SJSD Foundation presents 2025 Apple Seed Innovation Grants
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph School District Foundation honored nine employees with "surprise patrol" visits.
The nine selected SJSD faculty were presented with Apple Seed Grants recognizing their contributions to innovative education ideas. The total amount of funding given out was over $18,000.
The Following teachers received grants from the SJSD Foundation:
- Danyelle Gonzales, Math Teacher, Central High School: Math Connections with Robotics, which uses hands-on robotics to help teach math classes.
- Nicole Adams, 5th Grade Teacher, Oak Grove Elementary: Book Buddies book club, pairing reading with physical activities
- Madison Michalski, Teacher, Field Elementary: Little Ears, Big Ideas which will have students perform no screen based listening activities.
- Rhianna Villanueva, Library Facilitator, Coleman Elementary: 3D Pen Station will see the Coleman library an open-access STEM based makerspace.
- Kaitlyn Poage, 6th Grade Teacher, Eugene Field Elementary: Gridiron Geometry 3D has students creating replica models of NFL stadiums.
- Elizabeth Hoskins & Becky Carter, Bode Middle School & Central High School: Creative Currents has students learn and practice different art styles.
- Tomi Violett, Kindergarten Teacher, Hyde Elementary: STEM Bins will have kindergarteners turn everyday items into different creations.
- Lucy Mize, Math Teacher, Lafayette High School: Escape Room Math will see students create their own escape room with algebra, geometry and logic.
- Kathleen Adams, Kindergarten Teacher, Hosea Elementary: World Literacy for Little Learners will have kindergarteners explore real-world careers through literacy.
One of the teachers nominated, Kaitlyn Poage, expressed her appreciation for the grant and explained how her class will be using the funding for 3D printers to fabricate the models of NFL stadiums.
"The idea came one of my teaching partners was really big into sports," Poage said. "When we talked her into coming to teach sixth grade this year, she said on one condition, 'We do an NFL theme'. I was trying to think where we can go with this idea. And that's when i came up with the 3D printing NFL stadiums."
The finished Stadiums will be displayed in a Super Bowl themed expo in February.
