It Takes a Village (Community). The word "community" is derived from the Latin communitas, which is a combination of two root words:

•  com: ‘together’ or ‘with’
•  munus: ‘gift’ or ‘exchange’

So, community literally means coming together to share our gifts. That has been the Botkins “brand” since its incorporation in 1881. Where the waters divide and the people unite!! Years of building and supporting that “brand” has helped the residents of Botkins speak a common language that has brought great recognition not only to our community but also to our school.
Schools were once described as “the future within four walls”. That being true we have the responsibility to make available the most exciting, creative, innovative and opportune learning facility possible. The primary & middle years are exciting times when children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. Each year will provide important transitions and the acquisition of new skills that will enhance each student’s ability to apply learning in many ways.

Last year the Botkins Education Foundation was given the opportunity to participate in the Community Foundation of Shelby County’s 2023 Match Day event. Due to the amazing generosity of our community $14,955 was raised last year to provide, in
this 2024/2025 school year, additional hours for a Licensed Social Worker to address mental health issues that Botkins Local School students face. This is a continuation, year two, of this Match Day project due to the positive results reported in year one by the School Administration. Thank you for the donations which made this all possible!

Once again, the Botkins Education Foundation is partnering with the Community Foundation of Shelby County for Match Day 2024 and we need your help to get all $5,000 of available match money!! This is a dollar-for-dollar “match” of your tax-deductible donation. Your Match Day gift will be used to provide the Music Department with the following musical supplies and equipment:

• New microphone/sound system (for use by band, choir, musicals, and guest speakers
• Portable stage package risers (for use by choir performances)
• New sousaphone (for use by the band)
• In addition, our Match Day project will include providing for our local Botkins Community Library with an assortment of activity wall panels, reading rooms and furniture to include:
  • Educational/sensory toys (learning toys – counting, math, coordination & motor skills)
  • Reading Fort (kids’ reading nook)
  • Sky View Sanctuary (reading room for Mom and kids)
  • Adult/Child lounger

Tax deductible donations can be made -

• By cash or check made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County, sent along with a completed donation form (Click for Donation Form). Please note on check which organization(s) your donation is for. Mail or deliver to the Community Foundation at 100 S Main Ave, Ste 202, Sidney OH 45306 no later than December 3rd.
• By credit card on December 3rd only from the Community Foundation’s website commfoun.com. Their phone number is 937-497-7800 if you have any questions.
  Thank you for your support and generosity! It’s a big part of what makes our village/community the great place that it is!

Sincerely,

The Botkins Education Foundation Trustees

Rita Hemmert, JoAnn Koenig, Sara Kreitzer, Ashliegh Maurer, Connie Schneider, Shaun Zimpfer, and Fritz Serr