There’s less than two weeks until the first day of school, and the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation (SFPSEF) surprised teachers Monday morning when they awarded 50 Public School Proud Grants during New Teacher Orientation at Lincoln High School.

First-time teachers often purchase classroom supplies and materials out of their own pocket. These start-up costs are necessary for the teaching and learning environment, yet they are not typically covered under school budgets. In the fall of 2017, thanks to a generous donation from the Mary Chilton Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Foundation, the SFPSEF was able to double this grant from $100 to $200 per teacher. Since the program began in 2011, the Education Foundation has awarded more than $82,000 to 612 teachers. 

“We are excited to support our new teachers with these $200 Public School Proud Grants. We enjoy making the announcement at New Teacher Orientation because it is a great opportunity for us to welcome them to the district and to let them know that we appreciate what they’re doing in the classroom,” said Allison Struck, executive director of the Education Foundation.