Community Grants Report

Community Grants Report
June 2020

USD 299, STAR LAB

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $200, Awarded 10/23/2019

Project Summary: While teaching about our magnificent universe at Sylvan-Lucas Elementary the STAR LAB would
be a hands on experience for our students. The STAR LAB will benefit all our students K-6.

Use of Funds: Sylvan Lucas Elementary rented the STAR LAB for two weeks time using the grant money we received.

Impact & Results: The 6th grade students of Sylvan-Lucas Elementary climbed into the STAR LAB planetarium
for the first time, excited to see if they could find their constellation they had been researching for the past week. I
am happy to report all 20 students were successful with finding their constellation in the night sky the STAR LAB
provided for us.

Students presented their research to their classmates and what a great visual the STAR LAB provided to show off the
constellations. We didn’t stop there. We then invited all grades pre-school through 5th grade to sign up for a time to
come experience the STAR LAB with a small group of 6th graders and to here about the greek constellations. I am
delighted to report every class signed up to support and hear about the constellations.

Each 6th grader was able to present their research and point out their constellation three different times, once with
their own classmates, and twice with a different class. Each 6th grader learned to research, how to type up a report,
how to use notes cards for a presentation, how to present in front of an audience, and how to be a role model for
the younger students.

The 6th graders were the reason I wrote the grant for the STAR LAB, however I am thrilled to report we were able to
share the experience with every student at Sylvan-Lucas Elementary. Thank you!

Lincoln Art Center, Flooring Project

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, Post Rock Community Action Fund, $9,190, Awarded 10/23/2019

Project Summary: The Lincoln Art Center is in need of new flooring in the gallery.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to buy Nova flooring, supplies to prep the existing floor, quarter round and paint.

Impact & Results: The Lincoln Art Center has a more modern and safer presentation for our visitors and exhibiting
artists. The condition of the existing 50 year old floor was in poor condition with broken and mismatched tile leading
to a less than professional looking gallery. Our visitors and guests have expressed appreciation for the improvements

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to the visual impact when arriving for events in the gallery. Comments from guests have been positive, such as, “the
gallery looks so much warmer and cleaner with the new floor and new paint”. So far, no negative remarks. The art
center could not have accomplished this project without the grant funding. We feel this has been a much needed
renovation, not only for the visual appearance but for the safety of our staff, artists and visitors. It has also brought a
whole new group of volunteers to work with us, that is a bonus too as it gives them a sense of ownership in the art
center and our mission.

USD 298 Lincoln, LES Lighting and Sound System Project

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund for Post Rock, $15,260, Awarded 05/21/2019
Project Summary: This project is to update the stage sound and lighting system, and the balcony and gym lighting
at Lincoln Elementary School.
Use of Funds: Funds were used for equipment to update the stage sound and lighting system.
Impact & Results: The grant funds used to purchase and update lighting, audio, and microphone equipment have
transformed the Lincoln Elementary School Stage. With updated equipment events were able to be hosted for the
betterment of students and larger the Post Rock area. Civic, business, arts and cultural events were all held on the
LES stage with updated and enhanced audio, lighting and microphone equipment. This year alone the equipment
on the stage was used for a traveling theater production, a local dance studio recital, the host site of the Lincoln
County Spelling Bee, a countywide Arts and Crafts fair during the holiday season and countless other school and
community events. With recently updated heating and air-conditioned additions to Lincoln Elementary School,
the gym and stage are one of the largest, climate controlled meeting spaces in the county and larger community.
By having working audio/light systems on a stage, events can continue to be held for students and groups for the
betterment of all.
Without these funds or a portion of funding the enormity and scope of the project would have taken several years.
This would have impacted students and community members on not being able to witness quality entertainment
and educational programming in their communities. Continued efforts to update the stage are needed but the
funds and their purchase of equipment will continue to benefit local students and the community for years to
come. Thank you to the committee for their generosity.

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