From USD 428
Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to celebrate the creativity and dedication of educators across Great Bend Public Schools, and the USD 428 Education Foundation is proud to do just that with the announcement of its 2026 Mini-Grant recipients.
As the district wraps up another successful school year, the Foundation is excited to award $14,385.68 in Mini-Grants to support 22 innovative classroom projects across USD 428. These grants are designed to enhance student learning through hands-on experiences, new resources, and creative instructional strategies that go beyond traditional funding.
“The Education Foundation is incredibly excited to see these new ideas come to life in our classrooms,” said Kelsey Sciacca, USD 428 Education Foundation President. “By matching the generosity of our community with the innovative ideas of our teachers, our students are the ones who truly benefit.”
Grant recipients were invited to attend a reception in their honor on April 22nd, held at the District Education Center.
2026 Mini-Grant Recipients:
· Anna Alvarez, GBHS — STAR, Spanish literacy resources for novice learners
· Erin Beck & Braden Schultz, GBHS — Weight Room Display, student progress tracking and motivation display
· Amy Turner & Trish Berger, GBHS — Brews & Bloom, student-led coffee/cupcake micro-enterprise
· Jake Hoffinger, GBHS — It Takes Money to Make Money, student-run entrepreneurship and financial literacy project
· Cristina Montes, GBHS — Literacy, expanded classroom reading and vocabulary resources
· Travis Straub, GBHS — Student Woodshop Projects, hands-on woodworking and design
· Esports, GBHS — Make a SMASH!, expanded competitive gaming and teamwork opportunities
· Sarah Vaughn, Little Panthers — Inclusive Literacy Lab, flexible, multisensory literacy tools
· Sarah Ellegood & Miranda Zink, GBMS — The Power of the Pen, handwriting and writing skill development tools for special education
· Holly Oyedeji, GBMS — In Clear View, upgraded cameras for student photography/yearbook
· Ashlyn Esposito, Eisenhower — Hands-on Learning for Every Level, math manipulatives for differentiated learning
· Katy Barkow, Eisenhower — Tools for Teaching Beginning Readers, Science of Reading-aligned phonics and literacy materials
· Ashlee Bevan, Eisenhower — Hands-On Math Exploration with Fraction Tiles and Versatiles
· Kalee Maneth, Eisenhower — Eagles Learning Beyond the Nest, outdoor and project-based learning experiences
· Jonelle Moshier, Eisenhower — SOARing Through Math!, standards-aligned math practice and enrichment
· Caitlyn Thompson, Eisenhower — Growth Through Movement, classroom movement tools to boost focus and engagement
· Kaylee Unruh, Eisenhower — Literacy Small Groups, targeted phonics and guided reading supports
· Katie Zimmerman, Eisenhower — The Tree Top – School Wide Positive Reinforcement Shop
· Natalie DeForest, Jefferson — Versatiles Literacy Classroom Kit
· Signe Cook, Park — Egg to Chicken, hands-on life cycle exploration with incubation
· Lacey Hoffinger, Park — Park Reading Contest, schoolwide reading motivation and incentives
· Allison Adams, BCSS — Sensing Success, sensory supports for focus and self-regulation
As a volunteer-led organization, the USD 428 Education Foundation is dedicated to funding innovative educational ideas and programs that fall outside the scope of the traditional public-school budget. These mini-grants are made possible through the generosity of community members and business partners who believe in enhancing opportunities for USD 428 students.
The Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to the many individuals and corporate supporters who contribute throughout the year. Proceeds from the annual Red & Black Ball—its primary fundraiser—along with Giving Tuesday donations and other gifts, directly support impactful classroom projects like those recognized this year.
For more information about supporting the USD 428 Education Foundation or how to get involved, please contact the USD 428 District Office at 620-793-1500.