Golden Apple Foundation

Allison Frieders, who teaches sixth grade honors ELA at Rockford's Flinn Middle School, received a literacy grant from us funded by Meg and Rob Hodge. She used the money to buy a classroom set of the book, "Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief." They read the novel, learned new vocabulary, answered comprehension questions, defined character traits of a chosen character, researched Greek mythology, wrote informational paragraphs about their research, created a project board with their research including graphics and visuals, then presented their project boards to peers in another class. They enjoyed the novel so much that they then wanted to research other aspects of Greek mythology and now many of them are reading other novels about Greek mythology. The book will be used in future classes.

We have lots of support from and to help us raise lots of money to support local teachers. Spread the word and bring your friends and family for dinner, drinks and raffle prizes (Travis Tritt tickets, $100 Woodman's gift cards, booze baskets and more!)! Here are a couple more folks you'll see there, too: Dr. Jen Lawrence, Chief of Student Services and Jason Barthel, Chief Information Officer.

STEAM Academy at Haskell teacher Jelena Holcomb received a large Golden Apple grant for "Mental Health Matters" in which she purchased a Childcraft Podium storage center that children used to gather materials and activities independently. Her goal was to strengthen social emotional skills through mindfulness, movement and listening comprehension with Tonieboxes and figurines. All her students benefitted from her purchases and she also loaned some out to other classes. The materials will be used for several years.

Earlier in the week, we had a couple of very smiley visitors! Class of 2026 Golden Apple Teacher Hayley Gotzsche brought her daughter Dolly along when she picked up her chromebook donated by Entre Computer Solutions. Great to see them both!

Kari Morris de Hernandez and Chris Magee, teachers at Guilford High School, received a Collins Aerospace STEM grant for "3D Printing for Diverse Learners." They bought a 3D printer to make biological models for ELL and special education students to make curriculum standards more accessible by making the concepts hands-on. The teachers reported that student engagement far exceeded their expectations. Students' levels of interest and understanding of concepts was increased when using the models. The 3D models benefitted 170 students this year and will be used again in the future.

Join RPS 205 staff on June 25 from 4-7 p.m. @ Ernie’s Midtown Pub! Fill the tip jar, enjoy great food & drinks, & support local teachers through Golden Apple. A percentage of sales will be donated. You could be served by Dr. Jarrett & incoming Supt. Dr. Larry Huff!

Only one more week to go before a BIG GOLDEN DAY! Join us at 9 a.m. with your little ones for story time with 's Aaron Wilson at ' Garden Explorers program! After story time, children can visit several farm-themed stations where Golden Apple Teacher Academy members will guide them in craft and movement activities. Then, at 4 p.m., join us at for installment #1 of this year's Battle of the Districts! administrators and teachers will be pouring drinks behind the bar and working hard for tips to see what district will raise the most for local teachers. Get some food and drinks and socialize with your friends and peers for some summer fun!

Who's coming to the first installment of this summer's Battle of the Districts? Join us from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at and tip your RPS 205 administrators and teachers to raise money for local teachers. See if they will beat Harlem or Hononegah for most tips raised. We will have great raffle prizes and great people here, too! Look for these faces behind the bar &/or selling raffle tickets: Dr. Ehren Jarrett, Dr. Larry Huff, Dr. Jen Lawrence, Jason Barthell, Melanie Dalton, Matt Green, Chelsea Spinello-Johnson, Addie Wilson and Tui Harned! Raffle prizes include 2 tickets to see Travis Tritt on Friday, Aug. 14, at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, booze baskets and gift cards, including a $100 gift card to Woodman's! See you soon!

Dee Edgerton, who teaches at Rockford's West Middle School, received a Golden Apple grant to support the development of a classroom garden. She bought seeds, soil, containers and more gardening supplies. More than 200 students have benefitted from this hands-on learning project connected to science, teamwork, responsibility and healthy living. They planted flowers, vegetables and herbs. The students are actively involved in planting, maintaining and observing the garden. They have learned about plant growth, sustainability and working together.