Tahlequah Public Schools (TPS) is fortunate to receive substantial support through a variety of grants and resources, helping to eliminate obstacles and drive meaningful results for students and teachers alike. These grants, which benefit both individual educators and the district as a whole, provide invaluable tools for enhancing the learning experience and achieving academic excellence.
This year, TPS received a generous $13,219.75 from the Tahlequah Community Fund. The Community Fund Foundation distributed grants of various amounts to seven educators within the district, helping them purchase items for their classrooms. The recipients of these grants include Heather Zimmer, Amber Pair, Alison Hunter, Candice Yochum, Candice Jefferson, and Delaney Wallace. Each educator used the funds to enhance their classroom resources, ensuring a more dynamic and enriching environment for their students.
In addition to this support, the Tahlequah Public Schools Foundation awarded $14,328.55 in grants to a number of district teachers. Lori Freymuth, Jasmin Smith, Rachael Hall, Stevie Leatherman, Marissa Pack, Cody Warren, and Josh Allen were the recipients of these grants, each benefiting from the financial assistance to enhance their educational offerings.
Beyond individual classroom grants, TPS is also fortunate to receive funding that benefits the district as a whole. One of the key initiatives this year is the Project Prevent Grant, a five-year grant provided by the Department of Education. This grant is focused on creating safer, more supportive school environments. Its objectives include reducing violent, aggressive, and disruptive behaviors in schools, increasing access to mental health services for students exposed to violence, improving school engagement, and providing specialized training for school staff in violence-related interventions. TPS looks forward to making significant strides toward these goals in the coming years.
Additionally, the STOP School Violence Grant is a three-year initiative that seeks to reduce and prevent violence within the district. By conducting threat assessments and offering evidence-based, trauma-informed training on violence prevention, this grant aims to maintain a safe, positive atmosphere where students can thrive. TPS is committed to working closely with area law enforcement to ensure that the school environment remains a secure space for learning.
Another transformative resource comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Innovative Approach to Literacy Grant. This five-year initiative aims to improve literacy instruction across the district by funding Reading Teachers at the middle and high school levels, literacy paraprofessionals for all grades, library assistants at elementary schools, and a Parent Engagement Specialist. The grant also supports professional development opportunities for teachers to ensure high-quality literacy instruction. A key feature of this grant is the distribution of books to students and families, providing each student with two books of their choice each year and partnering with healthcare providers to distribute books to families with children ages birth to 4 during well-child checkups.
Thanks to these programs, TPS is also able to offer professional development opportunities for teachers through initiatives like the MHAT Grant, Project Prevent, and the Innovative Literacy Grant. These efforts equip educators with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed and provide high-quality education to students.
These grants are just a few examples of the vital resources that help Tahlequah Public Schools fulfill its vision of Tigers ROAR: Removing Obstacles, Achieving Results. With the support of these generous grants, TPS is continuously working to improve the educational experience for all students, providing them with the resources, opportunities, and guidance they need to succeed.
Together, we can continue to foster a brighter future for the students of Tahlequah!
Submitted by Lacie Wilson, Federal & State Programs and Grants Director