Blog - Great Falls Public Schools Foundation

A 100-Year Connection Leads To New Playground

BACK IN THE 1920s, the Ford Building in downtown Great Falls housed several business offices including those of dentist Dr. Roy Severance, attorney A.H. Gray and stockbroker David Adams Davidson. It’s unknown how well these men knew each other, but a century later their descendants came together in a project to benefit Great Falls kids.

“It’s like a full-circle,” said Doug Grey of the three families. “We assume our grandparents had at least social or professional relationships. Now two generations later we’ve joined together once again.” …

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$20,000 Donation Enhances Pool Locker Rooms

Blog / By foundationeditor

The Great Falls High School swimming pool locker rooms got a much-needed renovation this summer, while the pool was closed due to the pandemic. The upgrades were made possible by an anonymous donation of $20,000, which was matched by the school district. …

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How Scholarships Change Lives

Blog / By foundationeditor

Foundation Awards $336,615 in Scholarships in 2020

A few short years ago, Katie Beisecker saw no future for herself. Buffeted by depression and anxiety, the Great Falls teen lost hope and tried to end her life. But now her story is unfolding differently.

This fall Katie is headed to the University of Montana-Western in Dillon, along with a substantial scholarship made possible by the estate of a local family. Katie points to a caring school environment and the Jennifer Joy Astrin Memorial Scholarship as two factors in giving her a new path forward. …

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Recognizing Talented Teachers and Graduating Seniors

Blog / By foundationeditor

For nine years the GFPS Foundation’s Excellence in Education program has celebrated outstanding students and teachers.

The program recognizes top graduating seniors who meet the tough requirements to be Distinguished Scholars and Achievers. Each student selects two educators who most inspired them and had a positive impact on their education.

…

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Community Generosity Fills Food Pantries

Blog / By foundationeditor

This is what heart looks like: Coronavirus slams the door on Great Falls Public Schools, and the community immediately steps in to make sure children are fed.

When schools closed in mid-March, the GFPS District immediately set in motion plans to get breakfast and lunch to children who otherwise would eat at school. But it quickly became apparent the need was far greater. …

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Students and Teachers Recognized for Excellence

Blog / By foundationeditor

There’s never a quiet month at the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, and February is no different. This month we launched our Excellence in Education Awards, its notification time!

“I always say I have the best job in Great Falls, and this is certainly part of it,” said Dave Crum, the Foundation’s executive director. This month is when he notifies top students at C. M. Russell High School, Great Falls High School, and Paris Gibson Education Center that they’re being honored for their work. …

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Foundation Breaks the Mold with Special Music Grant

Blog / By foundationeditor

The cheerful strum of ukuleles is an unexpected treat as it drifts down the hallway at Paris Gibson Education Center.

The city’s alternative high school doesn’t offer a formal music program, but thanks to a grant from the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, dozens of students are getting a fun chance at music education. …

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Dear Donor,

Blog / By foundationeditor

“Our success depends on our donors,” is what we say when we are thanked by students and their parents, or by teachers, or by members of our community. As we approach our 10^th anniversary in 2020, the GFPS Foundation is so thankful for the broad community support we receive from our generous donors. …

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New Foundation Scholarship in Support of Native American Women

Blog / By foundationeditor

The Sisters United Initiative

Candice English has social conscious, deep creativity and strong business skills. She drew on them all to create the new Sisters United Scholarship.

Candice is the founder and owner of The Farmers Daughter Fibers, a Great Falls-based business that hand dyes lushly colored and textured yarns. She has a small retail shop, but most of her seven employees are busy dyeing and shipping fibers to retail and wholesale customers across the country.

She sees the business as not only a way to make a living, but also to make a difference. …

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GFPS Foundation Grant Brings Metzelaar to Great Falls

Blog / By foundationeditor

Don’t miss a rare opportunity to hear the inspiring story of a living Holocaust survivor Oct. 15 at the Mansfield Theater.

Brought to Great Falls by a grant from the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, Peter Metzelaar shares his dramatic story of living in hiding for nearly three years. The public presentation is at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $5 each. …

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