Impact Grants

2026 Impact Grant Program

Congratulations to the 2026 Impact Grant Awardees! Together, these 13 projects received $26,000 in funding to support ideas for innovative classroom programs, hands-on learning, and inclusive experiences across our schools.

Ninja Strong

Melanie Piacentine & Katie Mulloy - $4,441

This grant will bring ninja-style obstacle course equipment to students in all four elementary schools, transforming the tumbling unit into an engaging, high-energy experience. As students navigate obstacle sequences, they’ll practice problem-solving, perseverance, and goal-setting — all while developing lifelong fitness habits.

Bow Hold Aids

Jacki Thering & Kristin Freimark - $679

This grant will provide removable bow hold grips to support students as they learn proper right-hand technique — a foundational skill for developing strong tone and long-term success on their instrument. These tactile aids will be available throughout the school year, helping students build confidence and refine their skills more quickly.

Inclusive Ground-Level Equipment

Valerie Allerheiligen, Stephanie Abt, Amanda Brown, & Michele Kotrba - $3,413

This grant will bring playground equipment designed for our youngest students, including a ground-level playhouse and single- and two-seater bikes, allowing children of all abilities to engage in imaginative and social play. By bringing play opportunities to the ground level, students will naturally build friendships, practice communication, and develop empathy and cooperation — all while having fun!

Drone Safety Netting

Dana McLaren - $805

This grant will provide three safety nets and mounting equipment for the Eisenhower Tech Ed Lab, allowing students to safely test and operate drones as part of 8th-12th grade curriculum in classes such as PLTW Flight and Space, Launch into Aviation, and Engineering Capstone courses. By enabling more in-classroom, hands-on practice with industry-level drones, students gain experience in designing, testing, and refining their work — building skills that connect to high-demand careers.

This grant was made possible by the IkeFest Trades Initiative Fund.

Elmwood FIRST LEGO League

Jenny Schlie-Reed & Elaine Gearheart - $2,675

This grant will continue and expand the Elmwood LEGO League, giving students hands-on experience in robotics, coding, and real-world problem-solving. By engaging in the FIRST LEGO League, students build critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity skills — all while exploring STEM and STEAM in a fun, challenging, and supportive environment.

Construction: Saw Stop Table Saw

Ben Bauer - $2,500

This grant will add a second Saw Stop table saw to the construction classroom, giving students more hands-on opportunities to safely measure, set up, and use equipment while building their skills and confidence. By reducing equipment bottlenecks, students can gain more practice and experience in residential construction and related trades, preparing them for future careers in building and technical fields.

This grant was made possible by the IkeFest Trades Initiative Fund.

Decoding for Success

Jessica Cassell - $1,020

This grant will provide a collection of decodable books that align with phonics instruction, giving students hands-on practice to strengthen foundational reading skills. By applying letter-sound relationships, students build confidence, fluency, and independence — supporting early literacy and a lifelong love of reading.

NB West Track & Field Portable Runway

James Braun - $2,190

This grant provides a 100-foot rollaway runway and dolly to safely train pole vaulters, long jumpers, triple jumpers, and sprinters indoors and outdoors. By offering a softer, more forgiving surface, students can practice safely, reduce injuries, and expand training opportunities — even when the fieldhouse is being used for other programs or events.

This grant was made possible by the West Athletics & Activities Fund.

Math Department

Douea Ibraheem - $300

This grant will provide graphing calculators for students who may need one for class or standardized testing. By giving students access to these essential tools for math courses ranging from Geometry to AP Calculus, the project supports classroom engagement, fosters understanding of mathematical concepts, strengthens problem-solving skills, and ensures students have the tools they need to succeed.

Academic Decathlon Clickers

Nicole Zaeske - $919

This grant will provide a set of student response clickers so team members can practice using the same technology they would encounter at the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition. By allowing students to build proficiency before Nationals, the project ensures they can focus on answering questions efficiently and confidently — closing an equity gap and giving them a level playing field against students from states where clickers are used year-round.

This grant was made possible in part by the West Athletics & Activities Fund.

Universal Physical Education Equipment

Josh Repovsch & Pat Detmer - $1,708

This project will provide the physical education department at Eisenhower with universal equipment that supports increased participation and access to daily student activities, allowing students of all ability levels to meaningfully participate alongside their peers. Items include fun and versatile tools like OmniKin balls, multi-colored parachutes, short-shaft badminton rackets, and modified golf and soccer equipment — helping all students build skills, confidence, and engagement.

Competitive, Co-Curricular Robotics

Caroline Haebig, Jenny Schlie-Reed & Megan Woehrer - $2,675

This grant will support an after-school robotics program at Poplar Creek using the LEGO League framework, giving students in Grades 3-6 hands-on opportunities to design, build, and program robots while learning teamwork, problem-solving, and applied STEM concepts. By engaging early in competitive robotics, students develop foundational skills that prepare them for advanced STEM courses and robotics programs at the secondary level.

Competitive, Co-Curricular Robotics

Caroline Haebig and Jenny Schlie-Reed - $2,675

This grant will support an after-school robotics program at Orchard Lane for Grades 3-6, giving students hands-on opportunities to design, build, and program robots while learning teamwork, problem-solving, and applied STEM concepts. By engaging early in competitive robotics, students develop foundational skills that prepare them for advanced STEM courses and robotics programs at the secondary level, effectively closing the “exposure gap” in early-grade STEM engagement.

2025 Impact Grant Program

Students from across the School District of New Berlin will soon have access to innovative projects and programs that enhance their learning experiences, foster creativity, and promote collaboration. A total of $25,943 has been awarded to eight projects that have demonstrated their ability to create a strong impact on student learning. Congratulations to the 2025 Impact Grant Awardees!

Rock Band Bucket Drumming
Erica Polak, Darien Hiller, Nick Winders, Tina Schilling – $1,098
This grant provides drums, sticks, and muting pads to music classrooms, supporting fourth through sixth graders at Poplar Creek, Elmwood, Orchard Lane, and Ronald Reagan Elementary Schools. Bucket drumming allows students to perform together as an ensemble, incorporating music reading and performance in an engaging, hands-on format. By developing rhythm, teamwork, and musical creativity, students will master rhythms ranging from simple quarter notes to complex syncopation. The program is designed to challenge advanced learners while remaining accessible to all students through differentiated instruction.

Creating Robotics: Creating Opportunities at the Elementary Level
Jaime Veal, Ryan Samz – $5,000
This grant supports the launch of a Robotics club at Elmwood Elementary, providing hands-on STEM and STEAM learning through LEGO Education and the FIRST LEGO League. The program will introduce students to robotics, coding, and engineering through a structured, multi-year plan, with future opportunities to compete in local and statewide competitions. The grant funds BricQ and SPIKE Essential kits, offering curriculum-aligned activities for 1st–5th graders. By expanding access to robotics education, this initiative fosters problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy skills, preparing students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Mobile Sublimation Printing
Shelley Schneider & Meg Gardner – $1,451.00
This project will expand New Berlin West High School’s sublimation printing capabilities by introducing mobile sublimation technology. Sublimation printing is a unique process that allows for long-lasting images to be transferred onto a wide range of substrates, including fabrics, ceramics, and metal. The mobile unit will enhance student learning across various disciplines, such as graphics, technology, and marketing, by offering more flexible access to the equipment for both in-class and community projects. Students will have the opportunity to develop creative, entrepreneurial, and interdisciplinary skills through hands-on projects, including product design and sales for the school store.

Earthquake Tremor Table
Alisa Arts - $2,500
Seventh-grade science students at Eisenhower Middle School will soon get a hands-on look at how earthquakes impact structures with a new Earthquake Tremor Table. As part of their Earth Science unit, students will explore seismic activity by testing student-built models against varying earthquake magnitudes. This interactive experience will deepen their understanding of tectonic forces, ground movement, and liquefaction, helping them connect science concepts to real-world applications.Students will collaborate, design, build, test, analyze their data, and then communicate their results with others.

Math Department White Board Easels
Holly Werra - $1,800.00
This project provides adjustable vertical white board easels for math teachers at New Berlin Eisenhower, supporting their initiative to implement strategies that encourage collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking in the classroom.The easels will allow students to work in groups on flexible, non-permanent surfaces, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. This initiative will create more opportunity for group work and enhance student engagement by providing tools for teachers to monitor and give feedback more effectively, fostering improved learning outcomes.

Sensory Path
Maggie Shane, Michael Teller, Tracy Willert & Cara Bonnell - $4,600.00
This project will fund the purchase and installation of sensory paths at Poplar Creek and Elmwood Elementary Schools, providing students with access to a movement-based tool designed to help regulate sensory systems, improve focus, and support overall well-being. The sensory paths, composed of durable, waterproof decals, will allow students to engage in various gross motor movements in an inclusive, accessible environment. This initiative bridges the gap between specialized sensory rooms and classrooms, promoting motor skill development, improving cognitive function and reducing stress.

Enhancing CKLA Knowledge Through Play and Hands-on Learning
Kinsey Schneider, Sarah Lau, Nikki Karch & Jennifer Schild - $3,346.00
First grade teachers at Ronald Reagan Elementary aim to enhance student engagement and comprehension in the CKLA Knowledge curriculum by incorporating hands-on, multisensory learning activities. Funding will equip classrooms with materials to support interactive activities such as building models, conducting experiments, exploring artifacts, and participating in role-playing scenarios. These activities will help students connect abstract ideas to real-world applications, fostering engagement and deeper understanding. This initiative addresses gaps in student engagement and knowledge retention by making learning dynamic and memorable.

Stars on Stage Scenery
Jen Coyle, Marisa Kraft & Deb Huberty - $1,200.00
The Stars on Stage theater program at Orchard Lane Elementary received funding to construct reusable, durable Hollywood Flats to create professional-quality scenery for its school plays. The program has grown in popularity and utilizes the New Berlin West Performing Arts Center Stage for its productions. Funding will enable the construction of six 4x8’ flats, which can be stored and repainted for future productions. This project provides students with hands-on experience in set design and construction, an enhanced theater experience, and allows for more students to participate in the stage crew.

Expanding Access to Manufacturing Technology in
"How Machines Work"
Dana McLaren – $2,448.32 - IkeFest Trades Initiative Fund Grant
By increasing access to essential equipment like lathes and robotic arms, the project eliminated bottlenecks and enhanced student engagement and skill development. As a result, more students are gaining practical experience aligned with local manufacturing needs, better preparing them for future careers in the industry.

Indoor Sim Putting Green

Diane Hudaj, Matt Schuler – $2,500 - West Athletics & Activities Fund Grant

This grant project supports the purchase of an indoor undulating putting green to give student golfers a unique opportunity to practice reading greens year-round—something typically only possible at high-end facilities or during ideal weather. By addressing barriers such as limited course access, inclement weather, and high practice costs, the green will enhance skill development, especially in putting—a key factor in improving scores for amateur players.

2024 Impact Grant Program

$18,415.15 was awarded through its Impact Grant program in 2024. These grants, designed to fuel innovation and enrich educational experiences, reflect EFNB's unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in education - since the program began in 2021, it has awarded more than $50,000!

Congratulations to the 2024 Awardees:

HVAC Trainers Transforming Learning Environments

Taylor Molitor, West, and Ben Bauer, Eisenhower, are bridging the gap between theoretical HVAC learning and its practical applications. Their curriculum promises to bring HVAC Training Boards into their Construction Classrooms ensuring students are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also adept at real-world HVAC challenges. EFNB has proudly awarded them $3,867.15

InvenTables: Igniting Creativity Safely

Leah Schretenthaler, Megan Wierl, and Lisa Payne from Elmwood Elementary are championing safety and innovation in the makerspace with their project, InvenTables. By introducing the safest tools for children to cut cardboard and encouraging the utilization of diverse materials, they're fostering a culture of creativity and safety. EFNB has awarded $1,686 to further their impactful work.

Empowering Elementary Computer Science Education

Caroline Haebig & Jennifer Schlie-Reed’s project aims to bring the CODEHS Computer Science Curriculum to classrooms in all SDNB Elementary Schools. Computer Science empowers young learners with essential digital literacy skills to thrive in college, career, and life. EFNB is thrilled to award $5,000 to support the integration of computer science education in elementary schools.

Harmonizing Education Through Ukuleles

Christina Schilling, Ronald Reagan, Nick Winders, Orchard Lane, and Darien Hiller, Elmwood, are enhancing instrumental music instruction by introducing classroom sets of ukuleles for each school to enhance its curriculum. EFNB has awarded $3,924 to these music classrooms.

Math & Disposition Games: Fostering Holistic Development

Christopher Reed from Elmwood Elementary is curating a game library designed to develop both mathematical skills and positive dispositions toward community and learning. Recognizing the importance of holistic development, EFNB is thrilled to grant $1,838 to create an enriching game library.

Stage Cubes: Building Theatrical Magic

Jennifer Coyle, representing Stars on Stage at Orchard Lane, is bringing theatrical magic to life with her project, Stage Cubes. These scenery pieces that resemble furniture such as tables, benches, and chairs, promise to enhance students’ theatrical productions. EFNB provided a grant of $2,100 to enrich the theatrical experiences for the Stars on Stage.

2023 Impact Grant Program

The Education Foundation of New Berlin awarded more than $16,000 in Impact Grants in February.
The programs will benefit students across all six buildings.

Project Lead the Way (awarded to Caroline Haebig & Jennifer Schlie-Reed) - to provide opportunities for all kindergarten through fifth grade students to participate in consistent, strategic learning experiences that develop skills related to computational thinking, foundations of programming, computer science and systems by utilizing “Project Lead the Way” computer science launch modules during students’ regularly scheduled library time.

Elementary Photography (awarded to Leah Schretenthaler, Terry Berg, Amy Weber & Kyra Seely) – to broaden and strengthen current art curriculum with the addition of a sixth grade photography unit. The grant will help purchase four Pinsta-Pro camera kits and will show students the magic of analog photography. The kits will rotate through the elementary schools for a month-long unit.

Calming Corners (awarded to Jennifer Coyle & Todd Hrenak) - to support all Orchard Lane students by employing a space in each classroom, chosen by the teacher, where students can go to help regulate their physical and emotional state and learn strategies for emotional regulation.

Battle of the Books (awarded to Katie Berg & Emily Barber) - to support the Ronald Reagan third and fourth grade Battle of the Books club, which promotes reading comprehension, while creating a fun atmosphere for learning. The tremendously popular club will be able to increase the number of books available.

Construction Tools (awarded to Taylor Molitor & Ben Bauer) - to purchase miter saws, plumbing crimping and expansion tools, and metal electrical boxes. These tools will greatly enhance the construction program at Eisenhower and West by providing students with the necessary equipment to complete a much wider range of construction projects in the fields of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.

Tour Guide Voice Audio Transmission System (awarded to Dana McLaren & Devin McKinnon) - to support Eisenhower and West middle and high school students by enhancing partnership tours and field experiences which are used to show and teach students about manufacturing, construction, and engineering jobs. Often these involve walking tours in loud environments; this audio system will be utilized to ensure all students can hear what is said and participate more fully.

2022 Impact Grants

$7,800 in Impact Grants were awarded in February 2022!

The programs funded support physical education and mental health initiatives above and beyond regular programming for all four elementary schools, as well as at a district level.

The Mindful Movement Program will help students quiet their minds by developing a stronger connection to their bodies through guided movement. Utilizing movement-based practices in the classroom can help students reset their nervous system when needed so they are better prepared to pay attention and learn. The equipment provided by the grant will not only be used to support classroom learning but also support the professional development of teachers and staff throughout the district. This award of $2,800 is presented to Poplar Creek third-grade teacher Nichole Donahue and Ronald Reagan kindergarten teacher Melissa Schmalz.

The First Tee School Program aims to create a safe introduction to golf technique and vocabulary while helping students strengthen their character and confidence through the positive personal and social values associated with the lifetime sport. This program will extend the golf curriculum from the secondary schools into fourth-through-sixth grades at all elementary schools. This award of $5,000 is presented to physical education teachers Katie Mulloy at Ronald Reagan and Melanie Gearhart at Elmwood.

The Impact Grant Program, now in the second year has provided educators with $15,930! The EFNB encourages School District of New Berlin educators to request funds for programs that prepare students for a successful future. All SDNB teachers and staff were eligible and encouraged to apply with individual or collaborative applications.

2021 Grantees

Flexible Seating in third-grade pod at Ronald Reagan emphasizes group learning and collaboration.

Grant funding provided all of these books to fourth- graders.

- Emily Barber, Ronald Reagan, $1,250 for a flexible learning zone for the third-grade pod

- Katie Berg, Ronald Reagan, $1,250 for a flexible learning zone for the third-grade pod

- Drew Dierksmeier, Ronald Reagan, $421 for social-emotional read-aloud books

- Dana McLaren, Eisenhower, $2,109 for 3D printing equipment

- Ryan Meisel, Eisenhower, $1,575 for world music appreciation instruments

- Tracy Olson, Ronald Reagan, $1,525 for a fourth-grade book club.

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