GESF Newsletter Fall 2025

It is a privilege to serve students and staff in USD 231. As we embark on the 2025-26 school year you can expect our Board of Directors to sustain their commitment to you. Please read all the exciting news about how your Foundation is supporting students, staff, and families. We enjoy partnering with the school district in a wide variety of ways, some of which you will read about in this newsletter. So, welcome back as we all embark on a great school year together.

There's nothing like receiving five hundred dollars in cash to start your teaching career in USD 231. For the third consecutive year, the Foundation provided this 'welcome to the family' gift. These excited staff members received their stipend during a New Teacher Academy luncheon. There are no stipulations on how this money is used. It's our way of saying we are glad you are part of the Gardner Edgerton schools community.

The Schools Foundation is a proud supporter of other back to school activities for staff. This included:

· Convocation prize baskets

· Back to school breakfast for all employees

· Administrator retreat meals

· Secretarial breakfast and tokens of appreciation

· New teacher gifts of appreciation

· Convocation t-shirts for BOE/DSC employees and Board of Education members

Cassie Medina replaces Candace Moorehouse as administrative assistant and bookkeeper for the Foundation. Candace was instrumental in the expansion of the Foundation in recent years. She stepped away to spend more time with her first grandbaby. Cassie will continue as lead secretary at WMS. She serves the Foundation in a part-time role in the evenings and weekends. Cassie is married and has three chldren in the district.

In other Foundation news, Board of Director officers were elected at the August meeting. President: Todd Adrian (Alverium Health); Vice-President: Cassie Wait Valentine (DLR Group); Treasurer: Julie Dean (MidAmerica Bank).

Have an innovative idea? Want to make an impact on student learning? Need some extra funds to support your classroom dream? Being awarded a Teaching & Learning (TAL) grant may be your answer. Click on the icon to complete the application (including guidelines and rubric) and potentially be awarded a grant for the 2025-26 school year. $20,000 is available. Application deadline is October 3, 2025.

• Christine Jacobs (GEHS Counseling Secretary) is managing all senior scholarship dispersements.
• The WE CARE Fund contributed nearly $10,000 last year helping students, staff, and families during a time of financial hardship.
• JOY Closet is a PLATINUM donor to the Foundation.
• Gardner Rotary Club is a PLATINUM donor to the Foundation.
• Former USD 231 teacher Mary Jane Gieringer was recognized through a memorial gift to the Foundation. A TAL grant will be created honor her legacy.
• Former USD 231 teacher Charles Barnett contributed to the Foundation (VALEDICTORIAN) with funds to be used for scholarships AND a middle school social studies TAL grant.
• For the third consecutive year the Foundation received the Gold Seal of Transparency.
• Main Street Credit Union becomes a new partner (SCHOLAR).
• First Student (VALEDICTORIAN) and Enterprise Rental (SALUATORIAN) increased their giving to the Foundation.

September 12-13 is Alumni Hall of Fame weekend. We celebrate four graduates who made a remarkable impact in their profession and/or community. Frank Cramer, Chuck Cramer, Tom Sebring and Kiesa Kay (Ascue) will be inducted. The All-Class Reunion is also part of the Saturday festivities. The event is free and open to the public.

Friday activities include a luncheon at the high school bistro, campus tour, and football half-time recognition.

Expand the icon to see all the details. Join us for the induction ceremony on Saturday the 13th at 9:00 AM. Daniela Leon (Class of 2012) will emcee the event. Daniela is a news reporter and anchor at KSHB 41.

The Foundation is blessed with individuals, alumni, retirees, businesses, and organizations who support our mission of supporting students and staff in USD 231. If you know of persons who would like to partner with us, please contact Tim Brady at bradyt@usd231.com. To learn more about giving levels click here. Scan the QR code to donate one time or monthly. No amount is too small. Every dollar makes a difference.

• Platinum - $10,000+
• Valedictorian - $5,000
• Salutatorian - $2,500
• Scholar - $1,000
• Honor Roll - $500