Grants

Lana Kesner | 4th Grade | Lewis and Clark Elementary
We're thrilled to put Sharon M. Draper's Out of My Mind in the hands of every student! This initiative will support reading and science education, while also fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) as students explore the inspiring story of overcoming challenges.

Kayl Soukup | Orchestra | Liberty Middle School
Middle school orchestra students will have the unique opportunity to learn from touring musician Diana Ladio, diving into improvisation, composition, and new musical styles while discovering career paths in the arts.

Kelley Owen | 3rd Grade | Manor Hill Elementary
Third graders will explore Missouri by tracking their steps and converting them into miles. As students "travel" from Liberty to destinations across the state, they'll learn about geography, landmarks, and local history along the way.

Janie Einerson | Ridgeview Elementary
Ridgeview’s K-2 classrooms will receive phonics manipulatives to enhance reading interventions. Paired with UFLI resources, these tools will help young learners build foundational literacy skills in a hands-on, engaging way.

Eric Rodriguez | Liberty North High School
With new equipment, students working at the Eagle Avenue Cafe will enjoy an even more authentic coffee shop experience, gaining valuable life skills and insights into what it takes to run a business.

EDGE Microschool
A Cricut machine and button maker will support our EDGE students in demonstrating learning in creative and authentic ways, from advocacy resources to student-managed displays that enrich school culture.

Laura Pixler | 2nd Grade | Alexander Doniphan
Memory necklaces will allow second graders to proudly display their learning achievements each month, keeping their educational journey alive and visible for family and friends.

Michelle Schwinger | Manor Hill
Manor Hill's 2nd World Cultures Day will bring global experiences to students! The day begins with presenters sharing stories from their cultures and countries, followed by an interactive performance by Dino O’Dell. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, connect, and celebrate diversity.

Sara Forsman (SVMS) & Heather Dale (HMS) | PEAK ELA
South Valley and Heritage Middle School students will step into the roles of President Truman and his cabinet at the White House Decision Center, exploring history through primary sources. They’ll learn how leaders make crucial decisions, gaining insights into historical moments and civic responsibility.

Crystal Rodriguez | 5th Grade | Kellybrook Elementary
History comes to life with the Westward Expansion project! Students will embark on field experiences, hands-on activities, and a visit to the Shoal Creek Living History Museum, making history more engaging and memorable. Students also had the opportunity to participate in the Community Fest at the North Kansas City YMCA to learn about community service projects, nurture civic responsibility, empathy, and collaboration as part of a year-long impact initiative

Bailey Griffin | 7th Grade ELA| Discovery Middle School
Students will develop their writing skills through analyzing mentor texts, creating original works, and publishing an anthology. Each Liberty school will receive a hardback copy, and selected young authors will attend a book signing event to celebrate their achievements.

5th Grade Team | Warren Hills Elementary
This project-based learning experience uses the novel A Rover's Story to explore space, human relationships, and music's role in culture. Students will answer big questions about what it means to be human while engaging in cross-curricular activities.

Alexandra Howerton & the 5th Grade Team | Shoal Creek Elementary
Students will embark on a cultural exploration through real-world experiences, including a visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum and a "Music Around the World" performance. The project aims to foster cultural understanding and celebrate diversity.

Hayley Wollard | Librarian | Ridgeview Elementary
Our libraries offer more than just books—they provide a calming space where students can reflect and recharge. This supportive environment helps students manage emotions and regain balance, ensuring they return to class ready to learn.

Alaina Malott & Bethany Balker |Studio 3 | EPiC Elementary
EPiC Elementary’s third graders will travel to Jefferson City, where they’ll engage in immersive learning about Missouri's history and government. Students will document their experiences with multimedia projects, sharing their newfound knowledge with the community.

Marcy Sheeley | Kindergarten | Lewis and Clark Elementary
We're building a sandbox at Lewis & Clark Elementary to encourage hands-on learning, social skills development, and creativity for our kindergarten students, making sensory play an integral part of their day.

Katy Liechti | Art |Lillian Schumacher
Our Let it Glow! project will illuminate student creativity as they create glow art throughout the year. With glow parties and a year-end gallery show, students will showcase their work in a glow gallery and collaborate on two large art installations, making for a memorable, vibrant celebration of art!

Sarah Heiman| 2nd Grade | Alexander Doniphan
Students at Alexander Doniphan will engage with Native American art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, observing traditional designs, shapes, and colors in functional art. Inspired by their observations, students will create original art that reflects these cultural design elements.

Abby Bart & Jordan Poskey | Alexander Doniphan
This project will support students by providing developmentally appropriate materials to foster cognitive, physical, and social skills. By creating a lending library, this initiative aims to help students build executive functioning skills and engage in meaningful, independent play and peer interactions.

We funded some incredible grants last school year, too! Learn about the grants we funded during the 2023-2024 school year here.