Every year, our Southeast Polk Education Foundation (SEPEF) awards thousands of dollars in grant money to our teachers. This year, 11 of the 19 grant applications are being funded for a total of $30,000, more than double the amount that was awarded in 2023! At the school board meeting, SEPEF president Megan Hoffmann and SEPEF Board Members Maggie Crabb, Brigid Ernst, Misty Johnson, Jessie Brown and Julie Stier presented the district with the check. Four Mile Elementary student Brantley Barrett-Preljevic collaborated with his TAG (Talented and Gifted) teacher, Mr. O’Brien, to submit one of the funded grants. He was at the meeting to help accept the check!
The intent of Brantley’s proposal is to make students aware of the benefits of coral reefs and the impact that the death of the coral reefs could have on all of us. By setting up a small aquarium to grow some coral and then making presentations to students about the topic, the goal is to show students how beautiful the corals are and help them understand why they are at risk. The Four Mile PTA donated some of the supplies, but the project still needs more. With this SEPEF grant, Brantley and his teacher will be able to bring this project to life!
Other grants include a Drone Legends program for our 6th grade students and additional supplies for the Four Mile STEAM/MakerSpace program.
The SEPEF Board President, Megan Hoffman shared, “The Board of the Southeast Polk Education Foundation is delighted to award $30,000 in grants to Southeast Polk teachers as we continue our mission to support classroom teachers with funds, outside of the normal funding stream, meant for curricular enrichment programs. Southeast Polk is very fortunate to have exceptional teachers who invest in our students to give them a world-class education. As a Board, we are honored to support our teachers!”
The Education Foundation held its first Annual RAM Bash fundraiser in the fall. Because of our community support, the Foundation raised the funds for these grants. Mark your calendars for the 2nd RAM Bash on Sept. 27, 2024 – Homecoming!
Check out their video: Big RAM Bash
Congratulations to all grant winners and thanks to our Southeast Polk Education Foundation for your partnership in providing amazingly unique opportunities for our students!
About the Southeast Polk Education Foundation
Established in 2014 as an independently governed, not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, the mission of the Southeast Polk Education Foundation (SEPEF) is to engage and focus local, regional, and national support to enhance opportunities for Southeast Polk students, PK through 12th grade. The Foundation works with the district to develop and implement the securing of funds to support district initiatives.
The Southeast Polk Education Foundation is the only funding organization with the unique mission of supporting Southeast Polk Schools. Our efforts involve corporations, foundations, civic organizations, professional associations, school alumni, and other concerned individuals. We will assist private donors in making informed decisions that will enhance educational opportunities for Southeast Polk students.
