EGF Education Foundation Fall 2022 Grant Recipients

The EGF Education Foundation awarded grants totalling $26,562.03 to seventeen members of the EGF staff for various projects that will impact students across many grade levels during the December 12th school board meeting.  The Foundation has been awarding grants since 2010 and the students, staff and school district have been positively impacted by all of them.  A huge “THANK  YOU” goes out to the donors and EGF Education Foundation Board for all of their efforts!  They are truly making a difference!  Congratulations to the latest grant recipients!  

  • Kelly Zabriskie, a District School Readiness Instructor:  Submitted a grant entitled “Diversity in the Classroom” to purchase materials representing different cultures at the preschool level.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $1,809.88.

  • Rachel Hemsing, a Special Education Instructor at New Heights:  Submitted a grant for noise canceling headphones.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $300.

  • Keeley Iverson, a Special Education Instructor at New Heights:  Submitted a grant for sensory box items.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $275.

  • Melissa Kroetsch (Assistant Principal), Sherry Murphy, and Katie Kleven (Counseling Staff):  Submitted a grant entitled “Wave of Calm” room in order to create a safe space for students to regulate their minds and bodies.  They were awarded full support in the amount of $650.00.

  • Chelsey Mattison, a Special Education Instructor at New Heights:  Submitted a grant for fidgets and timers.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $300.

  • Katie Nelson on behalf of the entire 7 sections of kindergarten at New Heights:  Submitted a grant for Handwriting without Tears Curricular Manipulatives.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $678.

  • Krystyna Freeman on behalf of the entire 7 sections of 5th grade at South Point:  Submitted a grant for Rube Goldberg Machines which will allow for students to get hands-on experience with force, motion, simple machines, and the engineering process.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $1539.09.

  • Amy Gumto on behalf of the entire 7 sections of 3rd grade at South Point:  Submitted a grant for a virtual class and tour of the Minnesota Zoo led by a naturalist and aligning with the MN State Science Standards.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $1400.

  • Livia Zitzow on behalf of the entirety of South Point Elementary:  Submitted a grant for an inflatable touring planetarium to come to South Point so students can take a tour of the solar system, learning about Greek Mythology, seasonal night skies, and the stars of the Northern Hemisphere.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $1,495.

  • Hannah Driscoll, Family and Consumer Science Instructor at Central Middle School:  Submitted a grant to purchase a hydroponic garden in order to teach the growing process and growing their own produce and using that produce in recipes.  She was awarded full support in the amount of $319.95.

  • Kristine Gruenberg (CMS English Arts Instructor) and Kari Armstrong (South Point Librarian):  Submitted a grant for graphic novels for the CMS Library in order to provide good quality literature and appealing titles for teens.  They were awarded full support in the amount of $1,500.

  • Jenny Hovde (Paraprofessional and CMS Library Staff Member) along with Kristine Gruenberg (CMS Library Staff):  Submitted a grant entitled “Drawing Students into the Library – Literally and Metaphorically.”  They along with Mark Lundberg (CMS Art Instructor) and CMS students hope to create a revitalized library space.  They were awarded full support in the amount of $631.59.

  • Jenny Loer, CMS Band Director:  Submitted a grant for funds to purchase an Intermediate Baritone Saxophone for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band students to utilize.  She was awarded full funds in the amount of $5425.

  • Jill Walter (Principal of CMS) along with Jared Sanger (Senior High Woods Class Instructor):  Submitted a grant for CMS benches to be placed outside of CMS as a welcoming and inviting entrance space for years to come.  They were awarded full support in the amount of $1338.52.  This grant has also been earmarked for financial backing from the EGF Class of 1973 who will be hosting their 50th class reunion next fall.

  • Jessica Gennett on behalf of the Senior High School Visual Arts Department:  Submitted a grant entitled “Exploring the World of Art Canvases.”  She was awarded full support in the amount of $1000.

  • Donovan Hanson, Grades 9-12 Vocal Music Instructor:  Submitted a grant to Up-grade Theatre Lighting in the Senior High Performing Art Center.  He was awarded 30% of the total cost of the project in the amount of $5,400. 

  • Tracey Heisler on behalf of the 11th grade English Department:  Submitted a grant for “Alignment of the English Curriculum.” She was awarded full support in the amount of $2000.

Together we are Better!