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Hackberry School District honors teachers, awards $250 classroom grants
Summary
Hackberry School District recognized several outstanding teachers and awarded $250 classroom grants to support student needs such as a school pantry, sensory supplies, snacks and math materials, district officials said.
The Hackberry School District (4371) recognized multiple teachers Tuesday and awarded each a $250 classroom grant intended to help students with basic needs and classroom learning, district speakers said.
Christine Olen, an English-as-a-Second-Language teacher at Risen Middle School, said she plans to use the $250 to help build a school pantry for jackets, hygiene products and food for students who lack those items at home. “One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is just building relationships with my students,” Olen said, adding that budget cuts sometimes hinder staff capacity to support students as fully as they would like.
Candy Ellis, principal of Risen Middle School, introduced Olen and praised her as a leader who advocates for students and supports professional learning at the school.
Yukiko Shin, who works at Honeydew Elementary’s instructional learning center serving kindergarten through fourth grade, told the board she will use the grant to buy sensory toys and food tailored to students with specific dietary needs. Angel Toich, introduced as Shin’s principal, praised Shin’s long hours and strong family communication.
Sylvia Florus, a special education teacher at Talbet Hill Elementary, said she will put the funds toward building a snack base for students who forget to eat or are picky eaters. “I most love when students begin to see themselves as the readers and writers and mathematicians that they are,” Florus said. Caitlyn Lman, principal at Talbet Hill, described Florus as having made a “tremendous impact” in her first year and noted her bilingual work with families.
Ginger Burke, who teaches inclusive preschool at MEST, said she will spend the grant on more engaging math toys, simple board games and updated math books to support early numeracy. Colleagues highlighted Burke’s classroom culture, collaboration and informal technology support for staff.
The presentations underscored a district emphasis on supporting both academic and nonacademic student needs — food, sensory supports and hands-on learning materials — through modest, targeted classroom grants. The recognition segment closed with district leaders thanking the teachers for their service and looking ahead to continued work in 2025.
