Teachers received grants from the Southwest Dubois Education Foundation
This year, teachers Rachel Hopf, Holland Elementary, and Hannah Doersam, Huntingburg Elementary, were grant recipients from the Southwest Dubois Education Foundation, both receiving funding to strengthen early literacy opportunities for young learners.
Rachel, who has been with Southwest Dubois for five years, applied for a grant to bring a new phonics resource into the preschool classrooms to better support early literacy development for young learners. Rachel oversees two preschool classrooms and works alongside preschool teachers Gretchen Weyerbacher and Kaelynn Messmer to research and select the resource.
“We, as a preschool team, found that teaching phonics in the preschool classroom can be a difficult task,” Rachel explained. “So, we researched different preschool-based resources that focus on how to teach it in a way that is engaging and appropriate for early learners. When I saw this grant available, I knew it was time to apply and see if we could bring this resource into our preschools.”
Hannah, a kindergarten teacher who has been at Southwest Dubois for four years, also received a grant focused on literacy growth. Her project includes bilingual literacy kits that students can use at home with their families.
“I wanted to give my students fun literacy activities they can use at home with their families,” Hannah shared. “I was really interested in these specific kits because they are in English and Spanish so parents can help their child.”
Hannah said receiving support for classroom ideas helps provide opportunities that students may not otherwise experience. “It means a lot to have support because it helps bring classroom ideas to life and gives students opportunities they may not otherwise have,” she said.
Both teachers emphasized their gratitude to the Southwest Dubois Education Foundation and the opportunities it creates for students and staff throughout the district.
The Southwest Dubois Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Southwest Dubois students and staff through scholarships, innovation grants, and special projects across the district. Community members who wish to support the Foundation can contribute in a variety of ways, including memorial donations, planned gifts, retirement account gifts, and direct donations. Every contribution helps create meaningful opportunities and experiences for Southwest Dubois students both inside and outside the classroom. If you have any questions, please contact edfoundation@swdubois.k12.in.us
