Dr. Barbie Firkus, Madison No. 1 Middle School, was one of more than a dozen educators who recently received a classroom grant as part of the Madison Education Foundation’s Fall Education Teacher’s Grant cycle (photo courtesy of Madison School District).
The Madison Education Foundation recently concluded its Fall Education Teacher’s Grant cycle, awarding a record-breaking $11,182 to support innovative classroom projects across the district. This marks the largest single grant cycle award total in the foundation’s history, the organization said.
The grants are awarded to Madison teachers to help bring new and exciting projects to their classrooms. This year, grant money was used for STEAM projects, dance rooms, art supplies, MakerSpaces and more.
Teachers at six Madison schools received the grants, including Scott Sefranka, Courtney Flowers, Hugo Estrada-Duran, Cynthia Bradley, Michael Vontsolos, Sara Wingard, Marlo Johnson and Kaylene Bauman at Madison Meadows Middle School; Leigh Seibert, Sheila O’Connor, Crystal Di’Pede and Regina Francis at Madison Traditional Academy; Nicole Belden, Hannah Roussin and Denyse Diehl, Deena Woods and Kimberly Grubler, Kelly Borrego and Abbe Stormer at Madison Simis Elementary School; Sara Daffe, and Julie Thibodeaux at Madison Park Middle School; the 3rd Grade Team and Jessie McKinley at Madison Camelview Elementary School; and Dr. Barbie Firkus at Madison No. 1 Middle School.
Residents who would like to support the organization’s future efforts are invited to attend the Denim and Diamonds Gala fundraiser, set for Saturday, April 25, 6-10 p.m., at the Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St. Guests will enjoy casino style games, cocktails, food, live music, silent auction and more. The goal of the evening is to raise $125,000 to enhance education throughout the Madison School District.
The Madison Education Foundation AZ, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is dedicated to enriching the educational experience of every student in Madison public schools by supporting innovative, hands-on learning opportunities in music and the arts.
Visit www.madisoneducationfoundation.org for additional information.
