Golden Apple Foundation

Holy Family School - Rockford teacher, Brooke Harp received a literacy grant from us funded by Meg and Rob Hodge to get books that varied in reading level and genre. Her middle-school students were re-invigorated to read, as the books covered topis of interest to them. Brooke created a genre scavenger hunt that helped students discover what they wanted to read. Her goal was to provide access to different genres that the students would want to read and it worked! She found that her students were actually craving having access to different genres. Hundreds of students will be able to read these books over the course of their lives.

Froberg Elementary teacher Ryan Pearson received a Collins STEM grant through us to take his students to Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo. Most of these students would never have seen these attractions if not for this grant. This field trip aligned with the Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum units on Astronomy, The History of Earth, and Animals and Their Habitats. His students visited the Adler Planetarium to deepen their understanding of space, planets and the universe. They visited the Shedd Aquarium & Brookfield Zoo to explore animals and their environments. These immersive experiences reinforced classroom learning by connecting abstract concepts to tangible, real-world observations; fostering curiosity and engagement. Pearson said, "To view these lessons and field trips through the lens of a 7-year-old, has been beyond priceless. I could write pages of how much these trips meant to all the students (and myself); the level of excitement and engagement cannot be contained in print. You have no idea how many times I heard 'This was the best day ever'"!

Gabriela Nunez-Reagan, who teaches at Belvidere's Meehan Elementary, received a literacy grant from us funded by Meg & Rob Hodge, and was able to buy writing tablets for all five classes of first graders at the school! The students have been extra motivated to practice spelling and phonics with the tablet and enjoy how they can erase and start over without the worry of mistakes. They enjoy using a stylus over a wooden pencil and also use the tablets to work on math skills. The engagement and motivation has improved as the students love seeing what they are working on come to life in different colors. The tablets can be used for several years, reaching hundreds of students to help them reach academic goals.

Thank you, Entre Computer Solutions for gifting our Class of 2026 an HP chromebook! Teachers, don't forget to come pick yours up! It was great to see Chelsea Spinello-Johnson and Katie Volk when they stop in for theirs. Congratulations again!

Sarah Jakymiw, who teaches Pre-K - 12th grade music and theater at Christian Life Schools received a Golden Apple grant to buy instruments and supplementary music gear to help re-build and enrich the elementary music program, support a new student worship team and improve the middle and high school program. Some items replaced broken instruments. Other items were additions to the program. All 200+ students through 5th grade use the instruments, plus 30 middle or high school students. Multi-cultural instruments have increased interest and engagement and ignited the love of music in her students. These products will be used year after year.

Did you get an email about your t-shirt being ready at Rockford Art Deli? We did not, but did some super sleuthing and found out that all our Here for Good orders have shipped or are ready for pick up. Go get 'em! We would like everyone who got one to wear it on June 25. We have a big, bright, Golden day starting with Garden Explorers at at 9 a.m. and ending at for a Guest Bartender fundraiser at 4 p.m.! Show your teacher pride!

Jennifer Fuller, who teaches self-contained Science classes at received a grant from us funded by the Blazer Foundation. She was able to buy six books for each of the three types of science she teaches. Replacing books that were falling apart and taped together tells these students that they are valued. The books will be used by her students for several years.

Aubrey Barnett, who teaches at Thurgood Marshall Middle School, received a Collins STEM grant through us for "Solving the Future: Building a STEM Legacy through Future Problem Solvers." The FPS program was expanded. Students applied a structured problem solving process to real-world challenges including aerospace topics while developing skills in research, critical thinking and collaboration.
The team earned four first place awards at the state competition. The grant allowed Aubrey to increase student and coach participation and for students to compete and succeed in state and international competition. 28 students in grades 2-10 collaborated in cross-grade FPS. More students are expected to participate next year.

Crystal Ellis and Tierra Vich of Stone Creek School received a Golden Apple grant for SEL picture books. The books help second and third grade students develop strategies to better understand and manage their emotions through relatable stories and characters and meaningful discussions. Topics covered included anger management, grief, growth mindsets, tattling versus reporting, friendship challenges and self-regulation. These books benefitted 360 students this year and will continue to be used for several years.