[Original size] May 2024 SJSD Foundation Newsletter

welcome to our

Newsletter

may 2024

In This Newsletter:

Apple Seed Grant Updates

Tribute To Teachers Highlight

Community Breakfast Update

A Quick Update:

As the school year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible achievements of our students and the unwavering dedication of our teachers and staff. This month, we celebrate not only the end of another academic year but also the boundless opportunities that await our graduates and continuing students.

In this issue, we are excited to highlight the success of SJSD Foundation initiatives that your support has made possible. Each day academic community continues to thrive thanks to your generosity.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to excellence in education. Here's to a promising finish to the school year and to the new beginnings that lie ahead.

Add to Your Calendar:

New Teacher Welcome Breakfast: August 9
First Day of School SJSD: August 21
Community Breakfast: September 20

Our Latest Project

annoucing the first annual SJSD Foundation Community breakfast

Join us for our first ever, and hopefully annual SJSD Foundation Community Breakfast. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 20th at MWSU Fulkerson Center.

Plan to hear from district leadership and take a moment to celebrate the achievements of students, teachers, and staff as we kick off our 2024-25 school year.

Door Open at 7:00 AM

7:00 – 7:30 AM Student Showcase

7:20 AM Breakfast Buffet Opens

7:45 AM Program Begins

See full details on our website at www.sjsdfoundation/communitybreakfast or contact the foundation.

Apple Seed & American Family Recipients

Congratulations to all of the deserving Apple Seed Grant winners! The St. Joseph School District Foundation awards the grants, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The Foundation is a local non-profit foundation that supports learning in the SJSD. Funding is provided entirely through community donations. The Apple Seed Grants are awarded to teachers and staff who have innovative ideas that would directly affect students. The grants give schools the opportunity to explore new ideas in the classroom. We would like to extend a big thank you once again this year to American Family Insurance, who provides a large amount of the funding, which has greatly increased the number and amount of funds awarded.

Abbey Grooms – VB-MAPP Aligned Task Boxes - Oak Grove Elementary
Anthony Dice - Pre-Industrial Revolution Presentation - Benton High School
Brent Corey – Robots in the Library – Lafayette High School

Ceshia Pfleiderer – Pendulum Pattern of Motion Experiment – Parkway Elementar
Christopher Michaels - The Real World, Teaching Life After Classrooms - Benton High School
Haylie Jones - Markerboard Table for Math – Bode Middle School
Jeffrey Campbell - Competitive Engagement Through Robots – Truman Middle School
Kali Maloney - Every Student Deserves a Voice – Oak Grove Elementary School
Miranda Ham - G.L.O.W. - Girls Leading Others Wisely – Hosea Elementary
Rebecca Jones - Impact of Brown vs. Board of Education – Hillyard Technical School
Samantha Davis - Bridging The Gap Between the Workforce & High School Seniors in our Community – Lafayette High School
Angela Chavez – Parents as Partners in Literacy and Language - Early Childhood

2024 Tribute To Teachers

The St. Joseph School District Foundation hosted the 18th annual Tribute To Teachers Celebration, on April 16, 2024, Missouri Western State University. This event celebrated the remarkable dedication and achievements of our district's educators and staff and helped raise vital funds for initiatives such as the Apple Seed Classroom Innovation Grants.

This year's celebration honored the recipients of the 2023-24 Apple Seed Grants and Ruby Kate Wells Field Trip Grants, acknowledging their creative approaches and commitment to providing unique learning opportunities to our students.. The event also highlighted the outstanding contributions of our district’s Innovator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Support Person of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.

Local businessman Tom Cobb will provided the Tribute for the evening highlighting his time as an St. Joseph School District alumnus. This event not only celebrated achievements but also fosters a deeper sense of community among our educators, staff, students, and supporters.

2025 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Barbara Spencer

Art

Spring Garden

Barbara Spencer, recipient of the 2025 Teacher of the Year award, embarked on a journey towards a career in art history at the University of Missouri in 2001, only to find herself redirected towards teaching after encountering inspiring mentors and experiences. Graduating with Majors Honors in Art Education from MWSU, Spencer's passionfor both art and teaching became evident early on.

Recognizing the profound impact teachers had on her own life, Spencer sought to emulate their influence by infusing creativity, compassion, and a nurturing environment into her classroom. Drawing from her personal experiences, she aimed to connect with her students on a deeper level, fostering a sense of worthiness and belonging among them.

Spencer's innovative approach to education included implementing meditation practices to help students manage stressand foster emotional resilience, resulting in tangible improvements in student well-being and academic performance. Her dedication to supporting students, coupled with her ongoing commitment to professional growth, reflects her unwavering passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. As she continues to evolve as an educator, Spencer remains deeply committed to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

2025 TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Thomas Corrington

Science

Robidoux

Thomas Corrington, influenced by his parents and high school teacher, pursued a teaching career after college. With degrees in Social Science Education and Educational Leadership, he fosters a culture of care and learning at Robidoux Middle School, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and respect while supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally.

Sydney Servais

4th Grade

Parkway

Sydney Servais‘s journey to becoming a fourth-grade teacher was inspired by her grandmother, a former teacher. Sydney's passion for education was solidified through college experiences and student teaching, where supportive mentors affirmed her path. Now, as a dedicated educator, Sydney prioritizes building relationships with her students and celebrating their academic achievements, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment.

2025 SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR

Miranda Ham

Counselor

Hosea

Miranda Ham, born and raised in St.Joseph, Missouri, began her journey in education at Webster Elementary School, eventually earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Western State College. With 18 years of teaching experience, primarily in third grade, Miranda transitioned to school counseling

in 2020, obtaining a Master's in School Counseling from Northwest Missouri State University. At Hosea Elementary School, she has excelled in fostering community relationships and improving school attendance.

Miranda Ham's dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, as she actively contributes to curriculum development teams and professional development initiatives within the St. Joseph School District. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to education, earning accolades such as the SJSD Finalist for Innovator of the Year in 2020.

Outside of her professional commitments, Miranda actively engages in community service, supporting organizations such as Children's HopeChest and volunteering for local initiatives like St. Joseph Youth Hockey Association and Feed My Hungry Children. Her life and career stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to education, community service, and positively impacting the lives of those around her.

2025 SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Lori Buhman

Nutrition Service

Field

As a nutrition services manager, Lori Buhman‘s top priority is to ensure every student receives a nutritious and enjoyable meal, overseeing the daily preparation and serving of breakfast and lunch. She manages kitchen operations, including ordering groceries, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with USDA and local health department guidelines to uphold the highest standards of food safety and quality.

Ann McClintick

Social Worker

Lafayette

Ann McClintick attended a private school in St. Joseph from K-8th grade and decided on a high school

within SJSD, where her passion for community service flourished. With a 23-year career in social work, focusing on medical and school settings, she transitioned to school social work after adopting her daughter in 2014. Joining Lafayette High School in 2016, she found her

calling, forming profound connections with students and

families.

2025 INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Walter Meierhoffer, Jr. Family

Jeff Campbell

PLTW

Truman

Under the guidance of Jeffrey Campbell, middle school students are immersed in robotics and engineering through Project Lead the Way. Campbell acquired VEX Robotics Competition equipment through an Apple Seed Grant. By investing in portable fields and interactive elements, Campbell has enchanced student engagement and fostered a conducive learning environment, showcasing his dedication to advancing STEM education across the district.

2024 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR