1221 Geneva National Ave. S, Lake Geneva, WI  53147  *  262-245-7310

From Disabilities

to Possibilities...

Serving the Special Needs Community

of Walworth County, WI
 

DID YOU KNOW...?

Lakeland School of Walworth County is one of only two schools in Wisconsin that exclusively serve students with special needs.

How Does Lakeland School Use Their L.E.O. Funds?

 

ABOUT LAKELAND SCHOOL:

Since the GNF's introduction to Lakeland School in the Spring of 2004, the relationship between Lakeland School of Walworth County and the GNF has grown to a passionate commitment.  The GNF first sponsored Lakeland School in 2005 and 2006 with a golf outing dedicated to just the school.  Those two years netted just over $600,000 for the school, and with that success, the L.E.O. was born.

 

In September of 2008, the 60-year-old Lakeland School of  Walworth County opened its doors to a brand new school, built by Walworth County and on county land.  The new school now serves over 270 full-time students and is only one of two schools in Wisconsin that exclusively serve students with special needs.  Lakeland School has also become known around the country as the "gold standard" for special needs students.  The County built a school, but the monies raised by the Geneva National Foundation and many others in the community, have allowed the school's administration to create a world-class facility.

 

The Geneva National Foundation has raised $757,898 for Lakeland School since 2005.  Funds raised by the Geneva National Foundation have been used to:

-Install phones and internet access in every classroom of the old school building for its last 2 years of operation.

-Upgrade the new pool to an Aquatic Center equipped with ramps and lifts so that two pools are completely accessible.  Water resistance and therapeutic jets provide an environment that enhances sensory and motor performance. ($350,000)

-Upgraded voice and data communication systems at the new school ($76,000)

-Provide corridor benches, display cases, site furnishings for the playfields and courtyard, ceiling mounted projectors and planters for the new school. ($177,000)

-Assist in providing fitness equipment in the Movement, Agility and Coordination Center. ($10,000)

-Assist with an electronic keyboard and other technology  in the Music Department. ($15,000)

-Purchase of SMART Board techology, equipping several classrooms with SMART Boards or SMART table systems specifically designed for the physically challenged. ($15,000)

-Purchased a wireles emergency system for better communication throughout the school building, improving the safety and security of both students and staff.  Also purchased additional aquatic center equipment, allowing the pools to become more efficiently and effectively used. ($22,000)

-Purchased numerous iTouch devices with adaptive cases, allowing non-commuinicative students the ability to communicate, along with Wii technology, which has proven effective for children with poor fine motor skills. ($3,000)

-Purchased Tap-It Boards, similar to SMART Boards, offering more portability and functionality for those with special needs. ($11,000)

 

Lakeland's Plans for the 2011 L.E.O. Funds:

Funds raised through the 2011 L.E.O. will be used to support ongoing collaboration between Lakeland School, VIP Services and other local school districts to ensure that the transition between school and work is as seamless and effective as possible.  Because of a new enrollment cap that went into effect on July 1, 2011 and will last through June, 2013, students who just graduated or will be graduating in the coming year, are especially vulnerable.  Without this funding support, these students would otherwise face atrophying of skill and ability levels.  The funds raised through the L.EO. are critical in trying to address this major service gap.