Setpember 2023

The purpose of the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation is to raise, steward and distribute resources to enrich the education of students in the St. Joseph Public Schools District.

2023-24 TEACHER GRANT AWARDS

$267,662

SJPS Foundation teacher grants were awarded at the district's opening breakfast held August 23

CONGRATULATIONS!

VIEW THE COMPLETE LIST

OF GRANT RECIPIENTS,

AMOUNTS AND PHOTOS!

Dr. Jamie Culver wasted no time ordering supplies once her grant for Hands-On Exam Prep: Annotation Tools for the AP Literature Classroom was awarded. This $500 grant supplied AP Lit students at SJHS with tools to properly prepare for the rigorous AP Lit exam in May.

According to Culver, " Each school year, our AP Literature students study year-round to prepare for the AP Lit exam. On average, they write at least one literary analysis essay per week, after which they annotate their essay parts (thesis statements, topic sentences, evidence, and commentary) as well as writing skills (power verbs, parallel structures, etc.).

"We would like to send the Foundation a heartfelt thank you for the annotation tools! They received the tools today and used the materials to annotate a poem we studied this morning. Thank you! What you do is amazing and makes a difference in the lives of kids every day!"

~ Dr. Jamie Culver and 1st hour AP Literature class

STEINWAY DLB

PROJECT UPDATE

Fundraising is underway to replace the Steinway concert grand piano in the John and Dede Howard Auditorium at the SJHS Performing Arts Center. A new Steinway & Sons Model D will be ordered and delivered in time for the holiday concert at SJHS on December 18.

Inspired by the outpouring of love and desire by Dennis’ kids (former students) to commemorate his extraordinary life, the SJPS Foundation embarked on a mission to find an appropriate memorial project that would benefit the district, while making Dennis proud.

The cost of a Steinway D Concert Grand piano is upward of $200,000.

We're going for it!

A thorough assessment of the district's entire piano inventory revealed an average age of 56 years per instrument. Based on current gifts and anticipated commitments, the Foundation plans to purchase additional Steinway pianos and receive the elite Steinway Select District designation. Including the Model D, the project could be completed for $362,720 which includes trade-ins. A dedication concert will be held in 2024 to thank donors and celebrate this extraordinary project.

3 Ways to Give

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Visit our website and use the donate today button
Mail or drop off a check to:

SJPS Foundation

2580 S. Cleveland Avenue

St. Joseph, MI 49085

Steinway Select District

A Steinway Select District recognizes that high-quality pianos are necessary equipment for superior education, performance and experiences.

Dennis Bowen would be so pleased with this commitment to the highest standard of quality in musical education.

We would be most appreciative of your gift!

TAKE A PHOTO OF THIS FLYER AND SHOW IT TO YOUR SERVER

Dine in or Carry Out

Wednesday 10/4 from 4 - 9 pm

20% of your check supports academic grants for teachers and students.

NEW!

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

The SJHS Marching Bears Band and Varsity Cheerleaders will perform at 5:00 pm in field west of the Whirlpool Compass Fountain.

NOMINATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 1

The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation honors alumni who have excelled in their professions and/or made significant contributions to their community. The Distinguished Alumni Award will recognize exemplary St. Joseph High School graduates.

View our website to see previous honorees and criteria.

We Can Offer No Greater Gift to our Children than to dedicate ourselves to educational excellence.

Memorials

We offer our sincerest sympathies in your bereavement. Gifts to the SJPS Foundation in memory of loved ones are a fitting tribute, and will assist the Foundation in our mission to raise, steward and distribute resources to enrich the education of students in the St. Joseph Public Schools.

August Donors

**Cecilia Diaz

**Kris '89 & Sean '85 Ebbert

**Edgewater Resources

**Eli Lilly and Company Foundation

**John & Shawn Kim

Denise Kulesha

**Pat and Carol Moody

Brian Nealer

Kathleen Nisbet

**Kristopher & Kelley Rich

Susan Schweir

**Sue Stewart '81

**Thomas & Marie Yeager Family Foundation

**Donor names in bold indicate membership in the SJPS Foundation Superintendent Circle

SJPS Teacher and Staff Giving

Thank you teachers, administrators and staff for all you do for our students.

GO BEARS!

Kristina Allen

Bryan Arbut

Connie Bacolor

John Bacolor

Heather Bartz

Kristen Bawks

Lauri Berry

Greg Blomgren

Lauren Borre

Alaina Brady

Erica Brown

Kristin Burnette

Gandalf Church

Michelle Cohoon

Andrea Confer

Jenna Covert

Christine Crandle

Lara Crawford

Deborah Darr

Linda DeLapa

Megan Dongvillo

Colleen Elkins

Gary Etter

Kimberly Fordham

Brenda Graham

Kevin Guzzo

Joseph Haydon

Daniel Hernandez

Allie Hoskins

Jill Hubble

Jamie Huber

Jason Huber

Joyce Hunter

Cindy Igoe

Maria Kern

Lisa Knuth

Carolyn Kodis '13

Laura Kovnat

Jesseca Lafayette

Amber Lange

Stephanie Lear

Ann LeClear

Katie Mandarino

William McComber

Angela Mellott

Samantha Miller

Mary Ann Milletics

Kim Mishler

Nita Nicholie

Kara Nicholson

Tracy Olson

Amy Peterson

Sara Petrosius

Natalie Rank

Kathy Reck

Joe Rommel

Susan Schweir

Traci Smith

Sara Smothers

Tina Uzelac

Brianne VanHekken

Gail Wadel

Amanda Wallace '12

Dana Walsworth

Jeanna Younger

DONATE ONLINE

SJPS Foundation | 2580 S. Cleveland Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085 | 269-926-3252 | sjpsfoundation@sjschools.org | www.sjpsfoundation.org

The St Joseph Public Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation.

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