2023–2024 SRR Education Foundation Grants

The SRREF is a volunteer-led organization of Sauk Rapids and Rice community members, school staff, parents/guardians, and area business owners committed to enhancing students' educational experience at Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. Since the foundation’s inception in 2012, its priorities have been to create unforgettable classroom experiences, unite the community and our schools, and provide an opportunity for children who need one.  

This year rather than having a $5,000 fall and a $5,000 spring grant round the foundation decided it would best benefit students and classrooms to award this year's $10,000 in grants at the beginning of the school year.  There were many applicants and the selection process was difficult, but on Monday, October 23, eleven classroom grants were presented to the following district staff:  

• Shantal Spoden–Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School: $1,000 grant; Essential Living Skills Sensory Room Initiative
• Sara Tabatt–Pleasantview Elementary: $560 grant; Test of Composure and Precision Initiative
• Laura Klatt–Mississippi Heights Elementary: $985 grant; Sensory Room Initiative
• Jenny Bushman–Rice Elementary: $650 grant Ready Bodies Learning Minds Through Movement Initiative
• Alisa Hurst–Hillside Early Childhood: $1,000 grant; Let’s Play with Communication Initiative
• Greg Jamison–Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School: $1,000 grant; Real World Math Gardening
• Jill Zimpel–Pleasantview Elementary: $1,000 grant; Recess Activities for Students with a Disability, Limitations, and/or Restrictions Initiative
• Cara Francisco–Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School: $650 grant; Yearbook Cameras Initiative
• Carrie Lutterman–Hillside Early Childhood: $1,000 grant; Physical Education/Gross Motor Skills Initiative
• Carol Mead–Mississippi Heights Elementary: $784.17 grant; Kindergarten Sensory Exploration Initiative
• Erin Thompson–Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School: $1,000 grant; Middle School Media Refresh Initiative

Congratulations to the 11 district staff members who received classroom grants from the SRR Education Foundation. Thank you to the SRREF and its volunteers for putting students first, supporting district staff, and bringing the communities of Sauk Rapids and Rice together to provide opportunities for kids!