The Community Foundation, in partnership with the Sturgis Kiwanis Club, Sturgis Lions Club, Sturgis Exchange Club, and Sturgis Eastside Kiwanis Club, recently awarded $13,176 in grants to 30 educators through the Teacher Mini-Grant program. This annual initiative empowers teachers to bring creative, hands-on, and meaningful learning opportunities to students across Sturgis Public Schools. Teachers and staff apply each fall, with funding awarded to ideas that spark engagement, creativity, and academic growth.

Meaghan Anderson – Capturing Every Moment: Yearbook Camera Expansion
This project adds an additional camera and lens so more students can photograph school events. With a growing yearbook staff, additional equipment ensures more equitable access to hands-on photography experience. The upgrade will help the program capture a richer variety of moments throughout the year.

Li Yates – Classroom Set of Headphones
A full classroom set of headphones and storage will support individualized, audio-based learning. Students will be able to complete narrated lessons, listen to stories, and work independently without distractions.

Melissa Blakely – Learning Manipulatives
New hands-on math tools, fine-motor materials, and sensory supports will enhance learning in the Special Education Resource Room. These materials help students better understand concepts while developing focus and emotional regulation strategies. The additions will create a more supportive, accessible learning environment.

Dawn Rooyakkers – Flexible Seating
Beanbag chairs and soft floor rockers will provide flexible seating options that promote comfort and focus. These alternatives help meet the needs of students with different learning styles and energy levels. The seating upgrades aim to create a more inviting and engaging classroom.

Megan Watkins – Upgrade Journalism Cameras
Upgraded digital cameras will improve the quality of student photography for the school newspaper. Clearer, more accurate images will elevate the publication’s overall appearance. Students will gain hands-on experience with professional-style equipment, strengthening their skills and confidence.

Jill Kotschevar & Chelsey Hampton – Creating a Welcoming and Functional Counseling Space for Students
The counseling office will receive new seating, storage, and sensory tools to create a calming, student-focused environment. These improvements will make the space more welcoming and supportive for social-emotional conversations. Students will have a more comfortable setting to engage in counseling services.

Stacey Richardson – Classroom Library
A cozy reading nook with shelves, soft lighting, floor seating, and leveled books will be created for students with mild cognitive impairments. This space will encourage independent reading and help students explore books that fit their interests and ability levels. It will also give students a quiet, inviting place to unwind and learn.

Jodie Scheid – CPR/AED/First Aid Manikins
Four new manikins will replace outdated CPR and first aid training equipment. Students will benefit from reliable, realistic tools as they learn essential lifesaving skills. Updated materials will ensure safe, effective practice for years to come.

Nikita Milliman – The Motivation Station: Sensory Supports for Learning
Sensory tools, flexible seating, and small incentives will help students regulate emotions and stay engaged. These supports give students practical strategies to manage behavior and build independence. The project aims to create a calmer, more focused classroom environment.

Mari Campbell & SMS Programs – Buzzer System
A new buzzer system will replace a 25-year-old set used for academic competitions. Updated equipment will improve practice sessions for teams like Quiz Bowl and Clue Me In. The new system will also enhance interactive classroom games that reinforce learning.

James Whitehead & Eliot Gitelman – Individual Lessons
Local musicians will provide one-on-one instruction to middle school band students. Personalized lessons will help students develop stronger technique and musical confidence. This experience also connects students to community musicians who can serve as mentors.

Erin Muse – TBRI and Trauma-Informed Classrooms
Staff will receive training and guidebooks focused on trauma-informed practices. These resources will help teachers better understand student needs and foster stronger relationships. The training will contribute to safer, more compassionate classrooms.

Kim Harlow – iPad Video Project
An iPad will support video editing and digital production for yearbook and Lighthouse classes. Students will use the device to edit footage and create more polished projects. The tool will streamline workflow and strengthen students’ digital storytelling skills.

Ryan VanDosen – Classroom Economy
A hands-on classroom economy will teach students financial literacy through jobs, salaries, and business operations. Throughout the year, students will practice budgeting, saving, and responsible decision-making. The simulation helps build real-world skills in a fun, interactive way.

Amber Baker – Hands-On Equations and Storage
Hands-On Equations kits and chair pockets will support advanced math learners during intervention time. The manipulatives help students visualize algebra concepts in a concrete, accessible way. Chair pockets keep materials organized and accessible, promoting responsibility and smoother transitions.

Ashly Luna – Special Education
High-interest, easy-reader chapter books will provide meaningful reading experiences for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. These books use accessible formats to build confidence and comprehension. Small-group lessons will become more engaging and effective with these resources.

Jerrod Warner – Building Financial Literacy Through a Classroom Economy
A year-long classroom economy will help students learn to manage earnings, expenses, and entrepreneurial ventures. Activities such as auctions and Market Day will deepen their understanding of financial concepts. The program blends math, responsibility, and creativity into engaging, hands-on learning.

Kristin Sandberg – Flexible Seating and Recess Games
Foldable cushion seats, clipboards, and new recess games will create a more dynamic classroom environment. Students will have comfortable places to work independently or read around the room. Indoor games will support teamwork and positive social interaction during recess.

Stephanie Byler – STEM Hands-On Activities
STEM kits and educational games will challenge higher-level learners to think critically and solve problems. These resources encourage collaboration and exploration of science and math concepts. Students will have engaging, hands-on opportunities to extend their learning.

Jami Miller – STEM and Enrichment Activities
Advanced STEM and enrichment games will support students working above grade level. Activities will deepen critical thinking and allow students to explore new interests. These tools provide meaningful extensions beyond the standard curriculum.

Amy Claar – Kinetic Sand Sensory Bins
Kinetic sand bins and themed play sets will support sensory exploration and fine motor development. These activities help young learners build language, imagination, and social skills. The bins also offer calming, hands-on engagement throughout the school day.

Ashlin Heller – Portable Peace
A portable emotional-regulation kit with Tonie Boxes and calming audio stories will help students navigate big feelings. The resource offers individualized support for students who need sensory breaks. It can be used across classrooms and small groups to promote emotional wellbeing.

Emma Hunt – Engaging Readers
Second graders will receive Scholastic News magazines to strengthen reading comprehension. The materials connect literacy to science and social studies topics. Students will have consistent access to high-interest, grade-level nonfiction throughout the year.

Adilene Ward – The Art Room’s Calming Corner (Includes Congress & Wenzel Elementary)
A calming area in the Wall Elementary art room—and additional supplies for Congress and Wenzel—will help students regulate emotions. Sensory tools and art-based therapeutic materials support mindfulness and stress reduction. Over 600 students will benefit from having access to these spaces.

Precious Smith – School Beautification
New trees and shrubs will be planted to improve the school’s outdoor environment. The additions provide shade, create a more welcoming atmosphere, and enhance curb appeal. Protective fencing will ensure the plantings grow safely over time.

Elizabeth Clark – Sensory Squeeze
A Sensory Squeeze Machine will support preschoolers with significant sensory processing needs. The device provides calming deep-pressure input to help students regulate emotions. It will serve many students for years as a reliable sensory resource.

Sarah Ebert & Jamie Zechliniski – Enrichment Library
A collection of social-emotional read-aloud books will be added for preschool classrooms. These stories help children understand concepts like empathy, friendship, and problem-solving. The library will be a long-term resource supporting daily instruction and classroom conversations.

These inspiring projects demonstrate the power of creative teaching and the impact of community support. Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their dedication to enriching the learning environment for their students!