-6581

E-mail: tculver@spasd.k12.wi.us

Web: www.spasd or www.spbep.org