The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation will be hosting Public School Proud, an inaugural event supporting Sioux Falls public school teachers and students. Public School Proud is a reverse raffle fundraiser and student talent showcase benefiting the grant programs of the Education Foundation. Sponsors include Sanford Health ($5,000), Vance Thompson Vision ($2,500), Cutler Law Firm ($1,000), Eide Bailly ($1,000), Omnitech ($1,000), Reliabank ($1,000), Dakota Vision Center ($500), First Dakota National Bank ($500), Showplace Cabinetry ($200), and Raven Industries (in-kind donation).  

Instead of inviting outside performers, the Education Foundation will be featuring student groups. The Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastries students from the CTE Academy will be preparing and serving the appetizers and desserts. Other talent, from the four high schools, will also be included.

Tickets are $100, which includes entrance to the event, appetizers and desserts, one drink ticket, entertainment, and a chance to win half the pot of ticket sales. In a reverse raffle, tickets are drawn throughout the night. The person whose ticket is drawn last is the lucky winner, claiming half the prize money. There will be a cash bar available.

Tickets for Public School Proud can be purchased online: https://sfpsef.kindful.com/ When visiting the website, please select “Public School Proud” from the drop down box. Tickets are limited, so guests are encouraged to purchase them early. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call 605.367.4484.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will enhance the grant programs for teachers. Last year, educators requested $140,000 in funding, and the Education Foundation was able to award $57,000. Through this event, Board members and volunteers hope to close the gap, ensuring students continue to have immersive, hands-on experiences in the classroom.

Any teacher in the Sioux Falls School District can apply for up to $10,000 in funding for creative and innovative materials not financed by tax dollars. Educators have used grant funds to purchase robotics kits, musical instruments, virtual reality goggles, flexible seating options, drones, light tables, 3D printers, culturally appropriate books, and much more. In addition, every first-time, first-year teacher receives a $200 grant to purchase materials to equip their classroom.

Since 2008, the Education Foundation has awarded more than $450,000 to teachers in the Sioux Falls School District.