The District 51 Foundation awarded $10,000 in Professional Learning Grant Awards to train 48 School District 51 staff members.

Each year, the D51 Foundation uses proceeds from its White Iced Celebration and other fundraising efforts to fund specific needs in School District 51. Since 2018, the D51 Foundation has donated more than $180,000 to 638 D51 staff members for professional learning.

“The D51 Foundation believes that exceptional professional learning is essential to advancing the academic growth of every D51 student. It’s central to our mission,” said D51 Foundation Executive Director Angela Christensen. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we’re able to make these opportunities possible and continue investing in excellence across our schools.”

The latest recipients of professional learning grants are:

• Ellen Balzer, Independence Academy Charter School, $500, ArtSource Colorado Residency 2026.
• Julie Blevens, Fruita Monument High School, $1,190, 2026 CADA Convention (California Association of Directors of Activities).
• Kara Felton, Taylor Elementary, $400, Training with Grand Valley Behavior Services and Consulting.
• Katelyn Collins, BTK-Special Education Department, $210, Colorado Society of School Psychologist Conference.
• Kim Smith, Emerson Building-D51 Math Specialist, $1,000, Teaching 6-12 Mathematics: A Practical Framework to Engage Students Who Struggle.
• Kimberly Popick, Palisade High School, $2,574, IB Global Conference, Denver 2026.
• Mandy Beilman, Central High School, $1,590, 2026 CADA Convention (California Association of Directors of Activities).
• Mira Hurshman, Fruita Middle School, $479, CEC 2026 Convention & Expo; Council for Exceptional Children.
• Nina Incorvaia, Orchard Avenue, West Middle School, $379.22, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) & Education Training Bundle: Part 1 & 2.
• Ryan Crabtree, Fruita Monument High School, $325, Colorado Music Educators Association Clinic/Conference.
• Summer Jones, Emerson Building-D51 Science Specialist, $1,600, Professional Development Provider Institute.

For more information, visit www.d51foundation.org or call 970-254-5108 or 970-210-4120.