Melanie Lucks
Students Gaining Confidence with Math & Reading Assistance
Mallory Lantzer has been a Math Interventionist at Westridge Elementary for nine years. She also is the co-chair of her Student Assistance Team, and leads PAWS (People At Westridge Succeed), an after-school Math Assistance Program funded by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation.
According to Lantzer, one of the biggest challenges that teachers face in the classroom is feeling like they don’t have enough time to effectively meet the needs of every individual student. “PAWS helps us spend more time with the students that need our support the most,” she said.
Kindergarten through fifth grade students that attend PAWS spend an extra 30 minutes after school three days a week in small groups reviewing grade level content, practicing skills that are challenging for them, and gaining confidence in their math abilities. PAWS provided additional support to more than 60 students last year alone.
“Some people might think that students wouldn’t want to stay after school to practice math, but for most kids, quite the opposite is true,” said Lantzer.
“Our students love the opportunity to work in a small group with their teachers and peers. They enjoy the more individualized attention from their teachers, and they are willing to ask questions, and share their thinking out loud. Something that most of them aren’t confident enough to do in a whole-class setting.”
Lantzer said that the increase in confidence that she sees in her students after they attend PAWS is what makes the program so rewarding. “Our data shows that attending our after school math program has a huge impact on our students’ level of achievement in the classroom on a daily basis, as well as on District and state assessments,” she said.
PAWS is just one of many math and reading assistance groups that are funded by the Foundation. In the 2021-2022 school year, over 400 elementary students in the Elkhorn Public Schools District needed additional instruction in math and reading. Our annual Bids For Kids event is the main fundraiser for our Math & Reading Assistance Program. This year, the event raised $74,000, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, attendees, and auction participants.
If you are interested in making a contribution to our Math & Reading Assistance Program, please visit our online donation form or contact the Foundation office at (402) 289.1727.
Our elementary schools are always looking for additional staff to lead Math & Reading Assistance groups before or after school as the need for them continues to increase. If you are an Elkhorn Public Schools staff member and are interested in leading a group, please contact your building principal.
Making a Difference with Classroom Grants
Michaela Koenig is a Resource Teacher at Sagewood Elementary. She has been a teacher in the Elkhorn Public Schools District for eight years, providing special education services for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She also is a “Battle of the Books” sponsor for fourth and fifth graders, and a 2022-2023 Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) Classroom Grant recipient.
The Community Field Trip & Books Classroom Grant for Sagewood Elementary allows her language group students to learn about their community and develop new communication skills using their voice or communication devices.
“Our students are able to use the books they read to learn about different places in our community,” said Koenig. “As they read the books, they learn valuable early literacy skills such as turning pages and using their fingers to track words as we read.”
In October, the students were able to apply their newly acquired communication skills and knowledge about their community at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. The students practiced labeling and describing animals while observing their actions at each animal exhibit that they toured. The students also utilized the opportunity to engage in conversations with each other about the animals and their habitats.
Later this year, Koenig’s students will have the opportunity to follow a grocery list to purchase items for a recipe. They will also visit Sam and Louie’s in the spring to order or make a slice of pizza while practicing their social skills using their voices or communication devices while out and about in the community.
“This grant provides valuable opportunities for my students to use their language skills in different environments,” said Koenig.
“We practice language at school, but so much of what we practice applies to places outside of school. This grant allows our students to use what they are learning at school and apply it in different, exciting places.”
In the future, Koenig said that she would love to continue the Community Field Trips and Books Classroom Grant for her language groups. There are also some additional programs that she would like to consider purchasing that would be beneficial to building language and literacy skills.
Koenig’s grant is just one of 63 EPSF Classroom Grants totaling $157,000 that were awarded to all 20 Elkhorn Public Schools during the 2022-2023 school year. Our annual Golf Fore Grants event is the main fundraiser for our Classroom Grants program. This year, the event raised over $56,000, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and participants.
If you are interested in making a contribution to our Classroom Grants program, please visit our online donation form or contact the Foundation office at (402) 289.1727.
Elkhorn Family Honors Son by Establishing the Sam Osborn Memorial Scholarship
Next April, a graduating senior from an Elkhorn public high school will be awarded “The Sam Osborn Memorial Scholarship” for the first time. This opportunity was made possible by the Osborns, an Elkhorn family who lost their son to muscular dystrophy earlier this year. Sam would have graduated from Elkhorn South High School in 2023.
Sam Osborn was the youngest of four tremendously close siblings. At six months old, his journey to a diagnosis of congenital muscular dystrophy began.
“The progressive disease debilitates the body, yet leaves the mind intact,” said the Osborn family. “As the disease affected him physically, Sam never let the condition limit his spirit or capacity for kindness. As his body grew more fragile, Sam became a greater source of strength and positivity that brightened the lives of those around him.”
Brilliant, yet never too serious, Sam used his remarkable intellect to bring warmth, humor, and happiness to all. He was expected to live to age eight. He passed away at age 17, having just finished a spectacular academic year as a junior in the 2021/2022 school year. Sam scored a 34 on his ACT exam, which surpassed his brother’s and sister’s score (a fact he would be glad to share).
“Sam illuminated a more fulfilling way to approach life,” said the Osborn Family.
Facing tremendous challenges, he chose to push beyond them. He never resented his disease and instead focused on the opportunities brought to him by being differently abled. With the help of friends and family, Sam enjoyed a lifetimes’ worth of experiences — he was blessed to have many friends who helped him be as independent as possible both inside and outside of school.
The Sam Osborn Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Elkhorn Public Schools senior who has confronted their own disabilities to achieve academic success, and/or a student who has helped another gain independence from their disabilities.
This scholarship is just one of over 200 community-funded scholarships that will be awarded to EPS graduating seniors this spring. The Foundation works with Elkhorn families and local businesses to award over $500,000 in scholarships every year. Applications for all EPSF scholarships are open from December 1st to February 1st, annually.
If you would like more information on establishing a scholarship or making a donation to an existing scholarship, please visit our Scholarship Program page.
Hall Of Fame 2022
On November 3rd, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation EPSF held its annual Hall of Fame Banquet & Awards Ceremony at the EPSF Alumni Center.
Every fall, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation honors Elkhorn teachers, staff, alumni, volunteers, and community businesses that have significantly impacted the Elkhorn Public Schools community and its students at its Hall of Fame Reception.
Nearly 200 members of the Elkhorn community attended the event to honor nine Hall of Fame Recipients.
“We have many educators within the Elkhorn Public Schools District who go ‘above and beyond’ every day,” said Stacey L. Falk, Executive Director of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. “It is the dedication of our teachers, volunteers, and community that sets us apart from other school districts. Your support truly exemplifies why Elkhorn Public Schools and our community are among the best in the state!”
2022 Hall of Fame Recipients
Mary Jo Giesselmann
Julie Sorensen
Ed Pullen
Jenny Haase
Angie Knutson
Jon Driscoll
2022 Hall of Fame Award Recipients
| Carl L. White Educator of the Year | Melissa Simons, Elkhorn South High School |
| Golden Apple Educator of the Year | Ashley Staton, Sagewood Elementary |
| Support Staff Member of the Year | Mary Jo Giesselmann, ENRMS |
| Former Educator of the Year | Julie Sorensen |
| Alumnus of the Year | Jon Driscoll |
| Teammates Mentor of the Year | Ed Pullen |
| Community Booster of the Year | James Manske, Elkhorn Lawn Care |
| Volunteers of the Year | Jenny Haase & Angie Knutson |
Thank you to our 2022 Hall of Fame Patrons!
Dr. Nancy Rogic-Greufe & Mr. Jim Greufe
Additional Information on Bids For Kids 2022 Winspire Trips
Please see the attached .pdfs for more information regarding the Winspire Trips that are featured in our 2022 Bids For Kids Auction:
#101 California Wine Getaway
#102 Bourbon Tour
#103 Kennedy Space Center
#104 Oregon Wine Country
https://www.elkhornfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/104-OR-WINE-COUNTRY.pdf
#105 Sports Fan Getaway
Bids For Kids 2022
An Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Fundraiser
Mark your calendars!
Join us at the Elkhorn Alumni Center on Thursday, October 6th for Bids For Kids 2022!
✨ Date: Thursday, October 6th, 2022
6:30 to 8:30pm. Doors open at 6pm.
*Online Bidding will open September 28th at 10am and close on October 6th at 8:30pm.
✨ Location: The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation & Alumni Center | 20272 Veterans Drive Elkhorn, NE 68022.
✨ About Bids For Kids: Bids For Kids is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. Proceeds of this event fund the Math & Reading Clubs that take place in Elkhorn’s elementary schools before and after school. Formally known as “Math and Reading Intervention,” these clubs help students gain confidence through small group tutoring and improve their overall math and reading comprehension.
In the 2021-2022 school year, over 400 elementary students needed additional instruction in math and reading. Because of the generous support of our Bids For Kids sponsors, donors, and bidders, we’re able to continue to fund these assistance programs as the need for them increases.
Table Reservations
Table of 6 – $450 (20 Available)
Table of 8 – $600 (4 Available)
Community Tables – $75/Guest (12 Available)
2022 Bids For Kids Sponsorship & Donation Opportunities
Donations:
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to help fund the Foundation’s Math and Reading assistance programs, please contact Susan Lumsden at (402) 289.1727 or slumsden@elkhornfoundation.org.
We are gratefully accepting:
✨ Auction items, gift cards, and baskets
✨ Monetary donations
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Bids For Kids sponsorships come with many great perks including brand exposure across the event in addition to our website, auction site, social media channels, and email communications.
Sponsorships & Table Reservations can be purchased through our Qtego event site. Please call the Foundation office at (402) 289.1727 if you have questions regarding registration.
Thank you for supporting Elkhorn Public Schools students and teachers. We appreciate your generosity and hope to see you this fall!
Download 2022 Sponsorship Opportunities PDF
Presenting Sponsor
$3,000 (1 Available)
● 1 TABLE RESERVATION FOR UP TO 8 GUESTS.
● Backdrop with your logo displayed on the main stage. (Visibility for the entire event!)
● 15 to 30-second commercial spot during the event.
● Recognition by the host during the program or opportunity to address participants either in-person or through a pre-recorded video.
● Retractable banner featuring your logo displayed at event.
● Sponsored email blast (Reach up to 4,500+ contacts).
● Special shout-out on our Facebook page (Reaching up to 2,400+ followers).
● Primary placement of your logo (and link to your site) on our website and auction site.
● Logo on the cover of the event program.
● Logo in our annual newsletter sent to Elkhorn Public Schools community and posted online.
Media Sponsor
$1,500 (2 Available)
● Logo displayed on 9 x 5 ft. projector for the majority of the event.
● Brand exposure leading up to the event through our paid promotional videos.
● Recognition by the host during the event.
● Thank you gift delivered to your business. (Includes wine, grazing board, and dessert).
● Special thank you in our email blasts (Reaching up to 4,500+ contacts).
● Special shout-out on our Facebook page (Reaching up to 2,400+ followers).
● Logo (and link to your site) on our website and auction site.
● Logo in event program.
● Logo in our annual newsletter sent to Elkhorn Public Schools community and posted online.
*IN-PERSON TABLE RESERVATION NOT INCLUDED.
Raffle Sponsor
$1,000 (1 Available)
● Sponsorship sign with your logo placed at the check-in table where attendees will purchase raffle tickets.
● Recognition by the host during the event.
● Opportunity to add your own customized item or literature to the raffle prize basket.
● Thank you gift delivered to your business. (Includes wine, grazing board, and dessert).
● Special thank you in our email blasts (Reaching up to 4,500+ contacts).
● Special shout-out on our Facebook page (Reaching up to 2,400+ followers).
● Logo (and link to your site) on our website and auction site.
● Logo in event program.
● Logo in our annual newsletter sent to Elkhorn Public Schools community and posted online.
*IN-PERSON TABLE RESERVATION NOT INCLUDED.
Party Sponsor
$500 (5 Available)
● Your logo & QR code linked to your website on all tables.
● Retractable banner featuring your logo displayed at the event.
● Thank you gift delivered to your business.
● Shout-out on our Facebook page (Reaching up to 2,400+ followers).
● Logo (and link to your site) on our website and auction site.
● Logo in event program.
● Logo in our annual newsletter sent to Elkhorn Public Schools community and posted online.
*IN-PERSON TABLE RESERVATION NOT INCLUDED.
Photography Sponsor
$300 (1 Available)
● Your logo in the corner of all pictures produced at the event.
● Thank you gift delivered to your business.
● Shout-out on our Facebook page (Reaching up to 2,400+ followers).
● Logo (and link to your site) on our website and auction site.
● Logo in event program.
● Logo in our annual newsletter sent to Elkhorn Public Schools community and posted online.
*IN-PERSON TABLE RESERVATION NOT INCLUDED.
Friend of the Foundation
$250 (Unlimited)
● Business name or family name in event program.
● Business name or family name on our website.
● Shout out on our Facebook page.
● Business name or family name in our annual newsletter sent to Elkhorn Public Schools community and posted online.
*IN-PERSON TABLE RESERVATION NOT INCLUDED.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS!
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes student achievement and the unity of our community and its public schools by encouraging, supporting, and recognizing excellence in innovative education, quality school programs, and civic involvement. We offer scholarships, classroom grants, before & after school care, teacher tuition reimbursement, and more.
Golf Fore Grants 2022
Congratulations to our 2022 Golf Fore Grants Winners!
On June 6, 2022, over 200 participants, volunteers, and sponsors gathered for a day of golf, games, and fun at Champions Run Golf Course for our 23rd annual Golf Fore Grants Tournament. This year’s event was our most successful Golf Fore Grants fundraiser yet, raising over $55K for Elkhorn Public Schools’ classrooms!
“As we celebrate Golf Fore Grants’ 23rd year, we are grateful and humbled by the continued sponsorships, golf participants, course volunteers, and overall community collaboration of this successful annual event.” said Stacey Falk, EPSF Executive Director.
This year’s Golf Fore Grants event featured a four-person 18-hole afternoon scramble which began with a noon shotgun start. Members of Elkhorn South High School Cheer, Elkhorn North Band, Elkhorn Kids Campus Employees, and Foundation Friends teamed up to assist with golf games all along the course which included opportunities to win a variety of prizes including a lease on a 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. For the first time in EPSF Golf Fore Grants history, a tournament golfer shot a hole-in-one and won the lease on the 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio! This is also the only “win a car” hole-in-one that has been recorded at Champions Run!
The tournament team champions were DA Davidson’s Paul Grieger, Al Herink, Cody Wickham, and Jeff Roh with a winning score of 57. Jukes Ale Works’ foursome were the winners of this year’s putting green contest and the best Golf Poker hand went to Wyatt Behlen.
The full list of this year’s winners can be found here.
See more pictures from our event on our Facebook page.
Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Classroom Grants Program
Proceeds of Golf Fore Grants help fund our Classroom Grants Program. In the 2022-2023 school year, the Foundation will be funding 63 Classroom Grants totaling $157,000 that will benefit classrooms across all 20 Elkhorn Public Schools, impacting thousands of students.
Most recent classroom grant requests include: literacy assistance kits, eBooks, community field trips, anti-bullying presentations, career readiness public speakers, play productions, Vivi presentation systems, robotics equipment, and more. Please visit www.elkhornfoundation.org/classroom-grants to see a full list of classroom grant requests.
If you are interested in making a contribution to our Classroom Grant program, please click the link below or call the Foundation at (402) 289.1727 to discuss your gift. Thank you for your support!
The Foundation would also like to thank our 2022 Golf Fore Grants participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. The success of this year’s event would not have been possible without the support of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation community.
2022 Golf Fore Grants Sponsors
2022 Scholarship Recognition Ceremonies
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn High School, Elkhorn South High School, and Elkhorn North High School scholarship recipients at our annual Scholarship Recognition Ceremonies on April 26th, 27th, & 28th, 2022.
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, Elkhorn High School staff, Elkhorn South High School staff, Elkhorn North High School staff, the scholarship selection committees, and our scholarship donors are proud to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients for their many successes. Congratulations to each of you. We are proud of your hard work and wish you the best as you embark on your next exciting adventure. Your commitment and dedication is an example to us all.
Click here to see a full list of EHS Scholarship Recipients and pictures from the ceremony.
Click here to see a full list of ESHS Scholarship Recipients and pictures from the ceremony.
Click here to see a full list of ENHS Scholarship Recipients and pictures from the ceremony.
Community-Funded Scholarships
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation currently administers 106 unique scholarship funds on the behalf of Elkhorn families, businesses, and organizations. This year, the Foundation is awarding 175 community-funded scholarships worth $258,550 to Elkhorn Public Schools’ seniors! We are extremely grateful for our scholarship donors, our scholarship representatives, and our 80+ volunteer selection committees who partner with the Foundation to provide these great scholarship opportunities for our Elkhorn students!
Super-Charge ENHS Scholarship Incentive Program
The Super-Charge ENHS Scholarship Incentive Program encourages the creation of new scholarship funds by non-school-related donors. To be eligible, the newly created scholarship fund must be dedicated to awarding an annual scholarship to an Elkhorn North High School student. These “Super-Charge Funds” are in addition to the Foundation’s existing matching funds program and will be available until the pool of funds is depleted.
If you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship for Elkhorn North High School students, please contact Genice Chochon at gchochon@elkhornfoundation.org. (Paperwork to establish new scholarships must be finalized by October 1st in order to be offered to seniors graduating the following May).
EPSF ACHIEVE Scholarship Program
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) funds the ACHIEVE Scholarship Program. Students who challenge themselves by taking 4 or more AP classes and are actively involved in their school and community are eligible for an ACHIEVE Scholarship. ACHIEVE Scholarship recipients will wear a special honor cord during their graduation ceremony in May. This year, the Foundation is awarding 225 ACHIEVE Scholarships worth $238,500 to Elkhorn Public Schools’ seniors!
A big thank you to our 2022 Scholarship Recognition Ceremonies
Event Sponsor, Bland & Associates!
#GivingTuesday 2021
Please consider making a donation to our year-end campaign on November 30th, #GivingTuesday! It is with your crucial support that we are able to fund Classroom Grants, Scholarships, Math & Reading Assistance, Teacher Tuition Reimbursement, and more. Please read about our main programs below:
Classroom Grants
We enrich Elkhorn Public School education by providing multiple Classroom Grants to all 19 schools in the District, impacting Elkhorn students at every grade level
Scholarship Program
We administer scholarships on behalf of community businesses, families, and organizations. Together, our scholarship program has benefited thousands of graduating Elkhorn seniors.
“It truly means the world to me to have you believe in me and have invested in my future. Thank you so much.” -Kyler Beekman, 2020 Elkhorn High School Graduate & EPSF Scholarship Recipient
Kids in Need
We provide financial assistance to Elkhorn families in need, ensuring financial hardships do not stand in the way of our students’ physical, social, and emotional needs or their ability to achieve success within our schools.
Before/After School Math & Reading Intervention
We fund the numerous hours that our Elkhorn teachers spend outside their school day assisting the hundreds of elementary school students who need extra assistance in math and reading comprehension. This includes after-school math & reading clubs.
“At first I didn’t think that my child would want to attend Math Club, but he LOVES it! I have seen such improvement in the work he is doing!” -Emily Penry
Teacher Tuition Reimbursement
We encourage our Elkhorn teachers and teacher assistants to prioritize their continued education by providing partial tuition reimbursement. The Foundation provides thousands of dollars in tuition reimbursement every year.
EPSF Raises Over $50K during 2021-2022 TEAM Campaign
Every year, the Foundation works with the Elkhorn Public Schools District to launch our TEAM Campaign.
The TEAM Campaign is our annual fundraiser where we ask Elkhorn Public Schools staff to support the Foundation by making a monthly pledge or one-time donation. By donating to our TEAM Campaign, they help us provide additional funding for Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation programs such as Classroom Grants, Math & Reading Assistance, Scholarships for graduating seniors, Teacher Tuition Reimbursement, our Kids in Need Fund, and more!
Congratulations to our TEAM Campaign Winners!
Elkhorn North High School, Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School, and Westridge Elementary School were the schools that had the highest average staff donations during our TEAM Campaign. In exchange for their support, the Foundation is providing their teachers and staff with quarterly treats for the rest of the 2021-2022 school year!
THANK YOU FOR “GETTING ON THE BUS” AND HELPING US SUPPORT OUR ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY!
