This week, the Appleton Education Foundation board of directors approved 21 grants totaling nearly $33,000 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
- $1,973 to write, print, and distribute original books specifically designed to meet the needs of young children undergoing special education evaluations. (Partial funding provided by the John Mielke and Sally Morey Mielke Education Fund.)
- $1,792 to use equitable testing to identify gifted elementary learners and deliver enrichment curriculum.
Appleton East High School
- $3,000 to expand the Patriot Hydroponic Garden and provide hands-on learning that promotes sustainability and supports the school’s culinary programs. (Funding provided by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund.)
- $715 to purchase adaptive switches, enabling students with significant disabilities to actively participate in academic, daily living, and social activities. (Funding provided by the Bob and Gerri Heffron Family Endowment Fund.)
- $2,976 for updated circuit kits for science courses to provide safe, hands-on exploration of electricity, circuits, and data analysis using current technology.
Appleton North High School
- $3,000 to partner with a technical company to train theatre students in using flying equipment. The experience will provide hands-on career development, problem-solving, and team-building opportunities. (Funding provided by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund.)
- $500 to replenish and expand makerspace consumable supplies. The makerspace is a student-centered space that supports hands-on, project-based learning, creative problem-solving, and design skills. (Funding provided by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund.)
Appleton West High School
- $1,500 to bring a Lawrence University professor to lead interdisciplinary poetry and art workshops, helping students explore biology and environmental studies through writing and illustrating poems about Wisconsin birds. (Funding provided by the Ellen Kort Endowment Fund.)
- $750 to enable high school drama students to create and perform puppet shows for elementary students that teach empathy and conflict resolution, building their own leadership, collaboration, and artistic skills. (Funding provided by the Gruner Family Community Mental Wellness Fund.)
- $2,968 to introduce students to Intaglio printmaking and revive older printing presses for hands-on artistic exploration. (Funding provided by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund.)
Appleton Central Program
- $3,000 to purchase an embroidery machine to enrich student learning through hands-on experiences and opportunities creating school branded apparel. (Funding provided by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund.)
Fox Cities Leadership Academy
- $2,200 to furnish supplies for students to research, design, create and perform in historical masks, bringing theatre history to life. (Funding provided by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund.)
Kaleidoscope Academy
- $1,063 to provide resources that address students’ emotional and practical needs during times of crisis, grief, or loss, to help them stay engaged in learning and connected to a caring school community. (Partial funding provided by the Gruner Family Community Mental Wellness Fund.)
- $1,500 to replace worn equipment to ensure high-quality music instruction and performance. (Funding provided by the Mile of Music Fund.)
- $125 for a staff member to attend the CESA 6 Crisis Response Team Collaborative Series in order to strengthening the school’s crisis response plan and equip staff with improved safety protocols. (Funding provided by the Gruner Family Community Mental Wellness Fund.)
Wilson Middle School
- $900 to purchase hydraulic robotic arm kits that help STEM and engineering students develop hands-on skills and connect learning to real-world careers. (Funding provided by the Vira and Alan Stoner Education Fund and the Stan and Phyllis Thatcher Family Fund for STEM.)
Classical School
- $2,000 to provide full-day professional development for Classical teachers with literacy expert Angela Hanlin. Hanlin is known for helping educators us Tier 1 evidence-based literacy practices to improve student success across all content areas.
Franklin Elementary School
- $480 to purchase enrichment materials to help enhance student understanding across English Language Arts modules on the American West, Civil Rights, and nutrition.
Edison Elementary School
- $1,600 to expand recess options, offering creative and inclusive activities that engage all students.
Foster Elementary School
- $1,250 to support the Hydroponic “Flex Farm,” and engage students in hands-on STEM learning, leadership, and sustainability as they grow fresh produce for the school community. (Funding provided by the Dianne Caitlin Lang STEM Innovators & Girls Leadership Fund.)
McKinley Elementary School
- $336 to provide newcomer students with a community art experience at Hazelmade Art Studio, fostering self-expression, language development, and life skills. (Funding provided by the Bob and Gerri Heffron Family Endowment Fund.)
