The Nicolet High School Foundation exists solely to enrich the education of Nicolet students by fostering excellence in teaching, learning and service. Through advocacy and community partnerships, the Foundation seeks to build awareness of the school’s rich heritage and secure it future as a critical community asset.
Vision
The Nicolet High School Foundation, through community investment and partnerships, creates new opportunities to foster educational excellence by preparing students to succeed in an increasingly complex world.
The Foundation will:
establish a robust endowment to enhance Nicolet as a point of pride for the community and a vital asset to be protected and strengthened.
support Nicolet’s efforts by funding educational innovation.
build collaborative relationships to retain and enhance Nicolet’s standing as one of the nation’s premier high schools.
Established in 1985, the Nicolet High School Foundation is committed to:
encouraging broad based funding and support of quality education within the school district.
supporting a long-term permanent investment fund for the purpose of generating earnings which can be used to support sponsored programs.
supplementing important district programs which are not sustained at the desired level by the current district budget.
stimulating innovative education opportunities which will enrich the quality of education within the school district.
funding capital improvement projects approved by the school board which will enhance the physical and educational environment of the school.
fostering community participation in and support of the District through increased public information and awareness.
Early growth in the Foundation was in the area of scholarships. In 1996 the Foundation became involved in its first major fundraising initiative and helped the district raise $190,000 to send the marching band to Russia and to purchase new uniforms. Since that time the Foundation has awarded over $400,000 in grants to staff and students and raised $500,000 to renovate the performing arts wing.
There are a number of ways to support Nicolet through the Foundation. You can donate by becoming a Friend, sending a Tribute, being a Knight in Shining Armor, buying a Brick, purchasing the Nicolet Knight Student Directory or by attending our fundraising events: Tailgate Knight and the Knight on the Town Gala.
Be A Friend
Joining the "Friends of the Foundation" is an option that parents/guardians can take advantage of when they register their student each year. There is a place on the fee statement to choose to be a “Friend” for $25 per year. Monies raised through this program are used to fund Enrichment Grants for teachers or at the discretion of the Foundation according to the priorities of the District. You can become a “Friend” anytime by using the DONATE button and writing “Friend” in the purpose line, or by sending a check for $25 to the Foundation Office at Nicolet.
When you donate online, there is an option to make your donation a recurring one (monthly). Please consider becoming a “Sustaining Friend.”
List of the 2015-16 Friends (Due to the way the donations are recorded in the school database, the person who made the payment is listed).
Annual Appeal
At the end of each calendar year, the Foundation sends out an appeal to Nicolet stakeholders asking for help to support academic programs and augment classroom budgets in order to maintain academic excellence. With these funds, the Foundation grants requests from teachers allowing them the freedom to think innovatively and not be constrained by their limited budgets.
Donations to the Annual Appeal can be made throughout the year.
Celebrate a special occasion, honor the memory of a loved one, or just let someone you know you are thinking about them with a donation to the Tribute Program. For a donation to the Foundation of $10 or more, we will send a Tribute card to your friends or loved ones acknowledging your contribution. Your donation can be directed to a specific purpose or will be used in an area of financial need in accordance with the priorities of the school district.
Instructions for online donation:
Write Tribute Program as the purpose. At the point where you are asked to review your donation, you will be given an opportunity to give “special instructions to the seller.” This is where you will put in the details of your tribute including, name and address of the recipient, why you are making a tribute, and who should be notified.
Knight In Shining Armor
Much like the Tribute Program, donations to the Knight in Shining Armor Fund can be made in honor or memory of someone or to mark a significant event. This fund was created to help reduce hardship for students who have economic needs by helping them with supplies, fees or other items to enhance their success at Nicolet High School.
Instructions for online donation:
Write Knight in Shining Armor as the purpose. At the point where you are asked to review your donation, you will be given an opportunity to give “special instructions to the seller.” This is where you will put in the details of your donation including, name and address of the recipient, why you are making a tribute, and who should be notified.
Buy A Brick
Gift Bricks are personalized engraved bricks that become part of the Circle of Friends, installed alongside the walkway in the front of the building. Bricks make special gifts for students or alumni, or can be used to honor or memorialize someone special. Click on Brick Order for a form that you can print and mail.
The Tailgate Knight is an annual cookout and “friendraiser” prior to the Homecoming football game. This event is open to the entire community, adults and kids alike! Come and be part of the Homecoming festivities by enjoying dinner and the football game. The ticket cost is kept low to encourage families to participate in homecoming festivities and are available a few weeks prior to Homecoming. Check the website each fall for full details.
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Board members, Tom Noble and Bob Dietz man the grill at the 2015 Tailgate Knight
Parents and students alike, enjoying food and fun!
The Knights Numbers is a directory of Nicolet students/families compiled by the Foundation. It is available for purchase, throughout the year, in the High School and District Offices for only $5. Purchase yours and help the Foundation support grants to faculty, staff and students.
GRANTS
The Foundation awards grants to teachers, staff members or student groups of the Nicolet High School District in accordance with the following guidelines:
The Foundation will fund:
technology that promotes instruction.
innovative programs that enhance learning.
departmental needs/requests not budgeted for.
speakers/experts that reinforce the curriculum or inspire students.
The Foundation does not fund:
programs/projects that are not consistent with established curriculum.
staff positions.
facility maintenance/operations.
Higher consideration will be given to applications for projects and programs that:
affect a large number of students.
can be replicated for use by others.
are targeted at an underserved audience or curricular area.
demonstrate an innovative approach to education.
reinforce the mission and goals of the School District.
Application Procedure
Grant requests should be submitted to the Foundation Office (room C103) using the Grant Proposal Template.
Grants that meet the criteria will be reviewed by the Foundation Board and the final decision to fund a request will be made by a quorum vote of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.
The Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and service, both in school and in the community. A minimum of one scholarship of $500 is awarded annually with funds contributed by the Foundation's Board of Directors.
GET INVOLVED
Attend A Meeting
The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 AM at Nicolet High School and anyone is invited to attend. Calendar
Volunteer Opportunities
For those who would like to help the Foundation but can’t commit to full board service, there are opportunities throughout the year. Check out Volunteerspot.com
Become a Member of the Board
Board members are nominated and elected by the then existing members of the board. If you are interested in serving on the board, fill out and return the Board Interest Form to any board member, or Chris Macon at Nicolet High School.
