This week, the Appleton Education Foundation board of directors approved 18 grants totaling more than $20,500 to strengthen and enhance education for students in the Appleton Area School District.
All funding is from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, unless otherwise noted.
Appleton Area School District
- $430.02 to equip early childhood educators with materials and literature to support emotional awareness, self-regulation, and successful classroom transitions. (Funding provided by the Bob and Gerri Heffron Family Endowment Fund.)
- $2,000 to provide hands-on training for science teachers so they can more fully utilize the district’s data collection and analysis technology and further support inquiry-based learning, improving student engagement across science disciplines.
- $3,000 to support new educators through a yearlong book study and community-building opportunities that promote effective teaching practices.
AASD – Rise Alternative Program
- $2,420 to create a calming room equipped with special lighting to help students manage emotions and improve academic engagement. (Partial funding provided by the Gruner Family Community Mental Wellness Fund.)
Appleton Community 4K
- $1,574.29 to curate dramatic play prop boxes that will rotate among all 4K classrooms. The boxes will contain inclusive, engaging materials and teacher guidance to support student learning. (Funding provide by the John Mielke and Sally Morey Mielke Education Fund.)
Appleton East High School
- $428.38 to support professional development focused on best practices for teaching native Spanish speakers.
Appleton West High School
- $2,237.97 to purchase Tibetan Singing Bowls for hands-on science experiments that deepen students’ understanding of wavelength, frequency, and wave speed. (Funding provide by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund.)
Appleton North High School
- $489 to support a digital display project that promotes social-emotional learning and inclusivity. The display will also highlight positive behavior through the school’s “Follow Your Compass” incentive program.
- $415 to purchase a buzzer system to help the Science Team practice and prepare for competitions. (Funding provided by the SAACC Endowment Fund.)
Wilson Middle School
- $1,229.40 to support a schoolwide book study of Teach Like a Champion 3.0 by Doug Lemov. Staff will learn with and from one another to enhance instructional strategies, and improve student engagement, and classroom management.
Stephen Foster Elementary Charter School
- $500 to create a student-led Recess Learning Cart that offers inclusive and developmentally appropriate play and learning opportunities, while fostering leadership, collaboration, and responsibility.
- $1,582.50 to implement sensory paths in hallways, offering students inclusive spaces that support focus, regulation, physical activity, and social-emotional learning to enhance academic success and emotional well-being. (Funding provided by the Gruner Family Community Mental Wellness Fund and the John Mielke and Sally Morey Mielke Education Fund.)
Franklin Elementary School
- $450 to purchase poms for a new dance club that will provide students with an accessible, inclusive outlet to explore creativity, build community, and promote physical well-being.
Johnston Elementary School
- $950 to purchase ingredients for weekly cooking classes that help special education students learn vocabulary, practice following directions, and improve social skills. (Funding provided by the Betsy Melzer Endowment Fund and the Bob and Gerri Heffron Family Endowment Fund.)
- $500 to purchase supplies for Mustang Mentor Peer Leaders, a program that empowers older students to support younger students at recess by facilitating play, encouraging inclusion, and helping resolve conflicts.
Houdini Elementary School
- $500 to purchase math manipulatives that support hands-on learning and help students build a deeper understanding of abstract concepts, strengthen problem-solving skills, and increase engagement in math instruction.
Richmond Elementary School
- $1,500 to provide consistent math manipulatives across all K–2 classrooms. This supports hands-on learning and builds strong foundational skills and confidence in mathematics.
Appleton Public Montessori
- $379.46 to purchase supplies for hydroponic gardening, which provides students with hands-on learning experiences that explore plant growth, nutrition, and sustainable farming practices. (Funding provided by the Stan and Phyllis Thatcher Family Fund for STEM.)
