The Invisible String: Jodi Markworth Memorial Fund

Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy (MELA: http://www.mnela.org/) is a public charter school serving approximately 220 students in PreK through grade 6. Due to our demographics, the entire school qualifies for free lunch. Our school serves families who traditionally come from underserved communities, and we do so with a very limited budget.

In August 2019 our beloved school principal, Ms. Jodi Markworth, lost her battle to cancer. The wish she left before passing was that enough people would donate so our school could have a library. We believe in the power of starting small. For that reason, we are asking for the amount of $50,000.00 to purchase a Leveled Book Room for Grades K-6 filled with authentic culturally-relevant literature. This room will enable teachers to offer our scholars robust guided literacy instruction. 

The name of the campaign comes from one of Jodi’s favorite books, “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst. It is a story that reassures that even though our loved ones can’t be with us anymore, they are always in our hearts. Whenever we think about that person, that invisible string gives us a tug. Your donation will enable Jodi’s invisible string to be a legacy for years to come. Her love of reading will be left on the hearts of all children who walk through our doors. Will you be a part of our story? Help us fulfill her dream by putting books in the hands of young learners.