08/20/2026
The Siloam Springs Public School Foundation invests in ideas that support the whole student and create meaningful learning experiences! Today, we’re excited to spotlight three Northside Elementary teachers who received grants this year and the projects they’ll be bringing to their students.
Kristen Griffin-Holbert - Counselor
Ms. Holbert’s project, “Building Regulation & Readiness: Expanding Student Support for PreK–5”, will provide age-appropriate counseling resources to support students’ emotional, social, and academic success. Grant funds will provide flexible seating, movement and calming tools, writing materials, hands-on activities, and other resources designed to help students build self-regulation, focus, problem-solving, and healthy coping skills. This will help create welcoming, supportive spaces where students can develop greater independence and feel ready to learn.
Mary Grayson - Library Media Specialist
Ms. Grayson’s project, “Family Literacy Night: Stories Come to Life”, will bring families together for a free, interactive PreK–5 Family Literacy Night designed to encourage a love of reading and strengthen the connection between home and school. Families will participate in hands-on literacy stations including reader’s theater, storytelling, story creation, bookmark making, and literacy games. The materials purchased through the grant will be reusable for future family events and can also be incorporated into classroom and library instruction throughout the year, making this project an investment that keeps giving!
Madalyn Whitten - 3rd Grade Teacher and Miriam Taylor - Assistant Principal
Ms. Whitten’s project, "Gardening in Schools", will continue to grow Northside’s hands-on gardening opportunities! Grant funds will be used to purchase raised garden beds and supplies, including soil and fertilizer, as well as build small hoop houses to extend the growing season in existing beds. Students will also help expand the school’s vegetable and pollinator gardens, creating a hands-on learning environment where students can explore, discover, and learn from the world around them. While 3rd grade students will primarily work in the garden, the space will provide learning opportunities for students across PreK–5th grade.
This is : Supporting teachers with the resources they need to create meaningful experiences for every student.
Congratulations to our recipients, and thank you to the Siloam Springs Public School Foundation for investing in the future of our community!
