The Eudora Schools Foundation (ESF) announced today that they awarded more than $42,000 to fund 25 teachers’ innovative programs in the Eudora school district. This marks the largest amount ever awarded in a single year by ESF. These grants help teachers establish programs that enhance student learning and success. Since 2006, ESF has awarded over 250 grants totaling more than $252,000 in classroom educational initiatives.
 

“Educator Excellence Grants are made possible because of the generosity of our community,” said Christy Bourne, ESF Board President. “This year we are awarding the largest amount in ESF history—more than $42,000—to bring creative ideas to life in classrooms across every building in our district. ESF is grateful for our neighbors, businesses and alumni who come together to invest in the future of our students. This is the true power of partnership and what makes Eudora so special.”

The chosen projects will benefit students from preschool through 12th grade. Grants were awarded in the following amounts:

Eudora Early Learning Center $5,900

Elementary School $17,500

Eudora Middle School: $7,900

Eudora High School: $10,900

Individual school grants and award recipients are listed below:

Eudora Early Learning Center

• Sunshine Storytime – Summer preschoolers will receive storytime kits with books and activities tied to classroom themes. This project encourages a love of reading and supports early literacy throughout the summer months. Grant Recipient: Reaghan Transmeier.
• Little Learners, Big Imaginations: Enriching Pretend Play Experiences – Preschool classrooms will rotate through themed dramatic play centers such as veterinary clinics, grocery stores, and fire stations. These experiences support early literacy, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. Grant Recipients: Rachel Whitten, Olivia Phelps, & Amanda DeBettignies.
• Summer Days and Hands-On Play – Teachers will expand preschool play centers with toys, manipulatives, and games that promote imagination and collaboration. The project encourages fine motor skills and creativity in young learners. Grant Recipient: Reaghan Transmeier.
• Fresh from the Farm: Bringing a Farmer’s Market to Our ELC – Preschool students will run a pretend classroom farmers market, practicing counting, role-play, and social skills. This hands-on project introduces healthy foods and community roles in an engaging way. Grant Recipients: Olivia Phelps, Rachel Whitten, & Amanda DeBettignies.

Eudora Elementary School

• Bridging Inclusion Gaps: Accessible Sensory for All – This initiative provides adaptive seating, weighted blankets, and sensory materials that promote inclusion for students with diverse needs. By making classrooms more accessible, all students have a chance to thrive. Grant Recipients: Jenn Ducey, Hanna Heintzelman, & Amber Ward.
• Building Pathways to Early Literacy – Teachers will implement new resources to strengthen phonics, comprehension, and fluency in early readers. The materials support small-group instruction and help close gaps for students who need extra practice. Grant Recipient: Paige Hayden.
• Hands on Learning – Manipulative-based games and resources will make math and reading lessons more interactive. Students will practice problem-solving and critical thinking through activities designed to reinforce classroom instruction. Grant Recipient: Samantha Pattrick.
• Keys to Creativity – The elementary music department will be outfitted with a classroom keyboard to provide every student with hands-on music-making opportunities. Learning piano skills enhances creativity, improves fine motor coordination, and fosters collaboration during ensemble work. Grant Recipients: Jessica Vanstory & Kate Washburn.
• Knowledge Explorers: Enriching the CKLA Experience – First grade teachers will expand the CKLA curriculum by adding models, visuals, and hands-on resources that bring challenging texts to life. These additions will help students better understand vocabulary and concepts, especially for young learners who need concrete examples. Grant Recipients: Megan Cleveland, Jasmine Crame, Stephanie Green, Sarajane Haney, & Jamie White.
• Lego Spike Essential Kits – Elementary students will dive into STEM by building and coding with Lego Spike kits. These hands-on experiences introduce programming and engineering concepts in ways that encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving. Grant Recipients: Ashli Olivera & Jill Stutler.
• Lights, Camera, Calculate – Students will learn math concepts in a creative new way by producing videos that demonstrate their problem-solving strategies. By acting out, recording, and sharing math thinking, students deepen understanding while practicing communication skills. Grant Recipient: Adam Brickner.
• Math and Science Inspectors – Upper elementary students will use The Math Inspectors and Science Inspectors book series to apply math and science skills while solving mysteries. The stories provide engaging, age-appropriate enrichment and encourage both group book studies and independent reading. Grant Recipient: Barbie Grado.
• Roll, Flip, Learn: Building Math Skills with Cards and Dice – This project equips second-grade classrooms with cards, dice, and activity sets to turn math practice into exciting games. Students will build fluency, confidence, and problem-solving skills while having fun in both small group and whole class settings. Grant Recipients: Meadow Meier, Elizabeth Schmidt, & Katie Peuser.
• Sensory Seeker – Students with autism and sensory processing challenges will benefit from new calming tools and manipulatives. These items help regulate energy levels, reduce stress, and allow students to be more successful in the classroom. Grant Recipient: Erin Weinmaster.
• Visual Processing and Scanning Activities for Better Readers –  Students working with an occupational therapist will use specialized activities and tools to improve scanning, tracking, and visual motor skills. These supports help children strengthen reading fluency, focus, and comprehension while building independence. Grant Recipient: Michele Fairchild, OTR/L.
• Where Fun and Learning Collide – This project adds hands-on, sensory materials that make math practice interactive and enjoyable. By engaging students in fun, collaborative activities, it supports math proficiency while fostering enthusiasm, confidence, and a love of learning. Grant Recipients: Megan Whitebread, Megan Braden, Billie Dougherty, Sarah Chrislip, & Jen Jordan.

Eudora Middle School

• Cardinals Gather and Grow – Students in the RISE program will participate in activities that encourage peer mentoring, social skills, and leadership. With the support of staff, students will engage in projects that promote inclusion, personal growth, and teamwork. Grant Recipients: Mandy Shockley, Dallas Seyler, Lexi Thorne, Kayla Washee, & Julie Spring.
• 8th Grade Student Career Fair Project – Eighth graders will research careers, interview professionals, and present their findings during a school-wide Career Fair. The project strengthens ELA skills, introduces workplace expectations, and helps students explore postsecondary pathways. Grant Recipients: Michelle Plegge, Jaime Meyers, & Cherrie Ann Lindsey.
• In Real Life – This new 8th grade elective teaches practical life skills through hands-on experiences. Grant funding supports the cooking portion of the class, where students will practice a variety of methods—from grilling to using modern appliances—building both confidence and independence. Grant Recipient: Mitchell Tegtmeier.
• Pause & Reset: A Calm Space for Students – The WEBS program will add a therapeutic room designed for emotional regulation. With calming tools and activities, students can manage stress and refocus, supporting both mental health and academic success. Grant Recipients: Dave Powers & Tyler Blackburn.
• Bundles of Learning – RISE middle school students will learn empathy and responsibility through the use of infant simulators. By caring for life-like babies, students gain awareness of social-emotional needs and the challenges of caregiving. Grant Recipients: Mandy Shockley, Dallas Seyler, Kayla Washee, Lexi Thorne, & Julie Spring.
• Some Assembly Required! – Students will take on real-world challenges by assembling furniture and equipment using provided toolkits. This project builds confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking as students work together on practical tasks. Grant Recipient: Mitch Tegtmeier.

Eudora High School

• JAG-K Creative Maker’s Space – Students in Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG-K) will gain access to a maker’s space with tools such as a button maker and heat press. These resources encourage creativity, entrepreneurship, and service projects that connect students to their community. Grant Recipient: Dana Chance.
• Record, Reflect, and Innovate: Empowering Our Future Teachers – Teaching Pathway students will use iPads and Swivl robots to record lessons, reflect on their teaching, and improve classroom strategies. These tools give future educators authentic practice and prepare them for careers in education. Grant Recipient: Katelyn Kellerman.
• MORALE: Maximizing Opportunities to Respond in Active Learning Education – EHS Classrooms will be outfitted with tools to boost engagement and accountability. Students will have increased opportunities to participate actively, improving learning outcomes across subjects. Grant Recipients: Sean Hayden & Dr. Bill DeWitt.
• Threads of Opportunity: Enhancing FACS with Industry Sewing Equipment – Family and Consumer Sciences classes will add a professional-grade sewing machine, giving students hands-on experience with equipment used in the fashion industry. The project supports career exploration and skill development. Grant Recipient: Renee Mueting.

The Eudora Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) that generates resources, builds relationships, and champions public education in Eudora public schools. Founded in 2006, the Foundation exists to enhance the quality of education through partnerships with the community. Expenditures are primarily directed toward enhancing classroom instruction and impacting the broadest number of Eudora students. https://www.eudoraschoolsfoundation.org 

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