The District 51 Foundation awarded Student and Staff Wellness grants to 13 School District 51 staff members, totaling more than $10,500.

Each year, the D51 Foundation uses proceeds from its White Iced Celebration and other fundraising efforts to fund specific needs in School District 51. This year, fundraising dollars will be used to purchase technology and innovation products: for students; to support professional learning for D51 staff; and to provide resources for student and staff wellness.

Robyn Carmine, who teaches second grade at Chatfield Elementary School, received grant funding to help provide a regulation station in her classroom. Some of the items purchased include: flexible seating; sensory tools such as fidgets; weighted lap pads; and a sensory activity board..

“The items for my calming corner will provide my students with a quiet, supportive space to regulate their emotions and calm their bodies. I truly appreciate your support in helping create a more positive and peaceful learning environment,” Carmine said.

Orchard Avenue Elementary Assistant Principal Tanya Nees will receive funds she requested to install raised beds in their garden that will increase their overall growing capacity.

“Installing raised beds will give our students meaningful, hands-on opportunities to learn, grow and connect with their food and the natural world,” Nees said. “We are deeply grateful to the D51 Foundation for investing in experiences that enrich both education and student well-being.”

D51 Foundation Assistant Executive Director Andreya Krieves said D51 Foundation recognizes the vital role well-being plays in the academic growth and success of students.

“This work is made possible by the generosity of our donors and community supporters,” Krieves said. “While requests exceed our current funding capacity, we’re thankful for the opportunity to invest in these impactful and deserving initiatives.”

The Student and Staff Wellness Grant recipient’s name, school, grant amount and usage for the grant are as follows:

• Amie Schraeder, Wingate Elementary, $500, Wingate Playground Project.
• Bil Pfaffendorf, Pomona STEAM Lab, $500, Pomona’s Well Being Grant.
• Britni Westbrook, Broadway Elementary, $500, Play It Forward at Broadway Elementary: Track.
• Crista Zahniser, Rocky Mountain Preschool, $160, classroom-calming kit.
• Diane Gentry, Central High School, $737.13, Healthy Eating, Life & Social Skills Unit.
• Jeff Hansen, West Middle School, $350, NitroBall Unit.
• Jeffrey Lamble, Bookcliff Middle School, $2,876, Outride Ride for Focus Bike Program.
• Jennifer Richter, West Middle School, $443.76, PE equipment: BOSU balls/jump ropes/kettlebells.
• Megan Winkelblech, Chatfield Elementary, $530, outdoor play and balance tools: sandbox tools.
• Michael Lans, special education at multiple schools, $2,109, Adaptive Learning PE equipment for lifetime activities.
• Robyn Carmine, Chatfield Elementary, $500, regulation station and student classroom support.
• Sandi Abele, Wingate and Broadway elementary schools, $299, Interoception Starter Bundle for Occupational Therapy Training.
• Tanya Nees, Orchard Avenue Elementary, $1,319.65, OAE Garden Project.

For more information, go online to www.d51foundation.org or call 970-254-5108.