Dear Dr. Richards

December 18, 2002

Dr. Mary Richards Marshfield Clinic 1000 N Oak Avenue Marshfield, WI 54449

Dear Dr. Richards:

Research on brain development shows that what we do with young children during their Marshfield High School first three years significantly influences them for the rest of their lives. As physicians, 1401 Becker Road teachers, child care providers and parents, we all have a vested interest in the welfare of Marshfield, WI 54449 children. Therefore, we are asking for your support of the Tiny Tiger Child Learning (715) 387-8464 Center. [email protected] Built as a “learning lab” attached to Marshfield High School, the Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center will be a clinical site for Marshfield High School students preparing for child- Tiny Tiger Leadership Team centered careers. For students enrolled in Careers with Kids and Cooperative Work Experiences classes, course requirements include multiple hours of observation and Sue Babcock participation with children of various ages. Currently, students fulfill these requirements by Administrator visiting off-site facilities, or in some cases, children are brought into the classroom at the Child Care center of Marshfield high school. Neither option provides the best learning experience.

Ayme Boushack Imagine going through high school, or even medical school, without biology and chemistry Child Care Supervisor Marshfield Community Learning Center labs on campus. Consistent, realistic and convenient observation and participation opportunities provided within the Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center will greatly benefit students interested in careers with children. In the words of Amber Tritz, a student in the Carol Papineau Administrator Family and Consumer Education Department at Marshfield High School, "by allowing Bright Horizons Family Solutions students to gain the hands on experience in school, we become better teachers, day care providers and parents. Like the saying goes, practice makes perfect. We need a place to Carla MacArthur practice the skills we learn and the Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center would provide us that Family and Consumer Educator opportunity."

Ryan Moore Much progress has been made toward the reality of building the Tiny Tiger Child Learning Family and Consumer Educator Center, which will cost an estimated $250,000. Over $40,000 has been raised through community fundraisers, and two grants have been received from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the United States Department of Education. A pledge drive has Karleen Remington Retired Family and Consumer Educator also begun, and we are asking for your financial support to help make this project succeed.

Enclosed is a brochure that includes conceptual drawings of the facility, and a case Deb Schwecke Mid-State Technical College statement providing further details about this innovative project. Also enclosed is a pledge form. We are asking you to consider a gift of $1,000 or more, perhaps in honor of a child who is special in your life. A pledged gift may be given over a period of three years. Your Dr. David Smette Superintendent donation is fully tax-deductible, and donors will be acknowledged in a permanent art School District of Marshfield display within the Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center.

Jane Wagner Please review the enclosed materials and consider making a donation in support of this Family and Consumer Educator project. If you have any questions or would like to personally meet with members of the Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center leadership team, please contact Jane Wagner at Jennifer Wilson Marshfield High School at 387-8464, ext. 338. Family and Consumer Educator Thank you for your generous support.

Sincerely,

Robert Heck Jane Wagner Honorary Campaign Chair Family and Consumer Educator