Public school foundation reports $7,315 in grants and new Johnson Trust awards for music and science projects
Summary
Rapid City Public School Foundation told trustees it awarded $7,315 in grants this year including a Meadowbrook hydroponics project, an after‑school guitar program at General Beadle, a Morning Nest at Wilson Elementary, and Johnson Trust funding for trail cameras and a commissioned band piece.
Representatives of the Rapid City Public School Foundation briefed the board on recent grants, gifts and recognition programs.
Sarah, executive director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation, introduced grants co‑chair Dustin Calhoun and Gretchen Burke (head of the Above & Beyond awards). Calhoun said, “we've done several grants this year in total, $7,315,” and highlighted specific awards: a hydroponic grow system at Meadowbrook Elementary that will engage fifth graders in mentoring younger students, an after‑school guitar program at General Beadle with plans to perform for local retirement homes, and the Morning Nest at Wilson Elementary to support students in distress each morning. Burke said the foundation administered Johnson Trust withdrawals supporting science (trail cameras at Raider Park) and a music department commission for the ninth grade band that will premiere at a state conference.
Burke also described the Above & Beyond awards program that recognizes classified and certificated staff across the district and thanked sponsors including Black Hills Community Bank. The foundation noted teacher‑of‑the‑year nominations are due to the foundation by Friday and that spring events will be busier with more award presentations planned.
Board members and foundation representatives exchanged brief remarks of appreciation; no board action was required.
