February 2025 Newsletter

Littleton Public Schools Foundation

How LPS Foundation Grants Bring Innovation to Classrooms

Every day in Littleton Public Schools, teachers bring passion, creativity, and dedication to their classrooms. They dream up new ways to spark curiosity, to make every student feel seen, and to help learning come alive. But dreams often need funding to become reality. That’s where the LPS Foundation’s “Grants to Educators” program steps in.

Each year, we invite educators to share their biggest, boldest ideas—projects that enhance academic experiences, create inclusive spaces, and help students dream. And every year, we are inspired by their vision.

This year, educators from Pre-K through 12th grade submitted an incredible array of grant requests, ranging from $100 to $5,000 per project. Thanks to you, our generous supporters, we were able to fund close to 90% of the requests, bringing exciting new opportunities to students and schools across our district. While every proposal was inspiring, we prioritized funding for:

First-time grant recipients
High-need schools or programs
Projects focused on fostering student belonging

We are pleased to report that the “Grants to Educators” program funded $100,110 in grants this spring. The impact of these grants will be far-reaching. From small-group initiatives to school-wide transformations, thousands of students will benefit for years to come.

You can view the complete list of 2024-25 grant recipients here.

None of this would be possible without YOU—our incredible donors. Your generosity fuels innovation in the classroom and directly impacts the lives of LPS students and educators. Thank you!

"The LPS Foundation has consistently supported LPS teachers by providing funds to help us get the "extras" that are needed to enhance our curriculum. This enables educators to reach all of our students through hands-on, collaborative, and engaging materials. I am so thankful for their support."

-Debbie Sabato, ELD Teacher at Sandburg Elementary and Hopkins Elementary

Impact in Action: LPS Foundation Grant Brings Social-Emotional Learning to GT Students

A 2023-24 educator grant provided social-emotional health tools to gifted and talented students at Hopkins Elementary. The tools included models of the brain, picture books, parent resources, puzzles, Keva planks, and Rubix cubes.

Students shared, "We loved using actual models of the brains and learning about how different parts of the brain help us in different ways. We learned a lot about the limbic system and how our emotions and our reactions to things are very complex!"

Teacher Stacey Stagner said students benefit from the grant in various ways. "Building with Keva planks in teams helped improve our teamwork and communication. Using the "Gifted Kids Survival Book" allowed students to become more introspective and reflective about their strengths, challenges, and uniqueness. And using the Rubix cubes was a stress reliever and a reward for accomplishments and hard work."

Thanks to this grant, students gained a deeper understanding of their emotions and cognitive functions and developed essential life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and self-awareness.

Join Us at the 2025 Spirit Celebration and Support LPS

When and Where is The Spirit Celebration:

This year’s Spirit Celebration will be held at Infinity Park Event Center on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6-10 p.m.

Who Should Attend:

The Spirit Celebration is for everyone! Whether you're an LPS parent, a community member, a supporter of the Foundation, or simply looking for a great night out for a great cause, this event is for you.

Why Your Support of The Spirit Celebration Matters:

Your participation helps bridge critical funding gaps in Littleton Public Schools. Even in a thriving district like LPS, schools rely on additional resources to provide students with meaningful learning experiences and enriching opportunities.

You can make a difference at the event by participating in the silent and live auctions, the paddle raise, or simply by showing up to support LPS students and staff.

How to Participate in The Spirit Celebration:

Purchase Tickets:

https://Spirit4LPS.givesmart.com

Become a Sponsor:

Your business, family, group, or school can make a meaningful impact by sponsoring the event. Explore partnership opportunities here or contact Executive Director Stef Carroll at scarroll@lps.k12.co.us or 303-347-3478.

Can’t Attend? You Can Still Help!

If you cannot join us on April 4, you can still support LPS students and staff by donating online to help fund critical programs. You can also participate in our online auction, which starts on Friday, March 28, to help students thrive.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of LPS students and teachers! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Buy Spirit Tickets

Amanda Breslin joins the LPS Foundation Board of Directors

We are delighted to introduce Amanda Breslin as the newest Littleton Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors member! With her extensive experience and passion for education, Amanda is a fantastic addition. As the COO at Chatham Financial, a valued LPS Foundation partner for many years, she has already shown a strong dedication to supporting our schools and students. Amanda is replacing long-time board member Tim Mitchell, who retired from Chatham Financial at the end of 2024. Tim was instrumental in the Foundation’s growth in the last few years, and we are grateful for his service.

Get to know Amanda below.

Why did you want to be a part of the LPS Foundation board?

I've seen the impact of the Foundation first-hand through partnerships with Chatham over the years where we've had the opportunity to support the Stride event, the Spirit Celebration, and the amazing EPIC campus. Excited to continue that partnership, but also excited to have an LPS kindergartner starting at Wilder Elementary in the fall!

What was the first concert you attended?

Haha -- White Snake (with a cousin who was a fan and my grandma, who was probably miserable!)

Who is in your family?

My husband (Josh), my 5yr old (Jackson), and my sweet boxer/pit (Lucy) -- also fortunate to have my mom (Bonnie) as a local grandma.

What local restaurant or business do you love?

Makizushico in Littleton

Who was your favorite teacher?

My 6th-grade math teacher would always come up with interesting and creative challenges for the kids who loved to apply math -- thank you Mr. Smith!

Scholarships Available for Educators Affected by Cancer

Has cancer impacted you or a loved one? The Nancy Intagliata Legacy Award offers $2,500 cash gifts to Colorado educators affected by cancer—personally or through a loved one. The award, created by local non-profit A Legacy for Nancy, honors longtime Colorado educator Nancy Intagliata, who believed in paying it forward before passing from ovarian cancer in 2016.

Applying is simple:

Complete a short application
Submit a personal statement on how cancer has impacted your life

Apply by March 1, 2025; recipients will be announced by May 15, 2025. Learn more and apply at www.alegacyfornancy.org.

Littleton Public Schools Foundation

5776 South Crocker Street

Littleton, CO 80120

303-347-3478