The APS Foundation's support of students and staff fulfills crucial and timely K-12 classroom, school and district needs not met by other sources. The APS Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization chartered in 1992, and governed by a volunteer board of directors. We operate independently from the Aberdeen public schools, but exists solely to support Aberdeen Public School District students and staff. We Support Our Students and Staff:
Since 2004, Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation has awarded over $1.3 million in grants, scholarships, and other projects to enhance and supplement learning opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students in the Aberdeen Public School System.
• Administer Grants for K-12 projects/programs: Grants for innovative/creative projects whose goal is enhancing the tradition of excellence in Aberdeen Public Schools. Grants have helped provide Makerspace enhancements, iPad keyboards and Strider bikes for elementary classrooms, Briggs & Stratton engines and Project Lead the Way drones and computer science curriculum for middle schoolers, and Rachel’s Challenge presentations and curriculum, A-TEC welders and Dallas Brass workshops and performance opportunities for CHS students. In the last 5 years, over $80,000 in Innovation Partnership and District Collaboration grants have been awarded to K-12 projects and programs with school specific or district-wide impact.
• Coordinate the CHS Rising Scholars Program: The Rising Scholars Program supports CHS students taking dual credit classes at SD colleges and tech schools, or Apex online learning classes. Juniors and seniors enrolling in dual credit classes can apply for book grants (up to $50/class). In 2019-20 book grants were awarded to 124 CHS students taking 191 college and dual credit classes. In the last 5 years, over $35,000 in Class of ’49 Rising Scholars grants have been awarded to more than 530 CHS students to help them take advantage of college credit opportunities.
• Endowments, Scholarships and Grants – The Foundation manages twenty-five endowment funds providing scholarships in a variety of fields of study for college, as well as grants for K-12 students. In addition to our endowed scholarships, the Foundation also manages and awards seven annually-funded scholarships. Scholarships and grants totaling over $41,000 were awarded to our students in 2019-20. Over $175,000 has been awarded in education scholarships and grants in the past five years to help K-12 students and beyond. Information about each endowment and scholarship, along with applications are available on the foundation website at www.aberdeenpublicschoolsfoundation.org
Staff Support and Recognition
• New Teacher Totes – The Foundation assembles a Golden Eagle tote of useful items for new teachers to welcome them to the Aberdeen School District.
• Golden Apple Awards – Aberdeen School District staff and volunteers who go above and beyond are nominated for these awards by their peers, community members, parents, etc. We Involve Our Alumni:
Serve as a Connection point for Alumni and Reunion groups: The APS Foundation provides class contact information and assists reunion groups with planning their reunions.
• Publish the Blue and Gold Alumni & Friends Newsletter: The first Blue and Gold Alumni newsletter was published in November of 2005. This bi-annual publication contains current information about the Foundation, schools, students, staff and alumni. Circulation is over 15,500 via mail and email.
• Operate the Alumni Room at Old CHS - Memorabilia includes marching band uniforms and hats, CHS letter sweaters, scrapbooks, and hundreds of restored trophies and photos which represent CHS student achievement in band, choir, speech, debate, academics and sports! We Partner with Our Community:
• CHS Hall of Fame Banquet – This event is designed to honor CHS alumni and groups/teams in the areas of Academics/Achievement, Athletics, Fine Arts and Distinguished Service. This fall’s event has been postponed to 2021, in conjunction with CHS Homecoming Week activities.
• Knight for a Princess – Knight for a Princess is a special dinner/dance fundraiser event for young ladies 4-12 years old. Escorts are dads, grandpas, uncles, or very special male role models. Couples enjoy appetizers, cupcakes, a photo moment, princess activities, swing dance lessons, magic, celebrity guests, plus an evening of memorable dancing. This year’s date is April 17, 2021. Event proceeds help fund grant programs for our students and staff. How can YOU help?
• Nominate someone for a Golden Apple Award.
• Apply for an Innovation Partnership Grant.
• Support the Foundation through a monthly deduction from your payroll check. We are thankful for the many staff members who choose to do this!
• Volunteer to help with the Hall of Fame Banquet or the Knight for a Princess event.
• If you would like to get involved, call the Foundation at 605-725-7118 or email [email protected]. We are always looking for ideas to help better serve our students and staff! Look us up – www.aberdeenpublicschoolsfoundation.org
