The Sturgis Area Community Foundation, in partnership with local service clubs including the Sturgis Kiwanis Club, Sturgis Lions Club, Sturgis Rotary Club, and Sturgis Eastside Kiwanis Club, recently awarded over $7,000 in grant funding to 16 educators through the Teacher Mini-Grant program. This annual initiative empowers teachers to bring creative and impactful classroom projects to life, enriching the educational experience for students across Sturgis Public Schools.

The Teacher Mini-Grant program supports a wide range of classroom initiatives, including technology upgrades, arts and culture projects, educational experiences, and curriculum-aligned enhancements. Eligible teachers and staff are invited to apply each fall, with funding awarded to initiatives that inspire and engage students.

Lisa Burkey – Edge Incentives
The Edge program at Sturgis High School focuses on supporting students at risk of not graduating. By offering unique incentives—such as pizza parties, ice cream socials, and an end-of-year cookout—Lisa motivates students to engage with their coursework and work towards graduation. The grant funding will allow her to expand the program, incorporating new rewards and experiences that keep students invested in their education.

Meaghan Anderson – Yearbook Technology
Meaghan’s Yearbook Technology project is designed to enhance the tools available to the yearbook class. By upgrading equipment such as refurbished laptops and software, students can work more efficiently on deadlines and create a professional-grade yearbook. This initiative not only improves the final product but also teaches students valuable design and time management skills.

Riley Post – Journaling to Success
High-quality, hardcover journals provided for Riley’s project will help English 9 students organize their writing and track their progress throughout the year. Journaling encourages students to take pride in their work, fostering better organization and creative expression. The journals allow students to build a strong foundation for effective communication and self-expression.

Charles Long – Woodshop CNC Machine
With the addition of a CNC machine to the woodshop program, Charles is opening up a new world of creativity and innovation for his students. The equipment allows students to design and execute complex woodworking projects, from personalized signs to intricate carvings. This project also encourages collaboration and provides opportunities for community-focused initiatives.

Stacey Richardson – Classroom Choice Time
Stacey’s Classroom Choice Time project introduces engaging materials such as puzzles, sensory toys, and games to her self-contained classroom. These tools help keep students engaged and entertained during downtime, providing additional opportunities for learning and social development in a low-pressure setting.

Megan Watkins – Small Group Reading
Megan’s project focuses on improving literacy skills through small-group reading activities. Students read books like Freak the Mighty and Wish, engaging in group discussions and collaborative comprehension exercises. This initiative builds not only literacy skills but also teamwork and critical thinking abilities.

Kim Harlow – Camera Battery Project
Yearbook students at Sturgis Middle School rely on cameras to document school events, sports, and activities. Kim’s project addresses the need for uninterrupted access to equipment by providing extended battery packs and additional batteries, ensuring students can capture every moment without delays.

Nikita Milliman – Direct Instruction to Close Gaps
Nikita’s project focuses on a math curriculum specifically designed for resource room and intervention settings. The program targets students with learning disabilities, helping them build foundational math skills and confidence. The funding supports the implementation of this curriculum, providing structured support throughout the school year.

Jessica Hohn – Mini Economics
Jessica’s project creates a classroom mini-economy for 5th-grade students, teaching them economic principles through hands-on experiences. Students earn classroom currency by completing jobs, showing leadership, and being good students. They can spend their earnings on classroom store items, market day goods, and auction prizes. Materials for the project include colored paper for creating currency, classroom store items, and a cash box. This engaging initiative helps students develop financial literacy and real-world problem-solving skills.

Cindy Munn – Economics Project
Cindy’s project also introduces 5th-grade students to the fundamentals of economics but focuses on market day and classroom auctions as the centerpiece of learning. Students earn classroom currency through participation, good behavior, and leadership roles, which they then use to purchase items during organized market days and auctions. The grant supports the purchase of classroom store goods, auction items, and other supplies to bring the project to life. This approach offers a fun and interactive way to understand economic concepts while building teamwork and communication skills.

Pamela Keesler – Supports for Special Education Students
Pamela’s project aims to equip general education teachers with sensory tools and books about disabilities. These materials help foster awareness and inclusivity, ensuring that students with disabilities receive better support in the classroom. This initiative benefits special education students from pre-K through high school, creating a more understanding and accommodating learning environment.

Stephanie Byler – Michigan History Presentation
Third graders at Eastwood Elementary will explore Michigan’s rich history through a virtual presentation that includes artifacts, live storytelling, and interactive elements. Stephanie’s project provides students with a deeper understanding of the state’s heritage and the Indigenous communities that shaped its history.

Katie Herblet – Special Education Math and Reading Manipulatives
Katie’s project enhances learning for grades 3-5 special education students by incorporating manipulatives for math and reading. These hands-on tools help students better understand abstract concepts and provide critical support for struggling learners.

Kylee Brock – STEM Project
Kylee’s STEM Project introduces her 2nd graders to science, technology, engineering, and math through engaging activities. With STEM bins, Indi kits, and marble runs, students develop problem-solving skills and an early interest in STEM careers. These activities encourage creativity and exploration, laying the foundation for future learning.

Amy Claar – Career Centered Dramatic Play
Amy’s project brings dramatic play to life for her Pre-K students by providing dress-up clothes and props for various careers. This initiative fosters imaginative play while introducing students to different career options, helping them develop social and cognitive skills through role-playing.

Precious Kline – School Beautification
Precious is transforming the outdoor play area at Jerolene School by planting trees and shrubs. This beautification project not only enhances the school’s appearance but also provides shade and a more pleasant environment for students to enjoy during outdoor activities.

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!