On Monday, April 29th, The Barrel House in Sioux Falls will be donating 10 percent of all sales to support the Education Foundation’s Innovation in Education Grant Program. Last year, the Education Foundation awarded more than $57,000 to teachers in the Sioux Falls School District who are using innovative and creative teaching strategies.
Teachers who have been awarded grants have used the funds to purchase drones, coding robots, percussion instruments, specialized books for English language learners, breakout kits, flexible seating options, simulation mannequins, STEM kits, and seed labs, to name a few. The grant process is competitive, and a committee of retired educators and community members review and score the grant applications.
“We’re looking forward to the fundraiser at The Barrel House because it allows us to raise money while also creating awareness about the Education Foundation and the work we’re doing to empower both teachers and students,” said Allison Struck, executive director. “The Sioux Falls School District staff members are using incredible curriculum supports, and we want to continue to champion those educators who are going above and beyond to engage all students.”
In addition to the Innovation in Education Grants, the Education Foundation provides every first-year, first time teacher with a $200 stipend to purchase classroom supplies. Research has shown that more than 90 percent of teachers spend their own money to equip their rooms (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/16/us/teachers-school-supplies.html). The First Year Teacher Grant is possible because of a generous donation from the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation. Fifty new teachers received $200 this fall.
The fundraiser at The Barrel House is all day Monday, April 29th. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the promotion runs throughout the day until they close at 2 a.m. For more information, visit the Education Foundation’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SFPSEF/.