WHAT WE DO

Throughout the years, the Redwood Area Education Foundation has played a significant part in various special project initiatives.  

 

-When the decision was made to bring back the Agriculture Program, the RAEF supported the program by raising funds for the teacher salary and benefits for two years to aid in it's reestablishment.

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-The RAEF Funded 3 Wegner Acoustic Practice Rooms for the Music Department at a cost of over $100,000.​

 

-Various President's Projects.  Each year, the President of the RAEF board works to identify a need within the district to help raise money to fulfill that specific need.  

 

​- Summer 2025, we partnered with the Redwood Area School District to fund a complete overhaul of the sound system in the Estebo Performing Arts Center.  Must of what was still being used was the original sound system installed at the time of construction.  Despite years of thoughtful maintenance and upgrades, the system was deteriorating and had become increasingly unreliable, impacting the quality of performances and events. We’re thrilled that guests now have an improved sound system!

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OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACE PROJECT

EXCITING UPDATE: 

We are THRILLED that our outdoor learning space for ECFE students is finally here!

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The vision of this project began in 2022, originally planned for the "U" shape space near the playground at the former Reede Gray Elementary building. It was temporarily put on hold due to the new elementary building referendum and construction, then despite delays from rain, construction, and other unforeseen challenges, Phil and his team at Lifestyle Landscape LLC have made this space truly something special for the littlest learners. 

Each area is designed for children to create, imagine, and PLAY! This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our donors, the creativity of our board and ECFE staff, and the excitement of our students.​

 

ECFE Nature Based Playground is a nature based learning environment for the youngest learners (ages 0-5) within the early childhood programming of the district.  This will be a beautiful, welcoming space where our youngest learners can create, imagine, learn and be in touch with nature, all while having fun!  The benefits of outdoor learning are significant.  Nature based learning enhances imaginative play, increases physical & mental well-being, promotes environmental stewardship, encourages invention and creation, exercises both gross motor skills & cognitive abilities and expands learning opportunities.  Various areas within our playground will include a cascading water feature, mud kitchen, construction/building play space, outdoor building block area, sensory walking paths, outdoor music & art stations, slides, natural climbing features and more!  

 

The playspace will officially be named the Yvonne & Heinz Janning Early Childhood Natural Playspace to honor two significant individuals who’ve had a tremendous impact on our district & community. Yvonne was the founding director of the Early Childhood Family Education Program and instrumental in its development and prolonged success.  Heinz, a 32-year educator in the district, was also a significant proponent to Redwood Area Schools.  Both Yvonne & Heinz are members of the school’s Hall of Fame and were tireless advocates for our students, families and education.  We are honored to continue their legacy through this very special initiative.