Simplified: The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation is awarding $140,000 in grants for teachers this spring. From screen-free programmable robots to fidget toys to art supplies, here's a look at how these grants are supporting teachers in trying new, innovative ideas in their classrooms.
Why it matters
- The Foundation has been supporting teachers and students since 2008. But it wasn't until the district invested in a full-time executive director back in 2018 that the foundation really took off. As of July 2024, the foundation has an endowment of nearly $700,000.
- This year's Public School Proud Grants will fund 95 projects submitted by 155 teachers, Executive Director Allison Struck said. Each of these grants is announced by surprising teachers in their classrooms or during staff meetings, and Sioux Falls Simplified was invited along to see some of these surprise awards last week at Eugene Field Elementary School.
- That included a $4,200 grant for school librarian Beth Versteeg, who applied for funds to purchase a set of screen-free programmable robots. These "Cubelets" and "Bee-Bots" let kids sharpen early computation skills. For example, they can pair literature with coding challenges by requiring kids to get the robot to move to the next part of the story in sequential order.
"This is just so special to know we have a program like this to help teachers ask for money to teach in creative ways," Versteeg said.
Tell me more
The Public School Proud grants are just one of the programs the foundation offers. Additionally, first-time teachers receive grants, and returning teachers can get "replenish the room" grants to offset classroom expenses.
- There are also programs to support students by meeting basic needs and fill gaps as-needed.
The teacher grants, though, have led to collaboration both within individual schools and across the district.
- Struck shared the example of the Bee-Bots. Once Versteeg started using them, librarians at other elementary schools began applying for grants to use them as well.
Eugene Field Principal Dustin Mees said he sees lots of idea sharing and teachers helping one another when it comes time to apply for the Public School Proud Grants.
"You can see not only the impact in our building, but also ideas from other buildings as teachers share ideas across the district," Mees said.
How can I help?
The Education Foundation relies on community donors. That includes businesses like Scheels, whose team members also tagged along for award announcements at Eugene Field.
- Store Leader Dan Hermanson said donating to the Education Foundation is one of "the most tangible' gifts the company gives.
"It's a no-brainer place to carve out donor funds to," he said.
Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the Education Foundation can learn more and donate here.
