YOUR generous support allowed the Rockford Education Foundation (REF) to provide enrichment activities such as robotics and fine arts, special education, and mental health programming, as well as basic resources for classroom teachers and students of all ages. We couldn’t have done that without YOU!

As a result of your support, despite a global pandemic, REF had a record-breaking year, welcomed an additional 100 donors, and deepened our support of Rockford schools, teachers, and kids.

But we must do more.

These are unique, unprecedented times. Covid-19 has reminded us just how important our schools and teachers are for the well-being of our entire community. We know that school is more than a place for students to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. We have seen that schools and caring staff provide kids with basic needs like food, a safe place to be during the day, and programs that support their social-emotional wellness.

So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank YOU. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our kids and our schools continue to have what they need to be successful and resilient no matter what new challenges may lie ahead.

A N N U A L R E P O R T

2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0

YOU…With help from

By exposing students to STEAM concepts, they are more likely to develop a passion for and pursue careers in the sciences which are increasing in demand in our 21st century economy.

23 GRANTS ▶ $23,879 AWARDED

30 Robots purchased

Finchbots Running Loose in the Creative Teaching and Learning Center Grant Recipient: Rick Laven, Rockford High School

Finchbots are used by teachers around the world to bring creative design and robotics fun into the classroom. Finchbots provide a hands-on coding/programming experience in the Creative Teaching and Learning Center and will pique and sustain interest in the field of computer science.

Reading is the most crucial academic skill because it is the foundation for all learning. No measure of academic success correlates with college readiness, college graduation rates, and life success more than literacy.

11 GRANTS ▶ $6,424 AWARDED

Over 1,000 Books purchased

Listen Up: Bringing Books to Life!!!Grant Recipient: Ali McDuffee, North Rockford Middle School

In addition to providing funds to purchase thousands of traditional books over the years, this year REF provided funding for audio books. Audio books can help meet literacy goals by bridging the gap in literacy struggles and building on fluency and comprehension of all students. While required reading may create anxiety for some students, audio books have been found to bring books to life for readers at all levels.

$207,801 2019-2020 INCOME

8000+ STUDENTS SERVED

400+ CURRENT DONORS

55 GRANTS AWARDED

10 STUDENT GRANTS AWARDED

BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS

36%INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

36%

INVESTMENTS

17%EVENT

REVENUE

11%

2019-20 FEATURED GRANTS

Literacy STEAM Education

The Rockford Education Foundation partners with our schools to provide funding for unmet classroom needs. When you give to REF, you are investing in the Rockford community and directly supporting

Rockford kids!

IMPACTB Y T H E N U M B E R S

FUNDING SOURCES

Immersing children in music and other fine arts activities stimulates parts of the brain associated with academic achievement, reading, math, and emotional development.

9 GRANTS ▶ $8,350 AWARDED

300 Choir students will benefit from sound system upgrade each year

Rockford Choirs Stand-Alone Sound System Upgrade Grant Recipient: Jed Scott, RHS Music/Theatre

The RHS Music and Theatre program was awarded a Digital Mixer and microphones to complete the existing sound system at RHS. This state-of-the-art sound system will be used for rehearsals and performances of ensembles at every level.

Academic excellence means striving to ensure every student is college or career ready.

2 GRANTS ▶ $26,000 AWARDED

30 Students will benefit each year from learning valuable hands-on skills

Life Skills that last a Lifetime Grant Recipient: Caleb Westveer, Valley View Elementary

This grant was used to purchase a variety of hand tools and building equipment to teach students how to swing a hammer, cut through wood, use a screwdriver properly. In addition to teaching 5th grade students how to use their hands to fix things around them, it provided students with new life skills and the opportunity to explore paths to trades and skills-based occupations.

Academic success depends on the health and well-being of both the body and the mind.

12 GRANTS ▶ $34,685 AWARDED

7 Sensory Spaces created – all grade levels

Take a Walk on the Calm SideGrant Recipient: Rachel DeKuiper, Cannonsburg Elementary

A sensory space gives kids an opportunity to take a break from the classroom environment to process feelings and work through whatever is getting in the way of their learning. Stepping stones, balance boards, hopscotch rings and building block walls create sensory pathways that offer students a designated space to move through developmentally appropriate sensory activities. Students learn how to self-regulate and then confidently return to the classroom, focused and ready to learn.

Social-Emotional Wellness and Healthy Living

Fine Arts

College and Career Readiness

2019-20 FEATURED GRANTS CONTINUED

COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTSEarly College Program (through June 2021)Developing Healthy Kids (through June 2020)

ASSUMPTION BVMAuthor Visit, studentGreen Screen for Daily News, student

BELMONT ELEMENTARYSensory Tools, Sarah StevensonClassroom Books – Partner Reading, student

CANNONSBURG ELEMENTARYCalming Sensory Pathway, Rachel DeKuiper

CRESTWOOD ELEMENTARYSmartboard, Jaclyn JacksonOrbiter for Science Unit, Tam LeFurge-McLeodRobotic Dog, studentMicrophone Ball, Nanette HersbergerSTEAM Supplies (w/ LKS), Laura Stanton

EAST AND NORTH ROCKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOLSGlucose Models for Biology, studentCello Straps, Allison HoldenOSMO Kits, Kelly RusnellStorage for STEAM, Rachel KibbeSocial Studies Tech Equipment, Sarah CavalliAudio Books/Play Device, Ali McDuffeeSensory Items, Heather SheahanSensory Materials, Clare DeVeau

LAKES ELEMENTARYSTEAM Supplies (w/ CRW), Laura StantonStepper and Exercise for Special Education, Sara Andrews

MEADOW RIDGE ELEMENTARYMicrophone Ball, Katie Riddering

OUR LADY OF CONSOLATIONRobotics, Jill Hemmes

PARKSIDE ELEMENTARYRug and Vacuum for Library, Celene WatkinsWeekly Yoga Lessons, Kristin Dunham

F U L L L I S T O F 2 0 1 9 -2 0 2 0 G R A N T S

ROGUEWOOD ELEMENTARY (TRADITIONAL & SPANISH IMMERSION)STEM Toys, Amanda WeeksMath Manipulatives, Amanda WeeksNoise Cancelling Headphones, studentLoudspeaker, Matt VermeerSmartboard, Mark SchlaudtGames for Classroom, studentPublishing Field Guides for Nature Trail Visit, Eric Nephew

ROCKFORD FRESHMAN CENTER & HIGH SCHOOLSoundboard, Jed ScottShakespeare Workshop, Tom Van BragtWeather Station, studentSpanish Books, Kelly GardnerFinch Robots, Rick LavenJazz Clinic and Performance, Cullen McCarthyFashion Design Materials, studentJenga Games for Spanish Exercise, Kelly GardnerGallery Updates, Tech Ed, Art & Fashion Design instructorsInclusivity Books, Shelby DenhofCompetitive Game/Esports Launch, Maggie ThelenWoodworking Tools, Chad KochCounseling Office Improvements, student (Peer Listeners)

VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARYTools for Creative Building, Caleb WestveerPicture Books, Kristin HubnerMicrophone Ball, Mindy WatsonBooks, Meg TreiberMicrophone Ball, Kendra AustinBooks, Megan McCallHistorical Fiction Books, Joe LebiodaSTEAM Items, Caleb Westveer

ROCKFORD COMMUNITY GRANTSSeniors Unlimited, Rockford Community ServicesTable Top Drilling Machine, FIRST Robotics

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS – DISTRICT WIDEBooks for Gifted/Talented Program, Sonia Andrews, Rachel DeKuiper & Melissa Pischner-Stull

2 0 1 9 -2 0 2 0 D O N O R S

$25,000 Wolverine Worldwide Foundation

$5,000 to $9,999 GMB Architecture + EngineeringOwen-Ames-Kimball Co.Rockford Chapter Order of the Eastern Star

$2,500 - $4,999Matt and Kristy BeckerWilliam and Bobbi Jo BlantonBrad and Jennifer DavisFerris State UniversityIndependent BankMiddleville Tool & DieMill Steel CompanyKevin and Mary Kay ShaverDerek and Jennifer Steele

$1,000 - $2,499American Gas & OilByrneCannon Concrete ConstructionChoiceOne BankCommunications By DesignDouglas and Jeri DerksCharles and Sarah GinebaughJ. Kelly and Associates P.C.Peter and Christine MacgregorEric and Catherine MannorWilliam and Cheryl MartinMcCurdy ConcreteMeijerMerrill - Towner Lund GroupRyan and Andrea MontgomeryMossPlante Moran Wealth ManagementJoe and Leslie PootDuncan and Christina PurvisRE/MAX United - Tom and Tracie RichNick and Joan ReichenbachBrian and Tracey SchampNeal and Jill SilvermanJoel and Jennifer SkardaSure HospitalityKenneth and Lydia SyrbaBob and Mary Jo TideyJeff and Kelly TimmerJohn and Amy VancilWells Fargo BankGregg and Kristen WildesSteve Workman and Kim Schmidt

$500 - $999A&B Mechanical Contractors, Inc.Action ChemicalJeremy and Kelly AmsheyJim and Lisa AndersonBDOMichael and Sandy BergTroy and Lesa BergsmaCar Lovers LLCChow Hound Pet SuppliesDavid and Donita CoughlinCUNA Mutual Group FoundationMike and Kristine CuneoMichael and Sherryl DespresDr. Heather Cadorette DDSDurham and Mehling DDS PCRick and Jill EricksenEric and Kelly FischerStephen and Janet Gulis Jr.Hoekstra Transportation Inc.Gloria HosfordTom and Lauren HosfordChristopher and Nancy JeskoBeth and David JollyBrian and Dana KrausRandy and Colleen LauferskyJohn and Jacquelyn MelinMichael and Karen MiceleMilestones Child Development CenterMorris Builders, IncJon and Carol MuthChristopher and Lynda O’MalleyParkway Electric & Communications LLCRockford Realty - Amanda GerhardtDr. Michael ShiblerTitle Boxing Club Grand RapidsValleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for ChildrenWard’s Hair PlaceKorie Wilson-CrawfordJeffrey and Kirsten WeyermanBernie and Julie Zahm

$250 to $499George AndrewsAnonymousSteve and Laura BargwellRob and Laura BondyAndrew and Lisa BuskirkCraig and Alison ClarkChris and Kim CruickshankGreg and Carol CrydermanTrent and Christine DeBrotDaniel and Karen DeRyke

Carl and Karen DufendachRobert and Nancy GilletteFloyd and Sharon HavemeierMichael and Jo Anne HoltonBrad and Tara HolwerdaEric and April KarasRobert and Kirstin KellnerBeth and Dave KraffAmy KruerJonathan LundJohn and Julie MerchunIan and Vivien PurvisTom and Tracie RichMark and Lisa RoachRockford Realty - Ashley HansenRockford Realty - Lu Anne BaarPaul and Sue SpindlerSteel 21 LLCSteel Craft TechnologiesDavid and Sheila TalsmaKevin and Sarah VanderWoudeBob and Sharon WellsThomas and Sarah Williams

up to $249Kristine AdamsMark and Patricia AdamsAmerican Legion Auxiliary Unit 102Walter and Mary Ann AndersenElyse AndersonNichole and Scott AndersonSonia and Bob AndrewsScott and Jessica AngebrandtRichard and Danielle AniszkoThom and Sue ArendsAmy AshbaughLisa AvramMelissa BaconTom and Judy BaerMelissa BainesCarole BakerJamie BakitaRichard and Sue BakitaChris and Kelly Bantle-MillerJim and Delphine BarkerJeff and Melissa BartonMatthew and Carlee BartonJeffrey and Michele BatesScott BeckmanThomas and Michelle BelangerLaurenda BennettRichard and Peggy BertaJeremy and Kimberly BossMark and Lynn Bowen

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

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Pete and Amanda BrandRichard and Sandra BrillCourtnie BrinkertKenneth BrownAdam and Melissa BurkholderLowell and Linda BurschAndrew and Lisa BuskirkAnnette CampbellAnthony and Laurie CandaGeorge and Jill CarrollJudd CarrollTimothy and Cynthia CaywoodMarlene ClarkCalvin and Carolynn ColeChad and Kristin ConlinKristi CookJerry and Debra CoonJohn CorriganAmy CroninGreg and Kathy CroweMatthew and Danielle CroweGreg and Carol CrydermanBrent and Sarah CummingsCameron and Amanda CurriePatrick and Nanci DaltonRenee DeFrangRyan and Rachel DeKuiperLaura DeVosBill and Susan DevriesLisa DeWittKris DeYoungPete and Cheryl DixJim and Sue DrogeBecky Annette DuBridgeMolly DuimstraMary EadieAnna and Zac EllerbroekTyler EmmonsJennifer EspinosaGreg and Kimberly EversJim and Gail FalcinelliMavoric and Kirsten FarmerSharon FarquharMichael and Erica FigardZeke and Amanda FinchKim FinkEric and Kelly FischerAmy FlachsJoseph and Margo FlickingerGary and Peggy FowleTodd FrazierBethany FuseeJennifer and Scott GallowayMarcus and Kelly GardnerSharayah GariepyJeffrey GartnerScott and Amanda GerhardtChris and Alison Gervat

Daniel GiedemanLauren GleghornRick and Chelle GoodMatthew and Laura GreeneDavid and Stacie GregoryMelissa GrekoJudy GrifhorstLindsey and Nick GrinwisJill GumbsKelly HagmeyerTodd and Tracy HayatakaJeffrey and Carol HazyKelly HendricksonHerremans OrthodonticsTony and Nanette HersbergerHeather HessCarrie HillCraig and Kelly HoffmanMichael and Wendy HoisingtonKristin HubnerKathryn HumphreysAndrew and Krista HurstJohn and Lori HyinkJaclyn JacksonTim and Lisa JacobsSteve and Susan JazwiecDon and Diane JohansenSheryl JohnsonJerry and Connie JollyKelly KadingCraig KapuscinskiDiane KarasiewiczJeremy KarelAaron and Jessica KarsiesRaymond and Jennifer KasulMichael and Amy KelleyRyan and Jody KelleyBarb KentPaul and Lorrie KerridgePatrick and Kim KinstleKnape IndustriesAllison KoleanKurt and Hillary KruseBeth KuzmaFrancis and Marion LambKristi LandisWarren and Mary LanphearAmy LaurentRick and Jennifer LavenTam LeFurge-McLeodJoseph and Holly LewakowskiRebecca LewisAlex and Sara LloydDavid and Kimberly LundJennifer LutzTroy and Robin MacQueenJoe and Janis MagnanTom and Natalie MajRichard and Vicky Manning

Clifford and Linda MartinNancy MartinBernard and Lori MarvinAmanda MassarRaymond and Megan McCallJoe McCambridgeGina McFaddenPat and Debby McGeeDan and Krista McLeanCraig and Nancy McPheeMary McRellDavid and Sandra MellemaRobert and Elaine MeredithTim and Michele MergenerBrooke MeyerJon and Mindy MinerBruce and Janice MinterRichard and Roslyn MoeEmily MolestaJames and Patricia MollemaMichael and Amy MorganZakiah MorganEmily NapieralskiJeff and Katie NautaCheryl NawrotDenise NesterAnthony NicoletteMichael NitschkeDavid and Lisa NorcuttRay and Holly NormingtonDonald and Amy O’KeefeONEHOPEShari OsborneScott and Kris PankratzGary and Kristin ParkerJennifer PattenRobert and Kristen PekrulKristi PelcJennifer PerryGordon and Sandra PetersonJerry and Jan PetersonNicole Peterson and Martin TichyJohn and Christine PhillipsMona PhillipsHeather PlainStan and Cindy PolczakBrittany PonceAmira PonneAmy PotterJim and Amy RainsRam CafeMike and Tanya RammLeslie Ranney-BrouwersTom RaskaBruce and Tamara ReaumeRuth ReickardFred and Mary ReuschDan and Nancy RichterJayme Rietman

up to $249 continued

2 0 1 9 -2 0 2 0 D O N O R S

Matt and Jamie RileyRichard RinzlerJulie RoachRockford Area Chamber of CommerceReed and Lori RollinsFred RoodvoetsTroy and Kelli RosePatricia RosengrenKen and Patricia RosenstangelMatthew RossmillerScott RussomannoMelissa Sagorski-HallAllison SandersScott and Lori SandersMichelle SandmanJoel and Katy SchefflerVincent and Holly SchefflerBob and Joan SchlenkerMelissa SchmidtAdriane and Bret SchraubenBrenda SchroederRob and Lisa SchroederAndrew and Hollie SchuellerJosh and Renee SchuellerPhilip and Laura SchultzTerri SernauJustin SessinkAmy SharpSamuel and Kristi ShefferMeghan ShumateKelly Jo SlagelCrystal SlaterNolan SmithOnalee SmithWilliam and Pamela SmythJames and Stamatia SperoSteve SpiekerMichael and Patti StaleyTiffany StuartPamela StuckeyBradley TaylorBradley and Janet TetlowBrian and Maggie ThelenBeverly and Randy ThielMark and Karrie ThomasonBridget TietemaBob and Andrea TooleElizabeth TriesenbergSusan and Shane TrotterSteven and Karen TrudellElsie Ulven

Stacy and Danielle ValladMike and Kim Van DorpRobinn Van FleetRenee Vande WegeRick and Pam VandeKerkhoffAmanda VandeKoppleAndrea VanderHaarGeorge and Linda VanderhydeRhonda VandrunenKevin and Linda VanKoeveringRob and Sarah VellaJeremy and Betsy VerwysLisa WalshMaria WardWilliam WatkinsChristopher and Angela WeaverAmanda WeeksBrad and Lissa WeidenfellerErin and John WengerMichael WernerTy and Kathy WessellLarry and Elizabeth WilleyMatthew WilliamsGeorge WilsonRich WilsonSusan WitteKris WolpertHayes and Marci WyngardenJason and Jenny WypychSarah YoungbergDan and Sara ZangMichael and Anna ZevalkinkBrian and Cindy ZimmermanMatthew Zokoe

IN KIND DONORSBarracks 616Blue Water GrillBlythefield Country ClubBorder FoodsBostwick BakeryBoulder Creek Golf Co, LLCAdam and Melissa BurkholderTasha BurnsCannonsburg VillageCDWCedar Springs Brewing CompanyDickey’s Barbecue Pit of Rockford & JenisonFitness TogetherFlo’s CollectionFowling WarehouseGordon Food ServiceSheila GunnesonAddie GuzmanHerman’s BoyJohn Ball ZooKent County Conservation LeagueMichael and Brooke MedveckyPhoto EvoPolly’s PassionsPump House RockfordRamona’s TableRockford Brewing CompanyThe Corner BarThe Ginger Chef LLCThe ScoreTitle Boxing Club Grand RapidsUccello’s RistoranteVarnum LLPMichelle Wise

up to $249 continued