08/20/2026
The Siloam Springs Public School Foundation invests in ideas that support students, families, and classrooms in meaningful ways! Today, we’re excited to spotlight the three grants that Allen Elementary received this year and the exciting projects they’ll be bringing to their school community.
Stacey Cook & Renee Buckminster - ESOL Teachers, and Lynn Wisely, Instructional Coach
This project, “Chefs Around the World”, will bring families of K–5 students receiving English Language Development services together for three multicultural family cooking nights. Families will cook and share meals inspired by Hispanic/Latino, Marshallese, and Hmong cultures while building relationships with teachers, students, and other families. Grant funds will provide food, cooking supplies, and materials for the events, as well as supplies to create a multicultural cookbook featuring recipes shared throughout the project. The cookbook will serve as a lasting celebration of the cultures and families that make up the Allen community!
Mary Vaughn - Counselor
Ms. Vaughn’s project, “Supporting Self-Regulation Through Sensory and Reset Tools”, will provide sensory and calming tools for every classroom at Allen Elementary, helping students safely manage emotions and improve focus throughout the school day. School counselors will also teach students and staff about brain states and self-regulation strategies, helping students better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions. Together, these resources will help create a more inclusive and emotionally responsive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Ashley Lee - First Grade Teacher
Ms. Lee’s project, “Flexible Seating”, will transform her classroom into an adaptable, student-centered learning environment where students have the opportunity to choose seating that supports their individual needs. Grant funds will provide a variety of developmentally appropriate options, including wobble stools, balance ball chairs, floor cushions, standing desks, and lap desks. By giving students more choice in how and where they learn, this project will help young learners find positions that improve their focus, comfort, and engagement throughout the school day.
This is : Supporting our teachers with the resources to create classrooms and experiences where every student can feel supported, engaged, and ready to learn.
Congratulations to each of these recipients, and thank you to the Siloam Springs Public School Foundation for investing our schools!
