Finding a way to make exciting things happen in local classrooms, despite budgetary constraints, is a challenge that the USD 428 Education Foundation has accepted and met for nearly 25 years. The organization has raised and donated nearly $250,000 to enhance education in the district through minigrants for teachers.
For the 2013-2014 school year, 17 minigrants totaling more than $8,600 were awarded by foundation trustees, according to Kim Sell, foundation president.
“In selecting recipients for minigrants, we look for innovative educational activities to supplement the district’s goals and objectives and for endeavors with no other source of funding,” Sell said.
The nonprofit foundation provides an ideal opportunity for alumni, parents, community businesses and other supporters of our schools to make good things happen in education.
The USD 428 Education Foundation grants are funded by money raised at the foundation’s annual dinner and golf tournament and through memorials and donations. The foundation gratefully receives tax-deductible contributions from individuals, businesses, community service organizations, alumni, estates, memorials and other benevolent sources, she added.
Teachers were awarded the funds at a reception this week. Their projects include:
· ExamView Learning Series Software: $209, Lisa Essmiller, Riley School;
· Reading & Math Educational Games Aligned with Common Core Standards: $641.76, Bonnie Ward, Casey Gatton and Parker Gross, Riley School;
· STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Design Competition: $498.64, Mike Perry and Gary Pinkall, Great Bend Middle School;
· New Costumes for Cinco de Mayo: $625, Nancy Schuetz and Zusseth Pinillo, Great Bend High School;
· Vocabulary Acquisition – Thesauruses: $718.80, Casey Gatton, Ronda Hixon, Kelsey Scheuerman, Peggy Haag, Parker Gross, Jessica Hacker, Kelli Laudermilk, Jackie Peters, Bonnie Ward,  Lisa Starr, Mira Hammond and Conrad Montoya, Riley School;
· iPad for Education: $500, Jayne Wirtz, Eisenhower School;
· Teaching a Student to Go Beyond: $495, Teri Rous, Eisenhower School;
· Laser Engraved Project: $400, Jake Hofflinger, Great Bend High School;
· Candy House (Scale Model): $300, Jake Hofflinger, Great Bend High School;
· K’Nex Engineering Challenge: $403.65, Cortnea Wilson, Great Bend Middle School;
· WATCH D.O.G.S.: $980, Kiley Graves, Lincoln School;
· Math Activities for Common Core: $652.26, Pamela Jordan and Becky Demel, Jefferson School; and
· Rocket Design: $498.84, Matt Mazouch, Great Bend High School